Album Review: Brandon Rhyder - That's Just Me

One of the most unique artists on the Texas Music scene, Brandon Rhyder showcases throughout That's Just Me why fans have grown to love the talented songwriter and distinctive vocalist. Read on to see our complete review of the new album here!

"Leave" showcases a more modern nearly alt-rock approach but as usual, it's framed around that fantastic voice Brandon Rhyder possesses, an emotive instrument that is rivaled by few male vocalists. The lonesome fiddles, haunting guitars and a classic harmony vocal from Andrea Whaley all add up to one of the best kiss-off break-up aftermath songs you're ever likely to hear (Gary Allan, you ready to cut this one yet?)

Written with Wade Bowen, "Pray The Night" has some of the strongest lyrics on any album that I've heard this year while the groovy "Undercover Lover" recalls classic Don Henley (the song was co-written with co-producer Matt Powell). As great as these songs are, Rhyder is at his best with a song that recalls the great Guy Clark lyrically as he sings of a family that may not have a lot in money but they make up for it in love in the ballad "Richest Poor People" (that the song also mentions Darrell Scott and Walt Wilkins doesn't hurt it either, in my book).  

"Let Him" is a faith-filled Waltz that could really do well on Southern Gospel radio stations if Brandon wanted to release the track he wrote with background vocalist Marcia Ramierz. It's also something I'd LOVE to see covered by Willie Nelson on an upcoming collection of new material. It's that kind of praise that I could bestow on nearly every song on That's Just Me, the kind of record that may not be mainstream country music or for everyone but it certainly sooths my soul and one of the year's best.

 

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