Raised in Texas and New Mexico, Frank Ray was inspired by country and ranchera music, which helped create his unique fusion sound. After ten years as a police officer and playing weekend gigs, he released his first EP, ‘Different Country’, before finding success on the Texas country charts and being featured on Spotify playlists. Since then, he’s opened for Ashley McBride, performed at the Grand Ole Opry — and is now releasing his self-titled debut full-length album.
The 15-track LP opens with Ray’s debut single ‘Streetlights’, which pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the record. It opens with shimmering strings segueing into a dynamic guitar melody, and Ray’s smooth vocals work well for the summery vibe and country and Latin sounds with the playful lyrics. I loved how singing in Spanish makes reference to things like the uniqueness and poppy feel of the song, as well as Patrón drinking from a plastic cup – not too long ago – and the horns add to the dominance. Feeling happy.
One thing that stood out to me over the course of the record was the sheer amount of detail Ray put into each song. Whether it’s references to cowgirl boots and snapbacks on the bluesy ‘Country Looks Good’ (one of Ray’s first chances to showcase his impressive vocal range), he describes a skirt as ‘breathtaking black satin’ on flashbacks. , the funky ‘Out On Me’ or ‘Back before My Time’ name checks rock influences, the album’s top number one song with references to Dolly, Willie, Waylon and Merle, the list helps a lot. Build on Ray’s influences and experiences and avoid the generic feel that many similar songs can have. A great example of this is ‘We Got ‘Em’, a nostalgic tribute to Southwest living that begins with Ray and ends with a rooster crowing, referencing the wagon wheels from Highway 10 and the nearby golden El Camino. Uncle Johnny’s is surrounded by people drinking the ‘good stuff’ while playing cornholes and gambling. It really creates a vivid picture of this lifestyle and you really feel like you are immersed in that world.
It also sounds like an album made to be played live. From songs like ‘Y’All Showed Up’ (which combines a guitar melody with rapid-fire lyrics), to recent single Earworm Chorus ‘Someone Else’s Whiskey’ – a clever take on a breakup song that sounds like Kenny, Chesney meets Morgan Wallen’s ‘Happy Hour’ and belts it out. It highlights Ray’s voice – and ‘Let It Drop’ with its call-and-response element has a great energy that lends itself to live performances. I can see these types of tracks going down well at Country Music Week, Indigo at C2C, or the Riverfront stage at CMA Fest and I’m sure they’ll win over many fans singing along on long summer drives. .
However, where Ray shines for me is often in the lower numbers. ‘Late’ showcases his storytelling skills in the style of ‘Don’t Take a Girl’ or ‘All American Girl’ and his love is full of warmth despite its lack of time management, but the smoothness, ‘Wasting Your Words’ features more vocal tricks and horn melodies with sharp guitars and Accompanied by drum rolls, it builds to an incredible level before dropping, and ‘Biggest Fan’ offers a gentle, beachy feel and an unusual love song as Ray praises God for his partner. Elsewhere, ‘Pretty Girl’ kicks things up a notch with a retro piano-led melody with a click track and Ray’s vocals bringing out the soulful quality. And an uptempo guitar delivery that counters the melody and features some amazing high notes! One notable exception is ‘Learn Something New’, an introspective, raw number that has an almost cinematic feel about it and is more detailed in its lyrics, referring to crackers on the kitchen hardwood floor and eating chili in a can after your lover. Leaves. I was impressed by the power of Ray’s voice on the vocals and the song’s understated sadness.
Ray closed the record with ‘Party with Strangers’. The song has an upbeat, doo-wop feel (and even more of those trademark horns!), with a rollicking bar house feel and a big happy chorus as Ray sings about getting people to sit on their phones in the name of their city. It’s a very strong ‘hands in the air and waving at the festival’ – I would absolutely listen to this as an entrance or exit song for a live show – and I feel like a strong note at the conclusion of sunny Spanish lyrics, background chatter and laughter. Over the last 52 minutes you really get to know Ray and to me this track sums up his style very well.
Overall, Frank Ray has made a solid debut album that showcases the many styles his music encompasses, country, pop, rock, soul and Latin influences, as well as his impressive volume and quality. Although it can feel a little samey in places, there’s a really endearing feel to the modern writing and everything about it, which means it’ll easily win you over. If you’re looking for something to play this summer that’s easy to listen to and guaranteed to get stuck in your head, this is a great choice. In the meantime, I’m excited to see where he goes from here – and I hope he makes it across the pond to play some of these songs live soon…
Track List: 1. Street Lights 2. Country’d Looks Good On You 3. All Shown 4. Somebody Else’s Whiskey 5. Late 6. Wasting Your Words 7. On Me 8. M 9. We Met A Pretty Girl In A Bar. 10. Spring Break 11. Come Down 12. Back Before My Time 13. Learn Something New 14. Big Fan 15. Party With Strangers Record ID: BBR Music Group/Stone Creek Records Official date: July 7, 2023
