by Chuck Dauphin
Listening to the music of Bob Rea is a little different than most musical acts. There’s not a smiley face, “Have A Nice Day” song anywhere to be found. Rather, these fourteen songs are all about real life—-and the decisions that you make in life–sometimes good, sometimes bad.
“Stand Up,” the album’s opener, has a quirky spoken intro, but settles down just a little bit. Again, the song is marked with a gritty reality that sets it apart. One of my personal favorites on the album is the weary and time-tested “On A Trailways Bus,” where he adds the right touch of a lonesome spirit looking for answers.
There’s some interesting political commentary on “Platinum Dream.” Now, I will tell you that you actually have to listen to the lyrics to understand it, as it’s not a paint-by-numbers kind of song, but it definitely showcases his opinion on the things that truly matter in life—and some things that don’t.
Maybe the best overall cut on the disc is the intriguing “A Long Way Up.” I think it might be the most compelling display of Rea’s talents—as a songwriter and an artist. It would not surprise me to see this song again somewhere down the road from another artist. It’s that good.
Gary Allan had a hit a few years back with a rather telling song, “Life Ain’t Always Beautiful,” and that is what Bob Rea tries to get across in his music. By doing so, he has released an album that tells the truth—at least how he sees it. And, in this day where nobody wants to offend, he’s to be commended for that!
To buy this CD, visit https://www.digstation.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumID=ALB000053640
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