Bruce Smith  - 1000 Horses  (Click to watch the video)

17 October 2022

Bruce Smith, a spirited and gifted singer/songwriter, advertises his new record, 1000 Horses, as a rollicking journey through small towns, big cities, and the emotional range of human experience. It is also a trek through various country and rock influences – Sun Studio, Gram Parsons, Ryan Adams.

Smith’s writing has a deft touch that enables him to explore and exercise these influences with originality and effectuality. His lyrics are clever, but still emotionally resonant, and his band of soulful musicians hit all the right notes. “Take a Picture” moves with the rhythm and guile of Whiskeytown, and acts as a vehicle for Smith to sing one of his many memorable lyrics, “It’s true that the camera steals your soul / It puts it on a piece of paper for me to hold.”

“Satao” takes listeners west, giving them an effective glimpse into the Latin stylings of American music, and “See You in the Movies” rocks with abandon, highlighting a crunchy guitar riff and dance beat fit for a late night at a honky tonk. Speaking of late nights, the album closing, “Late Night DJ,” is a love letter to a road trip with a good radio station. 

Smith’s songs would fit well on that station.

David Masciotra (www.davidmasciotra.com) is the author of four books, including Barack Obama: Invisible Man (Eyewear Publishing, 2017) and Mellencamp: American Troubadour (University Press of Kentucky, 2015).

To read all of David's reviews, click here 

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