billy roberts and the rough riders

Only One – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

greenbah2 A melodic and catchy song from Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders’ recent album. They’re a hillbilly band who stay true to their roots, and not trends, as stated by the front man, Billy Roberts. A moral that the band sticks to when recording their hits.

Only One has a more pop and up-beat tune with the classic melancholy vocals of Billy Roberts. This track on their album has a perfect marriage between the piano and guitar (Alex Quinn), sporting the same popular characteristics as many of their catalogue of songs.

The humble blues and country sound met with rocky drums (Rory Facione) and pop tones makes Billy Roberts and the Rough Rider’s album Greenbah the only one you want to hear.

Check it out

No One Knows Me – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

Greenbah album cover - Billy Roberts and the rough riders Another country classic from Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders.

No One Knows Me is a track on their album Greenbah. A traditional country-rock song that draws on the band’s characteristic sound.

Beginning as what sounds like the line-dancing scene in Thelma & Louise, followed by a ‘Folsom Prison Blues’ rhythm of the guitar, this song is sure to be enjoyable by all country-rock music fans.

Although remaining true to the typical country genre, and un-strayed from the Rough Rider’s sound, No One Knows Me is a darker tune with more solemn lyrics. However, I would love to hear a deeper, richer bass to emulate this more serious and almost menacing tone.

Perhaps a focus on a more organic sound and less-remastered or smooth sound of the instruments would bring more of the band’s personality through, but ultimately another great track from the Rough Riders!

Give it listen!

Little Johnny – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders Little Johnny song review

You’ve probably seen my reviews of Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders here, here and here. Here’s another – their new song, Little Johnny.

This slow rock song is featured on their third album, Greenbah. A dark and moody tune akin to that of Johnny Cash and The Eagles, I reckon.

The band’s distinctive husky voice, rhythmic drums (Ed Glass), whining violin and tense guitar (Alex Quinn) can still be heard – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders are loyal to their sound.

I love the violin, it’s like a Gypsy/Country sound. Something that could be featured on the Thelma & Louise soundtrack.

A great listen – definitely check it out if you’re into a bit of rock and a bit of country.

Gone to the Dogs – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

Gone to the Dogs - Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders song review

This is the third song I’ve reviewed of Billy Roberts’. Seen It All Before, No More Mr Nice Guy and now Gone to the Dogs.

This latest tune has lived up to the country-rock sound of Billy Roberts and co..

As I’ve mentioned in my previous reviews, the vocals are wee bit flat, in a spoken-word tone. This doesn’t quite live up to the energy of the electric guitar and sliding guitar sound.

Having said that, the classic country -rock genre of Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders remains, leaving their fans surely satisfied.

My favourite element of the band remains – their storytelling. Dark and interesting lyrics for sure.

For the most part, I really enjoyed the songs of Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders. You can check out their YouTube page here:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fj5L70KfWvrhORMjkF6fQ

And their website:
http://billyrobertsandtheroughriders.bandcamp.com/

Jodie.

Seen It All Before – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

Seen It All Before - Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders song review This is the second song I’ve reviewed of Billy Roberts’.

Seen It All Before has a different sound to No More Mr Nice Guy. The last one was more country, but this one sounds more like a garage band; a bit rockier!

But this song still carries the same unique sound of Billy Robert and the Rough Riders, with the same spoken-word kind of singing style.

It’s an upbeat and fun song with great electric guitar parts mixed in with an organ, making an interesting and distinct sound.

The chorus is very catchy! My only critique would upping the energy in the vocals a bit! As the vocals aren’t carrying much emotion like he rest of the instruments.

Looking forward to hearing more from this band!

Jodie.

No More Mr. Nice Guy – Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders

If you’re in to old school country/rock ‘n’ roll, I think you’ll be interested in this band.

Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders certainly have a similar style of writing as the likes of Johnny Cash – and I’m a sucker for Johnny Cash songs!

The beginning of No More Mr Nice Guy has a spine-tingling harmonica and a wicked steel guitar. So awesome! My favourite part is probably the bluesy piano though.
The vocals are a little flat, making the singer sound bored. It would be great to pick up the energy for this folky genre, a genre that is great to get up and dance to. The drums sound a little too mechanical for the genre as well – we need a bit more improv!

For the most part, I really enjoyed the songs of Billy Roberts and the Rough Riders. You can check out their YouTube page here:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Fj5L70KfWvrhORMjkF6fQ

And their website:
http://billyrobertsandtheroughriders.bandcamp.com/

I say ‘well done’ for completing these decent tunes. If the band sounds like they’re enjoying their music, so will others. A more casual approach would perfect this band. I’m very pleased to be introduced to this band’s music!

Jodie.

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