Canadian singer-songwriter Billy Raffoul took on the daunting task of releasing two full-length albums this summer, each showcasing a different side of himself. The first, titled Billy Raffoul, was an intimate acoustic story of connection. And the second, just released this month, is a rock-tinged collection of songs meant to be played loud, called When I Cross The River.
The album starts with its namesake, “When I Cross The River”. A vocal-forward gem with a personal feel and a Springsteen-like style. “This song is a homecoming in many ways,” he says of the song. “I left my hometown of Leamington, Ontario, at 19 for Nashville, TN. I went down there intending to make a rock and roll record instead; the music I would release for the next 10+ years would be predominantly acoustic recordings. It took over a decade, but I’ve finally made that rock record. The river I’m referencing in the track is the Detroit River; I cross it every time I came home to Leamington. Fun fact: I wrote this song with Linda Perry.“
The next song in the tracklist, “Get Along,” is bright and boppy, with a catchy chorus and a hopeful feel. The grittiness of the vocals and stellar riffs add a raw edge to the song, while the saxophone takes the sound to another level altogether. Probably my favourite track on this album is “Canadian,” outlining the experience of immigrants leaving their homes and everything they knew to build a life in a new country. It has a fantastic moody feel, heavy moments, and outstanding vocals. The lyrical depth punctuates the big rock instances.
The unofficial anthem of the album, “Young” is a mellow and hook-filled offering, with lyrics thatemphasize the milestones of one’s hometown, first relationship, friends one has fallen out of touch with, and ones they haven’t. From there, the vocal style in “Born To Love” is deep, raw, rich and intimate, leading to layered vocals that are so impactful. It’s a catchy ballad that morphs into a rock song as the vocals and guitars grow in strength and volume.
If you’re looking for a radio hit, look no further than “Little Girl”. This track is catchy and addictive from the get-go, with a hooky lead guitar and Billy’s signature strong vocals. I defy anyone to listen to this song and not dance along in some way – it’s so infectious, in the best way. “Woman” has an intense and intimate feel before kicking into a catchy rocker, followed by another undeniable catchy rocker in “Spare Parts”. We’re then treated to the energetic and bright sounds of “Proving Ground,” with its memorable, singalong chorus.
Personal and emotionally-charged, “Where The Skies Are Blue” has a storytelling feel, and is the perfect ending to the LP “We got a flat tire on I-70 heading east through Kansas just west of Salina,” says Billy. “I wrote the song on the side highway after I changed the flat. It’s a song about missing home and missing my band. It shares the same concept as WICTR and felt like an appropriate bookend.”
Overall, this album is the perfect showcase of Billy Raffoul’s sonic evolution, stepping into a rock sound with swagger and grit, while still giving listeners a personal insight into his feelings and lived experiences. With a sound that melds Springsteen and The Gaslight Anthem and his own unique spin, this is appealing, feel-good rock and its best… with depth.
Stream Billy Raffoul’s album, When I Cross The River, on your preferred platform:
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