Frank Ray ‘Good For The Soul – EP Review

Frank Ray’s new EP, Good For The Soul is out now, June 26th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

With a breezy 90s inspired style and ear-catching lyrics, country newcomer Frank Ray is back with his new EP, Good for the Soul. The five song collection is the follow up to 2023’s homage to his Mexican heritage, Raíces (Así Se Hace).

For the BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville recording artist, the EP pairs him with well-known songwriters and a modern country twang that perfectly meets a more vintage sound. Featuring songs penned by the likes of Seth Ennis, Ben Hayslip, Trannie Anderson, and more, there’s something for everyone on the EP.

“I’m so excited for everyone to hear my new EP, Good For The Soul. This project is a direct reflection of both my love for ’90s country music and where my life is at right now,” He shared in a statement. “Every song tells a piece of that story. I’m incredibly grateful to my amazing collaborators and producers whose creativity and support helped bring this project to life.”

While the collection’s title track is also its closing moment, it perfectly sums up the EP. Featuring a guest appearance from country legend Tracy Lawrence, it’s a romping 90’s inspired country ode to all of the things that are good for the soul. It’s an immediate mood lifter, buoyant and uptempo.

Meanwhile, the EP’s opener, “One Way to Do It,” is a bonafide radio-ready anthem, pairing the mistakes of heartbreak with driving pop country. It’s the perfect follow up to the previously-released “Country’d Look Good on You,” proving that Ray can both appeal to current and classic country fans.

There’s “Third Row George Strait,” a nostalgic ode to young love, first realized at the troubadour’s concert. “After sitting with the demo for a while and stacking new songs, I started drifting away from this song. Not because it wasn’t great, I just hadn’t made it mine yet,” Ray reveals. “But after working on it with my producer a bit more, everything clicked. Now I can’t stop playing the song and I hope it hits fans the same way it hit me the first and second time around – it’s kind of like falling in love with your someone all over again.”  

For the hit-making former police officer, “Hard to Be a Hero” offers an especially poignant moment, finding him grappling with the double standard that often comes with that role in the world today. On the song, which he co-wrote, Ray explores things that happen in the line of duty or on the battlefield, before ultimately turning to his faith. “It’s easy to stand in the shadows,” he admits. “It’s hard to find reasons to put on the cape…It’s hard to be a hero these days.”

Likewise, on the other co-write, “Lookin’ Out For Me,” Ray finds him thanking his better angels for the fact that someone is always looking out for him. Here, he thanks his lucky stars for the woman he ended up with, thanking God for bringing her to him. “You’re like a pourin’ rain in the desert, I swear you’re changin’ me for the better,” He sings passionately, “It’s like He knew I needed you, Just like the truth in those old red letters…Somebody’s lookin’ out for me.”

On his new EP, Good for the Soul, Frank Ray pairs nostalgic country hooks with poignant lyrics. From the opening chords of “One Way to Do It” to the closing notes of “Good for the Soul,” there’s something for everyone on the new EP.

Good For The Soul Track List: