Frank Ray: Self-titled Debut Album Review

As the country music genre continues to widen its reach and impact more and more people, we are getting to listen to new music with a fresh sound from exciting rising artists. Frank Ray is one of those artists. The singer-songwriter blends his Latin heritage and R&B influences into country music. His major-label debut, self-titled album is officially out now, featuring songs like “Streetlights” and “Country’d Look Good On You.”

“This album is my grand entrance to the country music world,” shares Ray in a recent press release. “This project is a perfect reflection of who I am. I have finally figured out my voice, and this is what I have to say. I look at this album like a quilt I knitted, each stitch represents a person I love or an influence I admire.”

Throughout the record fans can pick up on those enticing Latin influences on songs like “Ya’ll Showed Up,” “Let It Drop,” and “We Got Em.” All three of those songs have some of the most exciting instrumentals and catchy melodies we have heard come out of country music in a long time. Ray isn’t holding anything back on his debut.

The high-energy continues to flow throughout the record. On “Out On Me,” Ray brings the soul to the song. The track feels hopeful and high-spirited, a perfect combination for a beach-ready country song. Similarly on “Party With Strangers,” the singer encapsulates who he is perfectly. It is clear that Ray is someone who wants to spread joy and positivity to music and will make friends with everyone along the way.

While the singer’s unique sound is evident throughout the record, he pays homage to classic country greats throughout the project. On “Back Before My Time,” Ray sings the praises of artists like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Dolly Parton. While he is not directly referencing artists, the traditional country influence is also evident on some standout tracks like, “Somebody Else’s Whiskey” and “Big Fan.”

Each of Ray’s fifteen songs perfectly encapsulate who he is as an artist. Anyone who appreciates authenticity in music should jump on the Frank Ray bandwagon ASAP!

Frank Ray Tracklist:

1. Streetlights (Frank Ray, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Rogers)
2. Country’d Look Good On You (Derek George, Monty Criswell, Taylor Phillips, Cole Taylor)
3. Y’all Showed Up (Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
4. Somebody Else’s Whiskey (Derek George, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
5. Late (Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
6. Wasting Your Words (Monty Criswell, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
7. Out On Me (Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
8. We Got Em (Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
9. Prettiest Girl At The Bar (Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
10. Spring Break (Bobby Hamrick, Frank Ray)
11. Let It Drop (Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
12. Back Before My Time (Monty Criswell, Derek George, Frank Ray)
13. Learn Something New (Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
14. Big Fan (Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
15. Party With Strangers (Bobby Hamrick, James Slater, Jamie Paulin)

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Frank Ray’s debut album is out now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.