Tyler Rich: ‘Hello California’ – Album Review

Tyler Rich shares his sophomore album, Hello California, officially out now, March 7th on all streaming platforms. Learn more and listen to the new album below.

For Tyler Rich, his new album, Hello California, out now, represents a shift back to his musical and personal roots. Born and raised in the Golden State, Rich lends those influences to the follow up to his 2023 EP, I Know You Do.

Produced by Californians Brad Hill and Lalo Guzman, the independent project features ten new tracks, nine of which Rich co-wrote along with the likes of Eric Paslay, Parker Welling, Steven Lee Olsen, and more.

“This album has been a long time coming, and it’s my first chance to release music straight from the heart, with no limits,” shared Rich in a statement. “After ten years in Nashville, I’m grateful for the lessons I’ve learned, the relationships I’ve built, and the success that came from navigating the industry. Now, as an independent artist, I finally get to take the reins and do things my way.”

The album sets the stage with its titular track, a lush and anthemic alt-pop-country love song dedicated to his home state. Here, he shines on his love for both California and a special woman as he flexes his powerful voice. “Hello California, the sunshine on my face,” He sings. “Girl you feel like home when you look at me that way.”

“Whiskey Go Bad” is an immediate standout, crafted perfectly for a memorable moment in a live show. It’s a twangy and fun countrified uptempo and a stomping, shanty-esque celebration of living life in the moment. “Life’s too good to let the whiskey go bad,” He proclaims on the lively and jovial track.

Similarly, “Cigarettes (Lie to Me)” is another driving uptempo with its roaring and funky guitars that pair perfectly with a call and response chorus that is going to set live audiences on fire, chanting “hey, hey, hey!”

Rich perfectly toes the line between lovelorn and heartbreak ballads, shining on the romantic “Right Tonight,” the wedding-ready “Drive Me Home,” the impassioned “Gets Me Every Time,” and the heartbreaking “What Do I Know?” “What Do I Know?” finds him dealing with his heartbreak, while “Gets Me” reminds a woman in his life of all the things he loves about her.

“Gets Me Every Time is about those moments in life that never get old,” Rich explains. “Whether it’s a nostalgic memory or a moment with someone you love, the song reflects those unforgettable experiences. Maybe it’s hearing an old song, visiting your hometown, or spending time with lifelong friends. The lyrics draw a parallel to how a romantic partner’s every action hits you the same way, over and over, just like those cherished memories. It’s about that timeless kind of love that feels new every time.”

Meanwhile, “All the Small Things” is a reminder that life is made great by its little moments, and not money or fame. “You can lose it all in a New York minute// Makin’ that money won’t make you a livin’// Time runs out but you can make it count,” He proclaims. “With the right kind of memories// You can have it all In the pictures up on the wall// And I hope I fill the bigger picture frame// With all the small things.”

Rich continues his introspection on songs like “Give Up To Get It” and “Home We Choose,” both creating special moments on the album. The latter finds him examining the sacrifices made for his success, while longing for more time to enjoy his life and career. Alternatively, “Home We Choose” is a clever way to look at where you settle your roots as an adult. It breathes fresh air into the idea of a hometown song, as he looks at where we choose to place our roots.

“We’re all looking for some somewhere to be found // A steady place where we can plant our roots // We’re all lost until we find some solid ground // Front porch step where we can set our boots // Whether it’s states away or two doors down // A place that’s old or new // We all got a hometown and a home we choose”

On Hello California, Tyler Rich returns to his roots, releasing a polished collection of anthemic country and poignant ballads.

Country Swag Picks:

1. Hello California
2. Whiskey Go Bad
3. What Do I Know?

Hello California Track List:

1. Hello California (Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Tyler Rich)
2. Gets Me Every Time (Jason Massey, Travis Wood, Tyler Rich)
3. Cigarettes (Lie To Me) (Dylan Guthro, Lalo Guzman)
4. Give Up to Get It (Blake Bollinger, Steven Lee Olsen, Tyler Rich)
5. All The Small Things (Jason Gantt, Jason Nix, Tyler Rich)
6. Whiskey Go Bad (Blake Bollinger, Reid Isbell, Tyler Rich)
7. What Do I Know (Eric Paslay, Jason Massey, Tyler Rich)
8. Right Tonight (Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Tyler Rich)
9. Drive Me Home (Josh Mirenda, Michael Tyler, Tyler Rich)
10. Home We Choose (Emily Falvey, Lalo Guzman, Tyler Rich)

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Hello California is 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.