Title - A Tale of 7 Cities
Artist - Raleigh Keegan
Raleigh Keegan is a country artist — at least, that’s what the internet at large has decided to label him. And with a backstory that could provide the script for an inspirational film, it would seem like Keegan would have enough material for an album full of basic, run-of-the-mill country songs.
But what you get when you press play on his 8-song latest release, A Tale of 7 Cities is anything but run-of-the-mill or basic.
It’s an unlikely start to a not-so-typical tale of country stardom: singer/songwriter Keegan was born in a jail to a brave, selfless single mother and placed for adoption. “It ended up being the best case scenario – my parents are wonderful. I had an awesome childhood.”
Raised outside of Cincinnati with a large extended family (11 aunts and uncles and nearly 50 cousins on just one side), Raleigh was the only member with any sort of musical inclination. “My birth father played guitar – that’s about all I know of where my talents come from.”
1. Cold Day in Tucson
2. Send My Love to Lexington
3. How’s the View in New York City
4. New to Nashville
5. Paris Wheel
6. Lonely Night in LA
7. Miss Me Memphis
8. Where My Home Is
9. Lost In Vegas
Cold Day in Tucson starts the record off strong, seamlessly blending elements of country and rock music. Keegan’s voice is the standout element in this (and nearly every other) song. His voice is deep, rich, and silky smooth, greatly downplaying the typical drawl that most male country artists prominently feature.
The lyrics themselves are a neat take on the post-breakup song, comparing unnatural cold in a place like Arizona to the strangeness of being without a lover.
Give My Love to Lexington is a beautiful ballad, a love letter to Kentucky. And this melodic, mellow ode to the Bluegrass State will surely be enough to rouse the pride of Kentuckians near and far, or in the reviewer’s case, descendants thereof. Thank you, Raleigh.
The cool thing about the record itself is that it is titled A Tale of 7 Cities, and seven of the eight tracks involve a different city, tracing the route, to some extent, that Keegan has traveled across his musical journey.
But for all of the smoothness of the vocals and pleasant twang of the guitars, A Tale of 7 Cities occasionally hits a few clunky notes, mostly in the way that Keegan’s voice occasionally wanders out of its sweet spot, making the chorus on songs like How’s the View in New York City sound shrill, and thus, unpleasant. But this is all forgivable in the face of seven other tracks that are absolute bangers.
Raleigh Keegan’s music may most appeal to the listener who has set roots downing multiple places or are perhaps looking for their forever home. And Raleigh Keegan will surely find a home — if he hasn’t already — at the top of the charts.
Review by: Ashley J. Cicotte
Raleigh Keegan’s A Tale of 7 Cities is now available on all streaming platforms.
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