This new album by Pat Guadagno is a mix of classic rock with electric guitars with almost a Spanish feel similar to that of Santana with the song “Pray That We Will”, which was the lead song, to songs with more of an Americana feel like “You Never Even Tried”, then switched to a song with Scotch-Irish influences: “Gravedigger”. An eclectic mix of songs, for sure. Even included an acoustic cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born To Run”. Pat Guadagno‘s gritty voice is soothing and honest, not great, but it just flows out naturally. This is an artist who seems to have honed his craft through travels with many years on the road and that is reflected in his music. At least, that’s my guess. Someone who has seen the world and his music reflects that.
Most of the songs were stripped down to simple acoustic, tell a story, and filled with intricate guitar playing.
My least favorite song was “People My Age”. I just wasn’t crazy about the lyrics or the song as a whole. Too simple and stripped down.
My favorite songs from the album were “Pray That We Will” and “I Can’t Take Me Anywhere”. I enjoyed “Pray That We Will” for the intricate guitar playing, gritty voice, and darker melody with a slight Spanish influence that hinted of Santana. I, also, liked “I Can’t Take Me Anywhere”, which might possibly fit on today’s country radio. It was a nice, mid-tempo song and his voice less gritty on this one.
Overall, I think this was an enjoyable album with a mix of songs that might appeal to many people with its many genres it can be placed into, but I see more of an older crowd in late 30s up enjoying it more. However, I don’t think it’s one that would receive much, if any, airplay and I don’t see any huge commercial appeal. It’s hard to even place the album into one musical genre, but I don’t believe the artist was going for that. It’s a good effort, but not great. I think he just wanted to record songs that he enjoys without being pigeon-holed into any one category.
I noted that he did not appear to have written any of the songs and one thing I really respect is a songwriter. Where he lacks in songwriting, he more than makes up for in guitar picking.
For more information about Pat Guadagno, go to his website: http://magombo.com/
Rated: 2 1/2 out of 5 stars.
