Just Traveling Through with Ben Hope: Ragged & Rowdy

Ben Hope’s latest artistic venture, he dabbles in acting too (Broadway’s Once, anyone?), is an exhilarating romp through the world of country music. He grabs our interest early with songs that get you in the mood for line-dancing, a hoedown or a backyard barbeque; such as the entry song “On the Run” or “Good Man”. Mr. Hope finds a way to segue quickly into a darker, edgier version of himself during “Drink Yourself Dead”. How’s that for sending a message!

Ragged & Rowdy, the latest album from Ben Hope, introduces us to playful and thoroughly entertaining sides of Ben’s songwriting. “Colleen,” although timeless in its story intertwines fiddles, hints of tropical notes and even yodeling to design a curious and alluring sound with a fresh, spunky take on the telling of a love story gone wrong. “Good Liar,” evidently Elvis inspired, allows Ben to dig deeper into his country roots, raised in Alabama he has made the move to the big city, living here in NYC for the past few years. “Lonely a Fool” takes us down a slower path but no less pleasant. The endearing song somehow manages to be encouraging through all the self-deprecation. With lyrics like ‘…the other was another man’s wife…’ this song is good for cranking up the music and blocking the world out when you are just in one of those moods. 

“Whiskey and Cigarettes” boils down to a song about bad habits. I give the girl who appreciated this amusing and adorable love(ish) song credit! Mr. Hope’s current single compares drinking and other bad habits to the passionate feelings he has for a girlfriend. Rounding out the album, “Dear Mom & Dad,” is a truthful thank you note to Ben’s parents. He becomes very relatable in his honest reflection on his move to NYC, a growing up moment most of us can understand.

With a new direction for every song expect the unexpected from Ben Hope and add one more album to your “to play” list this summer! 

http://www.benhopemusic.com/