1. Truck Stop -The Oohz - 4:11
2. Closer - Annemarie Picerno - 3:56
3. Tomorrow Is a Brand New Day - Studeo - 3:57
4. Insecurities - Nina Sol - 4:52
5. Baby I'm Afraid - Bobby Rue - 3:38
6. The Coconut Song - Pamela Davis - 3:29
7. Swim in the Ocean - Carol Martini - 2:56
8. Better Trust Me - Terretta Storm - 3:36
9. Dedication - Ann M. Wolf - 3:15
10. Al Dente (Tino's Theme) - Frank Piombo - 4:34
11. Moon over Captiva - Bobby Rue - 4:05
12. My Superman - Studeo - 5:20
The oOhz delves into a raw psychedelic sound with the spirited “Truck Stop”. Featuring ramshackle rhythms and existing purely in a haze, there is a classic quality to their breezy style. Lyrics have an acid western temperament to them while they waft through.
Stripped down to the essentials Annemarie Picerno’s “Closer” feels so soothing, so reassuring. Melodies have a tremendous richness to them while she focuses on an intimate tact. Instrumentally diverse the way the arrangement balances everything is pure perfection.
Giddy energy pours through the clear-eyed intensity of Studeo’s “Tomorrow Is A Brand New Day”. Everything works from the classic rock style to the commanding, confident vocals that rest at the heart of it all. The optimistic glow permeates every element of the track lending it a reassuring quality.
R&B glamour defines the lush approach of Nina Sol’s “Insecurities”. Stylistically grounded by R&B, the song incorporates funk, jazz, and a bit of electronica into an inviting whole. Her voice rises above the arrangement giving it a luxurious feeling.
A western twang takes hold on the blissful beauty of Bobby Rue’s “Baby I’m Afraid”. Sung with such earnestness, the tenderness pours through the whole of the piece. Slide guitar in particular works wonders in emphasizing Bobby Rue’s low-key delivery.
Dreaminess reigns supreme over Pamela Davis’s “The Coconut Song”. Slow-moving rhythms further show off the oddity of the storytelling. Reminiscent of Connan Mockasin the piece has an otherworldly presence to it.
Carol Martini proves to be a deft poet with the lovely “Swim In The Ocean”. The comfortable arrangement sprawls out into the infinite, for the whole of the song feels so timeless. With celebration of the natural realm the whole thing feels greatly welcoming.
Poppy to its very core, Terretta Storm’s “Better Trust Me” unfurls with grace. Utilizing a character study sort of take the whole thing simply stuns. Buildups have a naturalistic aura to them.
Ann M. Wolf delves headfirst into a soulful reggae sound with “Dedication”. Slinky grooves radiate sound throughout the whole of the piece adding to its summery, sun-soaked style. Layer upon layer of sound merge together into a mystifying whole.
Light and breezy, Frank Piombo utilitizes a laid-back jazz rhythm to great effect. Impeccable chops on the guitar further adding to the track’s expressiveness. Positively shimmering everything works wonders within the track.
Things slow down considerably on the reflective contemplation of Bobby Rue’s “Moon Over Captiva”. Everything works wonders from Bobby Rue’s soothing voice to the gentle arrangement. Done to perfection the whole of the piece appears to nearly drift into sleep.
Great energy propels Studeo’s “My Superman”. Yearning and passion come into the fray for the vocals soar up to the sky, as does the incredible guitar work. Truly immersive Studeo crafts an otherworldly sound.
The more I hear from this label, the more that I like. Volume XV doesn’t have a genre, it really goes all over the place. From Pop to R & B to Country to Rock & everything in between. The ozpening song titled “Truck Stop” by the Oohz seems to start this compilation off well.
“Baby I’m Afraid” by Bobby Rue didn’t really work for me lyrically, but the music was really good. There were quite a few female lead singers on this compilation. Most of them were really good. Each volume’s production seems to get better as well. There may be some that are not as good as others, production wise, but, they still work well. I give this 4 out of 5 Music Guru stars.
The more I hear from this label, the more that I like. Volume XV doesn’t have a genre, it really goes all over the place. From Pop to R & B to Country to Rock & everything in between. The ozpening song titled “Truck Stop” by the Oohz seems to start this compilation off well. A good rocker was “Dumb” by Above The Sun. “Baby I’m Afraid” by Bobby Rue didn’t really work for me lyrically, but the music was really good. There were quite a few female lead singers on this compilation. Most of them were really good. Each volume’s production seems to get better as well. There may be some that are not as good as others, production wise, but, they still work well. I give this 4 out of 5 Music Guru stars.
