Album Review: Hangovers & Heartbreak

The New Black 7 is a group of guys that have been playing music for a long time.

When you listen to their new album you hear the quality of their sound. They have a sound that kind of reminds you of a bar band, but in a good way. They relate well to the crowd. It’s easy to imagine them doing really well in the small clubs and bars all over the country.

But I’m sure they have bigger ambitions and they should get a chance to play some bigger venues with more great music like what you’ll find on this record.

It’s a little bit rock and roll and a little bit country. Actually, it probably skews more toward rock than country. The band even references that in one of the songs, but I think it’s a good thing. It’s a good mix and it works well.

If you’re looking for something new and fresh you’ll want to check this one out.

Hangovers & Heartbreak – The New Black 7

First off, I think this is a great title for a record. I love when the name of the album isn’t a song title. I like when it’s a phrase or word that encompasses the feeling and sound on the record. Even if it’s a lyric I like it more than just choosing a song title.

These guys remind me of Confederate Railroad or The Kentucky Headhunters. Hard working bands that made it big and connected with large audiences. I think there are still people out there that love good time music from a good time bar band.

Here are my thoughts on each track.

1. Crazy All Over Me

Great way to get the album started. This is an uptempo song about living a faster life. Sometimes when you’re out partying and drinking on the weekends you’ll run into a guy or gal that’s a little crazy. You can get mixed up with them and before you realize it you’re in too deep. It’s a fun song, though, that gets you laughing a little bit.

2. That Don’t Sound Like Country

This is the song where the guys talk about their rocking side of country. I like it. They aren’t out to please everybody. They’re out to please their fans.

3. Closing Time

Something new acts seem to miss out on is melody and hooks. These guys know how to write songs that have both. This song is a great example. It’s something you can sing along with and if you like going out on the weekends you can relate to the story.

4. Fly Me To Freedom

This is the big ballad on the album. The one constant in life is that we all lose those we care about at some point. People leave and people die. It’s just the fact of life. That’s what this song is about and it’s a good one.

5. Outlaw

We’re back to the hard rocking country with this song. I can really imagine sitting in the bar drinking a beer and listening to these guys. I’m sure everybody is moving along to the songs when they’re playing. Great band. They know what Friday and Saturday night are about.

6. Can’t Go Home

I would say that this is my favorite song on the entire album. It’s a good medium-paced melody. It’s probably the most modern song on the record and I really like the perspective they take. Great song. Really catchy in a subtle kind of way.

7. Kickstart My Heart

I was kind of hoping this would be a cover of the Motley Crüe classic and I was pleasantly surprised. It’s nothing new to hear some ’80s rock during a country show. Just go check out Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley and all the others out there on the road. They love this kind of music. You know why? It’s fun to play and fun to listen to. It’s catchy.

8. Fly Me To Freedom (Acoustic)

To close out the set you get an acoustic version of Fly Me To Freedom. I really like this version. A great little extra song for the fans. I like it.

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