Anyone who has followed Eric Hisaw's music knows that it rings of a soulful search about slices of life most people miss. His songs are individual novellas. Nature of the Blues is his best work yet. I love Shout Out Loud. Like cream, Eric rises to the top once again. This CD feels like a pair of comfortable boots. The more you listen, the better it gets.
This is what music is all about.It does not get any finer for someone who appreciates lyrics then this CD.Eric Hisaw is a phenomenal songwriter.This talent is heard in each and every song on this album. There is a great union between the music and words in each song. My two picks are Last in Line and Shout Out Loud.
One of the top songwriters in Texas, Hisaw has flown under the radar far too long. He has the ability to take conventional themes like love and loss and transform them into uniquely individual experiences. On top of that, Hisaw's engaging melodies are perfectly matched with his wholly original lyrics. And, oh, yeah, he can play a little guitar, too. Great for anyone who digs well-written songs with cool guitar licks — that's everyone, right? "Shout Out Loud" is one of the best songs of the year.
I have both of these, plus two newer ones. Each one is better than the last, but these earlier ones still get a listen. This guy's stories and imagery kinda lets you watch little movies in your head.
Eric's debut was a growing pain for him, and the listeners. He was just starting to get a voice, and if you listen to this disc, and then his second "Never Could Walk the Line", you'll hear a huge improvement his sophomore. Skip this, and jump right to NCWL.
When I first heard this, I thought this guy sounded a lttle too raw, almost amaturish. I was dead nuts wrong! This disc grew on me where I kept wanting to hear it again 'cause I thought I might be missing something. It's one those disc's that takes a few listens, but the payoff's well worth it. Sounds a little like Tim Carroll, a little like Kevin Gordon, but he's got his own style too. Roots rock with a little bit of everything else thrown in. Excellent.
