Rick Monroe: “Smoke Out the Window” – Balancing the swing of country, the grit of blues and the solid impact of rock

Rick Monroe’s ultimate goal is to be recognized as a multi-faceted performer whose very name defines who he is as an artist. No stranger to the stage, he’s performed in 17 countries and has opened for artists such as Eric Church, Dierks Bentley, Aaron Lewis, Eli Young Band, Charlie Daniels Band and a whole lot more. In 2017 Monroe traveled over 100,000 miles and played over 120 shows. Now based in Nashville, the seven-time Jägermeister Country Brand Ambassador will be releasing his latest album “Smoke Out the Window” on September 21, 2018 via Thermal Entertainment.

Balancing the swing of country, the grit of blues and the solid impact of rock, Monroe’s sound is set to leave a lasting impression on a wide range of music lovers. In the grand scheme of things, Rick Monroe looks the part of the road warrior, writes his own songs, and sings them with passion and authority.

In an arena of Rick Monroe fans, I’d probably fit right in because he attracts genuine people. Every song on this album speaks to me on some level. I love how many of the songs remind me of classic country but with a far more bluesy-rock feel. While most artists strive to copy trends at mainstream radio, Monroe doesn’t follow the beat of that drum.

His latest album features a strong dose of emotional ballads, personality-infused tracks and downright homegrown rockers. Monroe’s enormous vocal talent blend perfectly with the gorgeous and gritty production, allowing many of its tracks to scream potential hit.

Rick Monroe knows his way around some crowd-pleasing, radio-ready fare like “Cocaine Cold & Whiskey Shakes”, “Nothing To Do With You” and “I’ll Try”. This triad of tracks feel like they could’ve been hits from any past era up until now.

However it’s the opening track, “Good As Gone”, as well as cuts like “Truth In The Story” and “This Side Of The Dirt”, which are forged with true grit and passionate performances that shows us what Monroe is packed to gills with. They show off an uplifting, spirited personality juxtaposed with emotive vulnerability.

As his career evolves, Rick Monroe has figured out what makes his music get even better and better, and he injects this album with that glowing formula. Every single word and note was written with purpose, and from the start to the finish, we are invested.

Monroe also does a lot of reflecting with this record, and he is most impressive on the soul-searching slow burners – “The Rage”, “October” and “Tempt Me”. This is where Monroe switches over into croon mode, and it’s a beautiful thing indeed.

It is evident that he poured his entire heart and soul into the making of this album. I can tell that purely by the way he performs these tracks. He puts it all out there, and leaves nothing behind. No matter what he is singing about, the music is always authentic.

Every song leaves an imprint and is easily relatable, which makes this record a strong addition to Rick Monroe’s incredible catalog of music. The powerful musical and lyrical imagery of “Smoke Out the Window” ignites a project for a depth of tastes that will forsake the rigid marketing lines of genre.

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