Nashville native, Bobby Bare, Jr. exemplifies southern rock ‘n’ roll in his most recent album, Undefeated, out today! Along with the album, a documentary, Don’t Follow Me (I’m Lost) will be released May 1st. The documentary, ironically, follows Bare in his musical endeavors and family affairs. On Bloodshot Records artist page, Bare is described as “rambunctious” and “freewheeling,” generally a relatable guy. What’s more enjoyable than listening to a man who doesn’t take life too seriously?
Undefeated embodies just that; don’t allow trivial matters eclipse what is important to you.
Undefeated opens with “North of Alabama By Mornin’.” The piece presents an echo effect with a deep, harmonizing voice, giving it the primary pop, rock ‘n’ roll style. On the other hand, pieces like “If She Cared” and “Don’t Wanna Know” feature a female voice that creates a graceful, blues sound. “The Elegant Impostor” follows the heartbreak blues sound with elegant, synthesizer chimes.
BBJ is skilled and eloquent at crossing genres. “Undefeated” combines a country, blues guitar with airy vocals and rock guitar riffs. In general, the album is able to mix country rock with more experimental pop pieces, like “Don’t Stand at the Stove,” which utilizes more synthesizer and high-pitched vocals, to create a very original piece of work.
More interesting is the story-like style of the album, as if Bare is sitting around a campfire with the listener. “My Baby Took My Baby Away” begins with the principal country sound and Bare telling us a story about his “baby”: “He comes stumbling through the door with his bottle in hand…he closes his eyes while he’s mumbling.” The story-telling format allows the listener to relate, and it is, generally, entertaining. Bobby Bare Jr. is a master at narrating through his music in an original and nontraditional way.
3/5
Nikki grew up in an imitation German town in Georgia by the name of Helen. It wasn’t until middle school that she started to get interested in the arts: painting, music, and writing. She wrote in her diary, sketched in art class and listened to regretful music. By high school, her tastes became a little more refined. She found Fiona Apple, Lou Reed and Giant Drag, and they remain her favorites in college. She was accepted to the University of Georgia in 2012 and is currently majoring in English. Upon moving to Athens from a town with more trees than people, Nikki was a bit overwhelmed. However, there is certainly no lack of inspiration in Athens, and she appreciates its love for the arts and its service as a platform.