MusicTalks
01/07/09, 12:30 PM
Josh Hoge - Everything She Was
Record Label: Blackledge Music
Release Date: September 9, 2008
Anyone with siblings can tell you that living in the shadows of an older brother or sister can be a little exhausting. And, that’s just in general. When you have an older sibling who goes on to do great things, well, then it might seem like you’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill. Such is the case with Will and Josh Hoge. Some people may not have heard of Will Hoge, and if that’s that case, then Josh Hoge is an even bigger “Um, who?” For those who have heard Will Hoge’s music, it’s safe to say that he’s quite a talented musician/singer/songwriter. His earthy voice and Nashville soul are perfectly suited for the music that he sings. And, despite the lack of a lot of mainstream success, he’s developed a loyal following over the last ten years. In any situation, that’s a tough act to follow. But, I must say that his younger brother, Josh, just might be better. Now, for all you Will Hoge fans, you’re probably thinking I’ve lost my damn mind, which might be true, but not when it comes to their music. With his debut release, Everything She Was, Josh seems to do, for me, what his older brother couldn’t, and that was bring me in and keep me listening.
I first saw Josh last year when he was opening up for Marc Broussard. From the first note that came flying out of his mouth, I was hooked. He has this quiet presence about him on stage, but you know that he’s a charmer off-stage. He’s got the ability to be funny without being coy. And, he’s got the ability to be heartbroken without being melancholy. His debut album oozes the kind of soul only few of us can even dream about. And while it’s not the soul from the 70’s, it’s a new age, modern day soul that we’d be likely to hear from the likes of Robin Thicke or Justin Timberlake. His album starts with “360” which is a song he wrote years ago, but the track on the record is the final version of it. With it’s chorus and lyrics, one would immediately compare it to Timberlake’s “What Goes Around.” Songs like “Beautiful Distraction,” “Space,” “Summer Symphony,” and “Stay Away” are songs that glue this record together. The lyrics aren’t groundbreaking, but their not cliché either. They are words and emotions that we can all relate to with uncanny recollection. My two favorite tracks that I’d like to highlight specifically are “Shadow” and “Take It or Leave It.” “Shadow” is a slow ballad with dark tones, a soulful chorus, a deep message and his smooth vocals. For me, it’s the song with the simplest progression, but with the most resounding message. “Take It or Leave It” has an old Western feel without any hint of being country. It’s a mix of Western and down south Bayou, which seems fitting since it features the brilliant Marc Broussard. The blend of vocals are the perfect compliment, making it the best track on the album, by far. When it’s over, I found myself eagerly waiting to listen again, which is more than I could say for Will’s music.
I guess in a world where it’s always the little brother playing catch up, I’d have to say that Josh Hoge does a pretty good job of keeping up, pacing and then riding past his sibling, and all the while, singing the blues, with a smile on his face. But, something tells me that Will is smiling too. 'Cause that's what big brothers do.
Justin Timberlake; Robin Thicke; pop/soul; a little taste of Marc Broussard; snapping, grooving, listening again
joshhoge.com (http://www.joshhoge.com)
myspace.com/joshhoge (http://www.myspace.com/joshhoge)
Record Label: Blackledge Music
Release Date: September 9, 2008
Anyone with siblings can tell you that living in the shadows of an older brother or sister can be a little exhausting. And, that’s just in general. When you have an older sibling who goes on to do great things, well, then it might seem like you’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill. Such is the case with Will and Josh Hoge. Some people may not have heard of Will Hoge, and if that’s that case, then Josh Hoge is an even bigger “Um, who?” For those who have heard Will Hoge’s music, it’s safe to say that he’s quite a talented musician/singer/songwriter. His earthy voice and Nashville soul are perfectly suited for the music that he sings. And, despite the lack of a lot of mainstream success, he’s developed a loyal following over the last ten years. In any situation, that’s a tough act to follow. But, I must say that his younger brother, Josh, just might be better. Now, for all you Will Hoge fans, you’re probably thinking I’ve lost my damn mind, which might be true, but not when it comes to their music. With his debut release, Everything She Was, Josh seems to do, for me, what his older brother couldn’t, and that was bring me in and keep me listening.
I first saw Josh last year when he was opening up for Marc Broussard. From the first note that came flying out of his mouth, I was hooked. He has this quiet presence about him on stage, but you know that he’s a charmer off-stage. He’s got the ability to be funny without being coy. And, he’s got the ability to be heartbroken without being melancholy. His debut album oozes the kind of soul only few of us can even dream about. And while it’s not the soul from the 70’s, it’s a new age, modern day soul that we’d be likely to hear from the likes of Robin Thicke or Justin Timberlake. His album starts with “360” which is a song he wrote years ago, but the track on the record is the final version of it. With it’s chorus and lyrics, one would immediately compare it to Timberlake’s “What Goes Around.” Songs like “Beautiful Distraction,” “Space,” “Summer Symphony,” and “Stay Away” are songs that glue this record together. The lyrics aren’t groundbreaking, but their not cliché either. They are words and emotions that we can all relate to with uncanny recollection. My two favorite tracks that I’d like to highlight specifically are “Shadow” and “Take It or Leave It.” “Shadow” is a slow ballad with dark tones, a soulful chorus, a deep message and his smooth vocals. For me, it’s the song with the simplest progression, but with the most resounding message. “Take It or Leave It” has an old Western feel without any hint of being country. It’s a mix of Western and down south Bayou, which seems fitting since it features the brilliant Marc Broussard. The blend of vocals are the perfect compliment, making it the best track on the album, by far. When it’s over, I found myself eagerly waiting to listen again, which is more than I could say for Will’s music.
I guess in a world where it’s always the little brother playing catch up, I’d have to say that Josh Hoge does a pretty good job of keeping up, pacing and then riding past his sibling, and all the while, singing the blues, with a smile on his face. But, something tells me that Will is smiling too. 'Cause that's what big brothers do.
Justin Timberlake; Robin Thicke; pop/soul; a little taste of Marc Broussard; snapping, grooving, listening again
joshhoge.com (http://www.joshhoge.com)
myspace.com/joshhoge (http://www.myspace.com/joshhoge)