Review Summary: The Album That Single-Handedly Reevaluted My Views On Country Music
First and foremost, I was primarily a Hip-Hop, Metal, and Electronic Head prior to hearing this album. I was surrounded by a community who shared my tastes in music. While we all had diverse perspectives towards those type of songs, artists and albums, the overwhelming consensus appeared to be that Country music was terrible due to its roots being immersed in White, Right-Wing, Truck-Driving, Southern, Mudding, Farmer, Hillbilly, Beer-Drinking, Jean-Wearing lifestyles.
That being said, I reserved judgement. The opportunities I've had listening to Country music ranged from dull to acceptable; as a result, my overall opinion was that you could throw all the Taylor Swift, Johnny Cash, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean or Brad Paisley you wanted at me, but I was not going to say I hated nor enjoyed Country unless I heard something mind-blowing.
And I did. It was this album.
Rosie & Me is a Brazilian Country band that combines Pop and Folk components into their music. When I first heard them (a song from Arrow of My Ways), that kind of implementation astonished me. I didn't believe it was Country at first, even though many of the Country elements were present. It was much more though. Rosie & Me painted a vivid picture of an Southern atmosphere with grace and attention to detail, each track sending your mind to a new environment delivered by gracious, gentle vocals and intricate instrumentation. After listening to the album in its entirety, I believe Arrow of My Ways acts as a captivating storybook that would best be read in chronological order without skipping a chapter. Each story tells its own spine-tingling, uplifting tale of Love, Valor, and Nostalgia.
I was hooked. I had to admit that I enjoyed the album, and it would follow that I therefore enjoyed Country music. It also meant that I would have to mention this foreign notion to my friends if/when the subject of Country arose. I received reactions that were mostly of bewilderment and Ad Hominems. I could debate why I believe those claim are presumptuous, but to stay humble (as well as to keep this review as untroubling and unambiguous as possible), I suggest this album to the disbelievers. I've received positive feedback so far.
Arrow of My Ways has also motivated me to investigate more Country music of its caliber. I hope to discover more delightful albums, but I believe Arrow of My Ways will hold a special place in my heart for helping me open doors I would've otherwise kept sealed. I hope my sentiment reaches out to those who enjoy Country music along with those who don't and are not native to the genre.
