“Oh, No! I’m in Love” is another offering from Rockford Road’s latest album, Epilogue. And in our recent album-encompassing review, I purposely left this very song off my list of highlights; I suppose it didn’t grab me as effectively as the rest. But, with a little more listening time, I have to admit – my opinion started trending upward. Let’s talk about it.
If you’re not in the know, Rockford Road exhibits a classic rock sound like few other contemporary “retro” bands. In one song, you might hear The Doors. In another, you may hear moments similar to The Mamas & the Papas. In another, you might hear something that starts like “Just the Two of Us”….and that’s how “Oh, No! I’m in Love” kicks off.
Wait. Who does what?
“Oh, No! I’m in Love” features drummer Jim Davidson, multi-instrumentalist Bob Mahan, bassist/vocalist Tom Wisneski, rhythm guitarist/vocalist Mike Lara, backing vocals by Victoria Cottrell, and Casey Cranford on saxophone.
About the music…
The song starts with phasing, churning guitar chords and accenting sax. It’s mid-tempo and relaxed; maybe weary, but perhaps comically so. And the vocals? The lead voice really – and I mean, REALLY – sounds like Jim Morrison. It’s from someplace deep and mildly irate. It’s perfect in general, and of course, for this very song.
And when the chorus hits, the lead vocal is backed by Victoria Cottrell, who is an AMAZING lead singer in her own right (check out our review for “I’m Doing Fine,” which puts the power and breadth of her voice on full display).
The song continues its verse/chorus refrain, expressing the singer’s pseudo-disdain regarding stumbling, once again, into some great but maybe not preferred feelings (love, specifically).
And when it ends, it does so quickly, with its pattering guitar and fluttering sax exiting the door in distance-defining delay.
But is it good?
It’s music for the open road. It’s soundtrack for the emotionally ill-prepared. It’s something lonesome, lingering, deep and simultaneously trite. It’s real rock and roll, and Rockford Road paints it with free but exacting strokes. Recommended.
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BELOW: Listen to Rockford Road and check them out on various social media platforms. Please support Rockford Road by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.
Check out our interview with ROCKFORD ROAD:
INTERVIEW: Jim Davidson of Rockford Road
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Listen to I’M DOING FINE by ROCKFORD ROAD:
Streaming Link Coming Soon!
