SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: STEVE POLTZ – JOYRIDE

STEVE POLTZ
JOYRIDE
RED HOUSE RECORDS

JoyRide is the first album from Steve Poltz in nearly four years, with Stardust and Satellites being released in 2024.  It is also his 14th album and he shows no sign of retiring. In fact, when one listens to JoyRide, it sounds like a new beginning for Poltz. He continues to write in the folk arena, but on this album, he is not afraid to stray into other territories and add arrangements and other

Although he was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, he really grew up in California and formed his first band, The Rugburns, while attending university in San Diego. One can hear the California influence in his music and he does not refrain from tapping into that music scene from the past. With JoyRide, he seems to be dealing with issues and life at his age. It feels like a very honest and open album, set to very catchy and accessible melodies.

“At It Again” (which was written with Jim Lauderdale) may be the most produced track on the album, as the majority of JoyRide is very stripped back to the basics of guitar and rhythm section. While there is his trademark humour, a song like “At It Again” is a very real and painful song. “JoyRide” is a very real account of touring and the troubles of being on the road as a performer combined with a love song. It is sparse, slow, and downright beautiful. Poltz’s voice is perfect for the song, with just enough sorrow mixed with love.

Of course, being Steve Poltz, there has to be some humour, such as the song “Son Of God”, an imaginary conversation between Poltz and Jesus Christ, who is selling encyclopedias. Thirty years ago, this would have raised a lot of eyebrows, but it is not so much controversial as it is charming and humorous. He is also making some very important points in the song, not to mention referencing “The Devil Went Down To Georgia.”

JoyRide is an interesting and entertaining album. There is a great deal to discover with this album. In his own way, he deals with his own mortality and life. He is embracing his age and life stage. But, being Poltz, it is done tongue in cheek and very simple. He is not a writer who creates images, but rather sings about his life. Musically, this is folk-rock, in the same vein as Jimmy Buffett or even early Harry Nilsson. But Poltz has his own distinct style and is able to translate human emotion and feelings into a well-crafted song.

Although Poltz has written with and for many other artists, he sounds most comfortable writing for himself. Not in a selfish way, but on JoyRide he taps into his inner person/soul and has come up with a number of impassioned songs tailored just for him. JoyRide is a wonderful ride and one can only imagine how this will sound when he is performing.

Artist Links