Randy Steele

Songs From The Suck

(randysteelemusic.com)

There is something captivating about the sound of the local Americana/Bluegrass musician Randy Steele’s debut album. Songs From The Suck is a diverse album that unleashes thought invoking powers, and incites dance parties equally. The blend of powerful instruments, vocals, and lyrics combine to produce a crisp musical masterpiece that will rock any hootenanny or hoedown. 

A spellbinding banjo sound sets the tone on most of the songs, and the album demonstrates a fine display of bluegrass music; something about it feels alive, like it has a heartbeat, perhaps a soul of its own. The songs have a certain perspective that people can instantly connect with, it is the music of southern roots with a modern day twist. 

After songwriting and playing the 5-string banjo for Chattanooga’s buoyant Bluegrass/Americana music group Slim Pickins over the last few years, Randy Steele branched off on a solo project, and Songs From The Suck is the end product. This album derives from an artist unleashing his heart, and pouring every ounce of it into his masterpiece. 

While the album is one of the few in existence that is spirituous from start to finish, a few of the songs really stand out. “Eliza Mae” is a love story that has a bitter sweet story behind it. The emotion involved mixed with clever wording and a catchy tune set the track on fire. “Hideaway” is a universally beautiful song that holds significant emotional and poetic weight; it is super groovy. “Angels With Halos” dives right into the art of storytelling, while instrumental “Shove the Pigs Foot a Little Closer to the Fire” lets the instruments do the talking. 

Steele does a fantastic job of representing music on his album Songs From The Suck, his musical abilities shine as bright as the sun in this authentic display.