Album Review: Everything Turned Blue / The Wisdom Of A Fool by Billy Joe Royal
Alright, let’s talk about this little gem from 1967—Billy Joe Royal’s Everything Turned Blue / The Wisdom Of A Fool. If you’re into that trippy, late-60s vibe where rock meets pop with a dash of psychedelia, this one’s worth a spin. Released on Columbia in Canada and the US, it’s not your typical chart-topper, but man, does it have character.
First up, “The Wisdom Of A Fool.” This track hits different, you know? It’s got this moody, almost haunting groove to it. The lyrics are kinda raw—like Billy Joe’s spilling his guts about love gone wrong—but there’s also this weirdly uplifting energy behind it. You can tell he’s trying to make sense of life or something deep like that, but instead of being all preachy, it feels real. Like, I dunno, someone just sitting next to you, sharing their messed-up thoughts over a beer. And the guitar work? Super smooth yet edgy enough to keep things interesting. That solo halfway through? Chef’s kiss.
Then there’s “Everything Turned Blue.” Whoa, talk about setting a mood. This song is pure vibes. The opening riff grabs you right away, and before you know it, you’re floating in this dreamy soundscape. It’s psychedelic rock at its finest—not too heavy, not too light. Just… right. What sticks with me most is how the vocals blend with the instrumentation; it’s like they’re having a conversation. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’re hooked. Honestly, I’ve caught myself humming this tune days later without even realizing it. Sneaky good.
What makes this album special isn’t just the music—it’s the way it transports you. Listening to these tracks feels like stepping into another era, where everything was changing fast, and artists were experimenting like crazy. Billy Joe Royal might not be a household name today, but dude had talent. He knew how to craft songs that stick with you long after the needle lifts off the record.
Anyway, here’s the kicker: albums like this remind me why vinyl collectors are obsessed. There’s something magical about digging up old records and finding hidden treasures like Everything Turned Blue / The Wisdom Of A Fool. Like, who needs algorithms when you’ve got dusty bins full of stories waiting to be rediscovered? So yeah, if you stumble across this one, give it a shot. Just don’t blame me if you end up lost in its grooves for hours.
