Chris Simmons – A Raw, Unfiltered Gem That Punches You in the Gut
Alright, let’s talk about Chris Simmons’ self-titled album from 2018. It’s folk, it’s ballads, and yeah, there’s a touch of that worldy-country vibe too. But don’t come here expecting some polished pop-star crap—this is raw, gritty storytelling straight outta the UK & Europe scene. Self-released under his own label? Damn right. You can tell he didn’t wait for anyone to give him permission to make something real.
Now, I gotta say, this record isn’t perfect—but holy hell, does it hit hard when it wants to. Two tracks stuck with me like gum on a shoe: You Could Have It All and The Deepest Wound. Let’s break ‘em down quick.
First up, You Could Have It All. This one sneaks up on you like an old friend who’s seen better days. The lyrics are sharp as a knife—Simmons doesn’t waste words. He tells you exactly what he means without sugarcoating anything. There’s no grand orchestra or flashy production; just his voice, stripped bare, and a melody that feels like walking home late at night after everything goes wrong. It’s haunting but weirdly comforting, like hearing someone else admit they’re lost too.
Then there’s The Deepest Wound, which punches you square in the chest. It’s slow-burning, almost painful in how much emotion gets poured into every note. By the time the chorus kicks in, you’re not just listening anymore—you’re feeling it. And damn if that doesn’t stick with you long after the song ends. It’s not cheerful by any stretch, but man, it’s honest. Like, “yeah, life sucks sometimes” honest. No apologies. No excuses.
Other tracks like Kids and Rabbit In The Tail Light show range—he’s got stories to tell, and he ain’t afraid to switch tones mid-album. But honestly, those two standout tracks? They’re worth the price of admission alone.
Here’s the kicker though: Chris Simmons doesn’t care if you love this album or hate it. He made it because he had to. Because these songs clawed their way out of him whether he liked it or not. And maybe that’s why it works so well—it’s unapologetically human. Flaws and all.
Reflection time: Listening to this album feels like finding a handwritten letter tucked inside an old book. Personal. Messy. Real. So yeah, sure, go ahead and stream it—but only if you’re ready for music that actually feels something instead of just sounding good. Oh, and hey—don’t thank me later. Thank Chris. Or don’t. Either way, he probably won’t lose sleep over it.
