Album Review: "I've Found A Round A Bout Way To Heaven / At Peace With The World" by Gloria Geer Ray Hamilton
Alright, let me tell ya—this album hit me like a warm breeze on an old porch. Gloria Geer Ray Hamilton’s I’ve Found A Round A Bout Way To Heaven / At Peace With The World is one of those rare gems that feels timeless, even though it came out way back in 1926. It’s pop with heart, vocal-heavy and dripping with soul. Released under the Lincoln label in the US, this record doesn’t just sit there—it sings to you.
The opening track, “At Peace With The World,” hooked me right away. There’s something about Gloria’s voice here—it’s smooth but cracks just enough to feel real, y’know? Like she ain’t trying too hard to impress anyone. She lets the lyrics breathe, and they kinda wrap around you like a soft blanket. You can almost picture her standing in some smoky jazz hall, eyes closed, pouring her whole self into every note. This song stuck with me because it’s simple, honest, and makes you wanna slow down for a sec. In today’s world, where everything’s go-go-go, it’s kinda nice to hear someone say, “Hey, chill out. Be okay.”
Then there’s the title track, “I’ve Found A Round-A-Bout Way To Heaven.” Oh man, this one got me thinking. The melody is sweet, almost playful, but there’s a depth to it that sneaks up on you. Gloria sounds like she’s sharing a secret, whispering about finding joy in the little things life throws your way. I couldn’t stop humming it after the first listen—it’s catchy without being pushy, if that makes sense. And honestly, who doesn’t love the idea of stumbling onto heaven through some roundabout path? Feels like permission to take detours, to get lost and find beauty anyway.
This album isn’t flashy or overproduced—it’s raw in all the best ways. Gloria Geer Ray Hamilton wasn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; she was just telling stories and letting her voice do the talking. That’s what makes it so special. Listening to these tracks felt like flipping through an old photo album, faded edges and all.
Here’s the thing—I didn’t expect to connect with music from nearly a hundred years ago, but here we are. Maybe it’s because Gloria’s songs remind us that people back then weren’t so different from us now. They wanted peace, happiness, and a little slice of heaven too. Funny how music can bridge gaps like that, huh? Anyway, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, give this album a spin. Bet you’ll walk away feeling lighter—and maybe even a tiny bit closer to heaven yourself.
