St Hollywood – A Genre-Bending Journey That Stays With You
Released in 2016 under The Sound Of Hollywood, Inc., St Hollywood is one of those albums that refuses to be boxed into a single category. With its sprawling mix of Folk, Pop, Funk/Soul, Rock, Adult Contemporary, and Blues, it feels like an ambitious experiment—and mostly, it works. The album leans into styles like Blues Rock, Bluegrass, and Contemporary R&B, giving listeners a little taste of everything. It’s messy in the best way possible, kind of like flipping through radio stations and finding gems everywhere.
What makes this record stand out isn’t just its genre mashup but how well some tracks stick with you long after they’ve ended. Take “Lost In The Glow,” for instance. It’s dreamy yet grounded, with layers of instrumentation that feel both intimate and cinematic. There’s something hypnotic about the way the melody builds—soft at first, then swelling into a rich soundscape that pulls you right in. It’s hard not to get lost (pun intended) in its warm vibe. And when JD Webb joins on vocals? Magic happens. His voice adds depth without overshadowing the original mood, making this version unforgettable.
Another standout track is “The Devil Is in the Details (feat. Jimmy Z).” This one hits harder than expected. The gritty guitar riffs paired with Jimmy Z’s raw energy bring a Blues Rock edge that feels refreshingly authentic. Lyrically, it digs into themes of temptation and consequence, delivered with enough swagger to keep things engaging. Honestly, every time I hear it, I catch myself nodding along like I’m front-row at a live show. It’s got that electric quality that makes you wanna crank up the volume.
One thing worth mentioning is the sheer number of collaborations here. Tracks like “Beautiful Yesterday (feat. Sandra Webb)” or “You Would Be Mine (feat. Maiya Sykes)” showcase different vocal textures, adding variety across the album. But while these features are enjoyable, they sometimes blur together if you’re listening straight through. Still, there’s no denying the talent involved—it’s clear everyone brought their A-game.
Looking back, St Hollywood feels less like a traditional album and more like a musical scrapbook. Each song tells its own story, tied loosely by shared threads of emotion and experimentation. Is it perfect? Nah. Some transitions between genres feel jarring, and a few tracks could’ve been trimmed for impact. But maybe that’s part of its charm: it doesn’t try too hard to fit any mold.
Here’s the unexpected kicker, though: despite all the big names and bold choices, the album leaves me wondering who St Hollywood really is. Are they a band? A collective? A concept? Whatever the answer, they’ve created something that lingers—not because it’s flawless, but because it dares to take risks. And honestly? We need more of that in music today.
