OneSongs 70s Volume Two: Stephen Boyd’s Funky Blues Odyssey
Alright, let’s cut the crap. If you’re into music that slaps with raw soul and grit, OneSongs 70s Volume Two by Stephen Boyd is worth a spin. Released in '98 under OneMusic and FirstCom, this album doesn’t try to be something it ain’t—just straight-up funky blues with a side of swagger. It’s messy, unpolished, and hits harder because of it. And yeah, there are some Stage & Screen vibes sprinkled in there too, like someone took a Broadway soundtrack and threw it into a jukebox at a dive bar.
Now, I’ll keep this short ‘cause life’s too damn short for long-winded reviews. Let me hit you with two tracks that stuck in my brain like gum on a hot sidewalk: "Heads Up Country" and "Runnin’."
“Heads Up Country” kicks things off with a punch-you-in-the-face bassline that screams confidence. This track doesn’t mess around—it grabs your ears by the collar and says, “Listen up, punk.” There’s this dirty guitar riff running through the whole thing, making it feel like you’re cruising down a dusty backroad in a beat-up pickup truck. The vocals? They’re not perfect, but they don’t need to be. That’s what makes it real. You can tell Boyd wasn’t aiming for slick production; he wanted grit, and boy, does he deliver.
Then there’s “Runnin’,” which flips the script entirely. This one feels urgent, like you’re being chased by something—or maybe chasing after something yourself. The drumbeat pounds relentlessly, while the horns blast in like they’ve got something to prove. It’s chaotic, sure, but in the best way possible. Every time I hear it, I get this weird urge to sprint full speed ahead, even if I’m just sitting on my couch eating chips. Don’t ask me why—it just does that to you.
The rest of the album keeps the energy high, though not every track lands as hard as these two. Songs like “No Shades Allowed” and “Red, White & Blue Wrapper” bring their own flavor, but they don’t quite stick in your head the same way. Still, props to Boyd for keeping things unpredictable. Nothing here feels lazy or phoned-in.
So, here’s the deal: OneSongs 70s Volume Two isn’t gonna win any Grammys (especially since it came out decades later), but who cares? It’s raw, real, and refuses to play nice. Listening to this record feels like stepping into a smoky club where everyone knows the band personally—and maybe hates them a little bit too.
Final thought? Screw nostalgia. This album reminds me more of a stubborn old dog than a polished show pony. And honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you need. Now go crank it loud enough to piss off your neighbors. They deserve it anyway.
