Catch 22 by Tony Kishman: A Hidden Gem from '97 That Still Hits Right
Alright, let’s talk about Catch 22, the 1997 album by Tony Kishman. If you’re into that sweet spot where rock meets blues with a dash of pop sensibility, this one’s worth a spin. Released under WCG Records in the US, it’s got all the makings of a classic—but somehow flew under the radar for many folks. Let me break it down for ya.
The genres here are pretty clear-cut: Rock, Pop/Rock, and Blues, but don’t think this is just another run-of-the-mill record. The styles lean toward Blues Rock and Soft Rock, which gives it a vibe that feels both laid-back and full of soul. It’s like sipping coffee on a Sunday morning while also wanting to crank up the volume when no one’s looking.
Now, there are some standout tracks on this album that I can’t get out of my head. First up is “Headin’ For A Rough Ride.” This tune hits hard right off the bat—it’s gritty, raw, and has this driving energy that makes you wanna tap your foot or nod along. There’s something about the guitar riffs that stick with you; they feel like they’re telling a story without needing words. And man, when Tony sings “rough ride,” you believe him. You feel like he’s lived it. It’s not overproduced or shiny—it’s real, and that’s what makes it memorable.
Then there’s “Believe in Yourself.” Whoa, does this song pack an emotional punch. It starts off soft, almost whispery, and builds into this big, uplifting anthem. It’s cheesy as heck if you stop to think about it too much (like, yeah, okay, we should believe in ourselves), but dang if it doesn’t make you want to grab life by the horns anyway. The chorus is so catchy it’ll loop in your brain for hours after listening. Plus, the bluesy undertones give it depth—you know, like it’s not trying too hard to be inspirational but ends up being exactly that.
One thing I gotta point out—there seems to be a bit of repetition in the tracklist. Songs like “Modern Girl” and “Catch 22” show up twice, which feels kinda weird. Was this intentional? Did someone mess up during mastering? Either way, it doesn’t ruin the experience, but it might leave you scratching your head a little.
By the time you hit “Serenity,” the closing track, you’re left with this warm, fuzzy feeling. It’s slower, more reflective, and wraps things up nicely. It’s like Tony’s saying, “Hey, thanks for sticking around—we’ve been through a lot together these past few songs.”
Here’s the kicker though: Why didn’t this album blow up bigger back in ’97? Maybe it was overshadowed by grunge winding down or pop starting to take over. Or maybe people weren’t ready for how unapologetically heartfelt it is. Whatever the case, Catch 22 deserves a second look today. Heck, even now, it could fit perfectly on a playlist between John Mayer and Eric Clapton.
So, go ahead and check it out. Give it a listen while cruising down an open road or chilling at home. Just don’t blame me if “Headin’ For A Rough Ride” gets stuck in your head for days. Oh, and hey—if you ever meet Tony Kishman, tell him his music still matters. Sometimes artists need to hear that more than anything else.
