Album Review: Soldiers Joy by Unknown Artist
Ralph's Records brings us Soldiers Joy, a quirky little gem that dances between genres like a kid hopping through puddles. It’s got bits of Children’s music, Jazz, Folk, World, and Country—all stitched together with the charm of a handmade quilt. The album doesn’t try too hard to impress; instead, it feels like an old friend who shows up unannounced but somehow fits right in.
Let’s talk tracks. First up, there’s “Soldiers Joy” (Cued). This one caught my ear because it wears its heart on its sleeve. The cued version has this playful rhythm that sneaks up on you—it’s not perfect, but that’s what makes it memorable. You can almost picture someone humming this tune while shuffling papers or stirring soup. There’s a warmth to it, like sunlight streaming through a dusty window. It’s simple, sure, but sometimes simple sticks.
Then there’s “Soldiers Joy” (Instrumental), which flips the mood entirely. Without lyrics, the focus shifts to the instrumentation, and boy, does it shine. A lilting fiddle takes center stage here, backed by a lazy banjo pluck that feels straight out of a front porch jam session. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to kick off your shoes and sway barefoot in the grass. The imperfections in the recording? They’re part of the deal, adding grit and soul that polished studio albums often lack.
What strikes me most about Soldiers Joy is how unpretentious it feels. It doesn’t care if you call it Jazz or Folk or something else entirely. And honestly? Neither do I. Listening to it reminded me of those random mixtapes people used to make—songs thrown together without overthinking, just because they sounded good side by side.
Here’s the kicker: after listening to this album, I found myself wondering if anyone actually knows who made it. An unknown artist, huh? Feels kinda fitting for a record so humble and genuine. Maybe that mystery is part of its magic. Or maybe I’m just overthinking it. Either way, Soldiers Joy is worth a spin if you’re into music that feels real, raw, and refreshingly human.
Final thought: Whoever pressed play on this project must’ve had a smile on their face—and now, so do I.
