Review – Island Soul by Rick Strickland

One of the most talented artists in Beach Music today is Rick Strickland. Not only did he write every tune on his second solo CD, he also produced, arranged, engineered and mixed this project on KHP Music. “Bubba White’s” leads off this twelve-song ensemble of melodic poetry. This driving dance tune is sure to be one that will find favor on radio and in the clubs. Next, you can slow it down a bit with “Love The Night Away”, a nice smoothie. “I’m Happy” starts off with a testimony of love then gets into a nice dance groove. Some great guitar work greets our ears in “Best Love”, another smoothie. A song that could be the anthem of everyone in the music business, “I Need Some Money” is next, followed by the belly rubber, “So Do I”, one of my favorites here. Another song of devotion, “Your Love Is My Rock” is next, followed by the sure bet, “Winner”. Dead on harmonies kick off “Nice While It Lasted”, another of my favorites. This is another one that should be popular with the dancers who thrive on the smooth grooves. In the next tune, Rick tells a special someone, “Together We’ll Find Our Way”. In the following song, a plea is made to the singer’s love interest that if things aren’t as they seem, just let him live in his dream, because as he puts it, “I Don’t Wanna Know”. “Bad Situation” is an organ laden slice of funk that wraps things up for us here. It would not surprise me to see a line dance worked out to this one. If you enjoyed Rick’s earlier tunes like “Something Smooth” and “One Step Closer”, you will thoroughly enjoy this CD. So go ahead, and add it to your collection.

Buy it Now from Southern Soul

Leave a Comment