[twitter style=”vertical” float=”left”] [fbshare type=”button”] [google_plusone size=”standard” annotation=”none” language=”English (UK)”] Rob Crawford, singer-songwriter, musician and producer hails from Grimsby in the UK, where he cranks out his brand of energetic rock songs, pop ballads and acoustic gems from his studio. Hermit Rock at it’s best – a one man rock band on a mission…
Of he’s new album, Rob says, “It’s really exciting to be able to bring these songs to people and get such great feedback and involvement. And as the album is being put together it’s getting incredibly exciting because I know all the great songs which no-one has heard yet and just know they are going to love them.’
‘Throughout the making of the album, I’ve tried to create the songs I love to listen to. When I started out I wanted to create the album that I would look back on in years to come and feel proud, I wanted to put absolutely everything in, to make the best album I possibly could.
I felt that nothing musically should be out of my grasp, and to build (over 3 years!) the best collection of songs, the best production, the best album and the best experience I possibly could. I wanted to create the album I would want to listen to again and again and not necessarily the album that was easy to create.’
Whether Rob Crawford entirely succeeds in fulfilling his wishes of achieving the “best” in everything, remains to be seen, but clearly Rob does not lack self-esteem nor the will to succeed. And that’s a damn good way to start in rock n’ roll!
“Cross Fingers” is an album that grabs it root sounds from somewhere between the Rolling Stones and The Verve, through Travis and Feeder. It jumps from guitar dominated to keyboard based tracks without the slightest glitch.
The one certain thing, is that Rob Crawford’s sound is true Brit, embracing both the tradional-rock and recent post britpop-rock genres.
The album kicks off with “All I Want To Do”, and straight away the Grimsby Evening Telegraph statement, ‘Jaggeresque sound to the vocal…’ regarding Rob, comes into mind.
“Shoulda Known Betta (Than Forget About Greta)” is a typical tongue-in-cheek rocker, packed with synth sounds and keyboard riffs.
The piano entree of “Bright Young Things Of Wonder” nearly fools you into thinking you’re going to hear Liza Minnelli sing “New York,NewYork”. Happily it turns into a roadrunning belter, that wouldn’t be out of place on an Oasis album. I even hear faint traces of very early Bowie on this one.
“Beautifully Wonderful” is where Rob Crawford really shines, as a vocalist and songwriter. Melodically perfect, Rob never forces his hand, but carries this atmospheric ballad with absolute ease and grace. This is radio-ready and commercially viable on either side of the ocean. If Rob continues to try and achieve his “best” goals, then this is the direction he should be pointing at. This is my favorite track on the album
“Give Me That Smile” is another uptempo rocker n’ roller, along with “The Proof”.
The album has a brilliant interlude with “I Truly Am”. Rob steps back, slings on his six string acoustic, and puts on his best Jagger voice. Anybody remember “Angie” by the Stones? Rob is a caustic balladeer by trade.
“Cross Fingers” steps into overdrive with “When You’re Gone You’re Gone”. All pedals to the floor as Rob lays it down heavy and thick. Roaring guitars, bashing drums and shouting voices. If you like your rock black and unsweetened, this is it.
“Happy Ever After”, “Where Your Dreams Will Go” and “The Brink” ensures that the album moves to a close in rocking style. No peace for the wicked, as Rob Crawford pumps it out with heavy vocal chorusus and screaming guitar solos.
The album closes out with an instrumental piece, entitled “The Last”.
Rob Crawford is said to have been praised and pampered by songwriter Jason Blume (credits for Britney Spear and Backstreet Boys), calling Rob ‘a very talented writer’.
As in life, as in music. The proof is in the pudding.
Has the 3 years work Rob put into this album been enough?
Has he created the songs he loves to listen to?
Has he produced an album that he’d want to listen to again and again?
Rob Crawford already knows the answer.
Isn’t it time you found out?
VISIT ROB CRAWFORD HERE: ROB CRAWFORD HOMEPAGE
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