Riding the crest of the genre’s popularity, country music is experiencing a renaissance. As fans, we are blessed with a steady stream of new tracks from both well-established and emerging artists, each adding their unique voices to the rich tapestry of the genre. One such artist making notable waves is Gary Pratt, a Pittsburgh native whose latest single, “Number One Fan,” has been climbing the charts, making its mark on the country music landscape. This blog will provide a detailed review of this chart-topping single and delve into the artist behind the music.

Produced by Bryan Cole and featuring the renowned musician Adam Ernst, “Number One Fan” is a re-imagined version of a song Gary wrote years ago about his mother. This modern spin on a traditional country track showcases Gary’s adaptability and his willingness to shake up the country music scene. He successfully took a song that was deeply personal and made it universal, resonating with fans and critics alike.

The process of re-writing the track at the studio not only provided a fresh perspective but also allowed Gary to stay true to the essence of the original song. It’s a testament to Gary’s talent and skill that he could take an existing piece and breathe new life into it, making it relevant and appealing to the audience of today.

“Number One Fan” serves as the seventh single from Gary’s 2021 album release, “Something Worth Remembering,” following his radio hit “Til Your Boots Are Dirty.” This album is indeed something worth remembering, marking a significant point in Gary’s career and further cementing his place in the country music scene.

The central theme of “Number One Fan” is quite relatable. It speaks to everyone who has ever had a ‘number one fan’ in their life – a person who loves them unconditionally, supports them, and believes in their dreams. This universal message has endeared the song to a wide range of listeners, crossing borders and age groups.

Gary himself has a deep personal connection to this song, originally writing it for his mother. This emotional depth is evident in his soulful performance, adding a layer of authenticity that listeners can easily relate to. As Gary said, “A lot of people say ‘I’m your number one fan’ for many reasons. The truth is when you find that true forever love in your life, they are your number one fan and will always be.”

The fan and critical reception of “Number One Fan” has been overwhelmingly positive. Upon release, the single reached #8 on the UK iTunes Country Songs chart. Considering the competitiveness of the country music scene, this achievement speaks volumes about the quality of the single and the resonance it has with its listeners.

Gary Pratt is not just a singer or a songwriter; he is an energetic country entertainer who connects with his audience on a deep level. Born and bred in the small, old coal-mining town of Slickville, Pennsylvania, Gary’s early life was filled with the sounds and stories of country music. His rural upbringing and the values instilled in him have significantly influenced his music, grounding it in authenticity and relatability.

In conclusion, Gary Pratt’s “Number One Fan” is a stellar example of modern country music done right. It embodies the heart and soul of country, coupled with a modern twist that makes it appealing to a broad audience. Gary’s heartfelt performance, the poignant lyrics, and the catchy tune make it a hit that deserves all the praise it has received.

 

I’m no stranger to Robert LaRoche’s songwriting. Longtime songwriter, solo artist, and frontman for The Sighs, LaRoche enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a songwriter’s songwriter who commands respect from his peers and has a devoted following stretching back years. I approached his new solo release Forevermore with excitement. My faith in his abilities proved well-placed as LaRoche serves up ten songs rich with the accumulated experiences of a lifetime and brimming with the same unique talents that have secured his place in the modern indie music scene. For those familiar with him, Forevermore is a reaffirmation of his gifts while, for newcomers, it gives them an excellent place to start their discovery of his work.

 Acoustic guitar is integral to this album and “Steal Your Heart” announces that from the first. This isn’t a folky singer-songwriter effort, however, as LaRoche’s decades-long experience fronting bands serves him well here and elsewhere. It’s a full-throated ensemble performance replete with satisfying changes and a lyric that veers between aching affection and borderline heartbreak. Zonder Kennedy’s guitar solo puts a fiery exclamation point on “Burn That Kingdom Down”, the album’s second song, but LaRoche’s lyrics are equally impressive. He writes and sings as if this were one of those songs that took a week or so to write and two decades to live. The sense of stakes is audible from beginning to end.

 

“Forevermore” is a strong title song. LaRoche aims for more of a mood piece with this cut and the diverse instrumentation he utilizes for the collection surfaces here in a pronounced way. He frames the unattainable object of LaRoche’s desire at the heart of this song in tasteful poetic lyrics that he’s well suited for conveying with his voice. Vocal harmonies play an important role in fleshing out many of Forevermore’s songs and sweeten the obvious vulnerability underlying a song such as “Safter Inside”. It adopts the same semi-brisk pace as many of the release’s other songs but never feels rushed.

He serves up a nuanced song about lost love with “Temporary Virtue” and mature listeners will appreciate his unique take on the subject. There’s heartache and regret galore throughout this lyric. LaRoche and the sensitive arrangement conspire well to communicate those emotions. It lays his heart bare in a more direct fashion, at least musically than some of the preceding songs while being no less effective. The rueful “Traitorous Heart” gains a lot of traction from the contrasting laid back character of its arrangement and LaRoche’s scornful lyrics. He lays out betrayal and undermining behavior in a matter of fact manner. There are hints of the underlying resentment, however, provided by the song’s electric guitar passages.

This is a thoroughly successful release from beginning to end. Robert LaRoche deserves fulsome praise for his ability to write about a subject as old as song itself, love, in such an individualistic fashion. He isn’t remaking the songwriting wheel with Forevermore, but he pours old wine into new bottles with a skillfulness that deserves our applause and attention. 

Jamie Morse