Coyle Girelli ‘Out Of This Town’ Album Review by Graham Finney
The name Coyle Girelli might not mean much to most people, but as a songwriter, he has penned songs for BTS, Daisy the Great, Robin Schulz, Westlife and many others. That makes him not only a big deal in “the industry” but a man who has an incredible amount of talent to share. As if to further demonstrate his talent, Girelli has co-written this country-folk album with the late legendary songwriter Mac Davis.
Opening with a familiar country twang, while Out of This Town doesn’t stray too far from the country formula, once Girelli opens his mouth and the title track sets this album off on its journey, you’d best be ready for an emotional journey from this powerful songwriter. Combine Girelli’s own creative talent with that of his late friend, and the result is as magical as it is powerful.
Having met in 2014, the friendship and creative connection between the two saw Davis, who counts songs for such musical icons as Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton amongst his credits, describe the British songwriter as “the next Roy Orbison”. That is a lofty comparison to make and sets the bar high for Girelli to deliver something spectacular, but as you hear his voice wring out every emotional word on this record, Girelli very much matches that expectation.
Haunting, soulful, and almost weary at times, Girelli’s voice is perfect for the themes of heartbreak, love, loss, and relationship troubles which litter this album. Written in partnership with his songwriter friend, the album also sees Girelli duet with the likes of KT Tunstall on the tender “Lost To The River”, Jamie Wyatt on the emotional “Never Thought I’d See You Again”, and Cassandra Lewis on the simple but powerful “Everyone But Me And You”.
At its core, ‘Out Of This Town’ is a simple album with all the traits of a good example of the genre. Where it stands out is how, having learned from his legendary mentor, Girelli has soaked up that knowledge and experience, weaving it into his music.
Described as a “soul-stirring” album, ‘Out Of This Town’ is an example of country music at its finest. Stirring, emotional, heartwrenching, everything about this album demonstrates an artist who is at the top of their game. Of course, you could say that, with someone as iconic in the genre as Mac Davis by your side, you had better be on fire. Listening to this album, it’s impossible to find any drop in the quality from Girelli and, when it wraps up with Mac’s version of “I Wanna Make Love” featuring the man himself, the master and his pupil side by side forms the perfect way to sign off this stunning album.
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