CD review: Pat McGee – These Days

Pat McGee’s newest album, These Days (The Virginia Sessions), comes off as a mix between soft country and rock. Some songs sound more country, others have a hint of jazz and a few have a more rock and roll feel. Each song is like tasting a different wine ― they are all good but all different.

The band hit the mark when it comes to good lyrics. The listener can tell that a lot of time and effort was put into making the lyrics and sound. But most of all, there is heart behind the music ― and it does show. This is some of the most heart-felt music I have listened to in a while. The music seems to let the listener express him or herself in a way that can be difficult to do alone.

Each song tells a story, and each has a different feel and tune. The song “All Over You” sounds more country than some of the others. The lyrics are about getting over a relationship and all the troubles that come with it ― a subject to which a lot of people would be able to relate.

The three songs that evoked the most emotion were “Elizabeth”, “Maybe It’s Time” and “End of October.” “End of October” is a song that seems especially geared to the memory of the hard time the band went through with the loss of their friend Chris Williams. The band put a lot into this album emotionally, and I would recommend it to anyone.
― Julie Rice