Rocky Votolato – True Devotion

In my mind, Rocky Votolato has always been severely underrated when it comes to the wide-open genre of singer/songwriters. His last three albums, Suicide Medicine, Makers, and The Brag & Cuss are great as is the just recently released True Devotion. All of Votolato’s songs bleed with honesty even if sometimes to a fault and the songs on True Devotion are no exception. It is a bit more stripped down and sparse than the albums which preceded it, but it is no less affecting and effective. As Votolato’s words and voice cut like a knife it’s quickly apparent that there is zero posturing involved in these songs; this is his life and these are his songs. When he sings, “I wanna spend more time with you because you make me happy,” it sounds fucking profound despite the simplicity. It’s that simple and that honest, and that’s why he’s so great. I think that Rocky Votolato’s best record is Makers, and while True Devotion doesn’t hit me the same way (at least initially) it’s one hell of a grower and I’ve often found myself humming melodies from songs like “Lucky Clover Coin,” Fragments,” and “Instrument” when I’m least expecting it. Grab your copy today from the wonderful folks Barsuk Records.

MP3:
Rocky Votolato - Red River