Greetings dearest gentle reader and music lovers, Let’s welcome US artist Rosetta West. On 16th January, this artist released a twelve-song album called “Night’s Cross”. Night’s Cross” is an intriguing, non-depressing, yet morbid reflection on death and loss. Rather, it inspires with artistic audacity, utilizing a diverse array of styles and genres, woven together, to portray human dignity amidst mortality and frailty. It’s also good folk, rock, and blues. Let’s talk more about this album
The album starts with the song “Save Me”. This song starts with a super fun bass sound. The song is very enjoyable and talks about a character who tells his lover that he needs her. There is an amazing electric guitar solo that is extremely incredible. This song gives listeners a peak into what the album is going to be
The next song is called “Dora Lee”. The song opens with great guitar riffs. The song is about a character who is singing his heart out about a girl called Dora Lee. He tells her how she’s always on his mind (” There’s nothing in my mind except you”). The guitar sounds, solo, and vocal performance are gritty and commanding and they complement each other perfectly
“Diana” is The next song’s title. This song opens with slow and deep guitar sounds. The song is about a character who is willing to do anything he can to please Diana, no matter the cost. The mouth percussion and dramatic instrumentation just give listeners the perfect backdrop to the love story of the song’s character and Diana. The guitar solo was a captivating time in the song and listeners will be thrilled with this song
“You’ll be the death of me” is the song that follows. Very bold bass sounds open this song. This song mentions the character Dora Lee from the second song also called “Dora Lee”. In this song, the other persona in the song talks about how Dora Lee will be the death of him. So listeners can look at this song through two different lenses. The first is positive since he mentions that he loves Dora Lee or in a negative way where she goes out of her way to make things difficult for him and is driving him crazy. Whatever lens you choose to look at this song though, you should remember that Dora Lee has been mentioned again and gives the song a cohesive storyline for listeners to follow
Up next is the song called “Alligator Farm”. This song is country-infused right from the beginning. The song illustrates a story about salvation and being helped by another character. The mouth percussion is very distinct and exciting. This song has perfect instrumentation that listeners will fall in love with
The next song is “Cold Winter Moon”. The song opens with very dreamy guitar sounds. The song talks about a person who is left alone in the cold both literally and metaphorically and is surrounded by unfamiliar people, the character is also regretting a choice he made that must have hurt someone he loves. The guitar solo and mouth percussion give the song depth and profundity that is unmatched
“Desperation” is the song that follows. This song opens with tribal drum sounds and a stringed instrument. The song is about a character who is very near despair and desperation and is not afraid of it. This person has overcome the fear associated with desperation and knows that he will fight for a way out of it. The instrumentation is fresh and unique. This song will strike a chord with listeners and encourage them to stand up to what we are afraid of
“On death” is the title of the next song. The song opens with a guitar sound that makes you feel as if you’re In medieval times, chugging down your mead very passionately. This song is a bit sad as the subject matter Isa a bit heavy but don’t worry the instrumentation keeps it lighthearted and interesting. The guitar solo was very beautiful and goes with the song hand in hand
“Ready to go” is the title of the next song. This song opens with a guitar riff that sounds like a sea shanty which is very exciting. This song is about a character who is ready to die. He requests the preacher be called. This type of bravery is very bold. The song talks about the inevitability of life and being strong when it’s your time to go. The mouth percussion, vocals, and guitar sounds are very exciting and will take listeners into the story of the song
Up next is the song called “Baby Doll”. This song is very upbeat right from the start. In this song, the character warns a potential love interest that things will not go well if they end up together. He reminds her that she knows him and he remains the same and being together is going to be a train wreck. Listeners don’t find out if she insists on still being together with the character but the little of what we have learned about her tells us that she is very stubborn and is most likely to get her way. The song has a fun story and the structure of the song is just to die for
The last song on the album is called “Underground Again”. This is another country rock song that is very captivating from the start. The song talks about a character who has chosen to leave a particular place because he feels imprisoned and can’t breathe. This is another show-stopping performance, vocals? Check, instrumentation. Check. This song is the total package from the beginning right to the very end. This awesome song ends the album
The album was everything and then some. The songs each had something to say. Listeners get a bit of every genre in this album which is very impressive. I had a ball from the beginning right to the end. Rosetta West is a very talented artist and I can’t wait to hear more of his music
Stream the “Night’s Cross” album on Spotify
Follow Rosetta West on their socials; Twitter, Bandcamp, YouTube