Texas-raised, Seattle-based musician Rusty Reid is back with yet another compellingly brilliant musical work, “Head to Heart (Remix).” It is a standout album in his discography that is remastered and re-released for its fifth anniversary. This thematically expansive and genre-blending opus feels both strikingly familiar and boldly new, delightfully timeless and urgently relevant.
The 18-track album spans across a variety of affecting themes, from the meaning of life, human history, unity, existentialism, hope, and more, while also traversing through many genres like blues, country rock, eastern music, folk, and psych rock. Styles of Roy Orbison, The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Byrds and many other legendary artists seep through the sound. The double album, essentially, goes from exploring more philosophical and spiritual stories in the first half towards a more hard-hitting, unflinchingly honest criticism of the contemporary world’s failures, dysfunctions, and degeneration in the second half.
Opening with “Too Many Poor Theme” the album sees a psychedelic, ethereal start. Wistful synths waltz alongside sharp acoustic guitar melodies, setting the tone for the wisdom and wonder that is about to unravel.
Next in line, songs like “The Story of Now” and “The Meaning of Life” dive head first into themes of universal curiosity. The former narrates the history of the universe in just over five minutes. The latter, in simple words, explores what truly makes our life meaningful and fulfilling- the pursuit of happiness. Both songs have heartwarming soundscapes, driven by lively rhythms, emotive guitar riffs, and sincere singing.
The title track, “Head to Heart,” in effect lays down the foundation of the album, that true harmony and self-actualization lies in the unity of both the intellectual and emotional self, the head and the heart, the joining of these inner worlds through love, however far apart they seem and however difficult the journey between the two may be. With invigorating, deftly executed guitar melodies, galloping rhythms, and emotive vocals this song absorbs you in its clear, captivating soundscape.
In songs like “Ancient Stones,” “To Find Me,” and “I Went Searching” the protagonist sets out on a transformational journey of self-discovery. The intricate, masterful guitar work and atmospheric production in these tracks creates an immersive and moving ambiance that inspires the listener to reflect on their path forward in life. There are notes of funk, 80s-inspired rock feel, and rock n roll revelry scattered in the soundscapes of these songs ensuring that despite the heavy themes, the energy is soaring and the spirits are high.
“Eldorado” and “There Is a Pleasure in the Pathless Woods” brings to the fore Rusty Reid’s literary inspirations. These songs bring a dynamism and vibrancy to the old texts with rich melodic direction and heartfelt vocal performance.
“Sat Cit Ananda,” further expands on Rusty Reid’s vast source of inspiration. It is based on the Hindu concept of existential bliss and divine universal consciousness and taps into the wonderful, 60s-sounding, Eastern spiritual aesthetic by showcasing sitar, bongos, and psych-folk notes in the standout, gripping soundscape.
As the album transitions into the second half, the listener is plunged into a vivid world of piercing directness, audacious critiquing, and stirring reflections. Rusty Reid delves into the dismal state of modern society, tackling issues like wealth disparity, environmental destruction, and systemic oppression.
“Your Tummy,” brings on this change with its gritty punk-tinged sound. “Passion or Fashion” is teeming with a pop-rock infectiousness that translates well with the wry honesty in the lyricism. “Dismaland,” with its ominous melodies and dystopian themes, lays bare the dangers of power-hungry corporations driving the world but also retains a sense of hope, resilience, and change.
“Another Way” ushers in the end of a long, thought-provoking musical journey on a welcome and defiantly optimistic note. Touching up on existential truths, like the ephemerality of reality and the inherent absurdity of creation, Rusty Reid asserts that despite it all, everything is real, alive, and present, and in that is true beauty which deserves to be appreciated, protected, and enjoyed.
The message is crystal clear- only through love, compassion, and unity can the world become a better place, and the time to change has never been more necessary and urgent. “Head to Heart (Remix)” is no ordinary album, it is an ode to humanity; its beauty and failings, its wonders and horrors, and its rareness and universality. The production deserves special mention as it displays Rusty Reid’s instrumental, imaginative, and intellectual brilliance, given that he wrote, played, and recorded every element of the songs, and has now offered his superior mixing skills developed over the years as well. His attention to detail shines through, given the meticulous production and seamless cohesion of the songs despite being so wide-ranging, both in terms of sound and story. If you are a fan of philosophical depth, musical intricacy, and heartfelt activism, this is a work that demands to be heard and felt.
Listen to Rusty Reid’s Head to Heart (Remix) album here!
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