Song Review:
Roly Poly
Overall Impression:
Roly Poly is a new country swing tune from the American artist Nolan Bruce Allen. Opening with harmonized guitars clean enough to make Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed proud, the band passes around solos before handing the stage to Allen who tells the story of Roly Poly. A voracious eater, Roly Poly has an insatiable appetite eating everything from soup to hay, but it's necessary if he's going to be a man some day. Separated by fantastic instrumental solo sections, the verses bring an abundance of charm and whimsy all held together by a toe-tapping rhythm. It's not often a song can make this reviewer grin from beginning to end, but Nolan Bruce Allen has managed to do just that with Roly Poly.
Strongest Point(s):
The solo sections from the band are hard to beat. Every solo is expertly executed and always drives the song forward. The lyrics are also very cute and funny, which adds so much to an already fantastic song.
Target Audience Appeal:
This quick country swing will play well in a honky tonk or a backyard. Fans of old school country and bluegrass will love this new tune by Nolan Bruce Allen.
Artist target suggestions:
Brad Paisley, Chet Atkins, Jerry Reed, Merle Haggard, Hank Williams, Earl Scruggs, Bob Willis & His Texas Playboys, Roy Orbison
About the Reviewer:
Zachary Larson is a professional touring guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. Getting his start in high school rock bands, he has since toured internationally as a classical chamber musician, in the show band onboard luxury cruise lines, and with the broadway musical Finding Neverland. His recorded work spans from classical works and jazzy holiday tunes, to mind-bending experimental music. His arrangements of orchestral music are published through Clear Note Publications. Classically trained, he holds a Master of Music degree from the University of Denver.
Vocals: Strength
Lyrics: Strength
Instrumental Performance/Execution: Strength
Melody/Rhythm: Strength
Arrangement/Flow: Strength
Recording Quality/Overall Mix: Strength