CD Review of Roger Hurricane Wilson CD – I DID WHAT I WANTED TO – 2019
CD Review of Roger Hurricane Wilson’s – “I Did What I Wanted To!”-
If you want to know who Roger Hurricane Wilson is, listening to this latest CD will tell you a lot. From “I’m Coming Home” to “Why I Do What I Do”, you get an honest opinion in some cases, or maybe an emotion you can relate to yourself. There’s no doubt that you’ll find some of the moods, temperament, and opinions to be familiar. Everyone’s story has a different ending but when you can relate in any way to a song, you can feel that connection to the artist. That’s what makes this CD so special. This album not only offers honesty, but a realistic look at life, love and even a little history. From growing up and what was expected and delivered, to traveling to the different cities and back home again, Roger shows just how he did what he wanted to in a bluesy style with an occasional country twist.
The title track, “I Did What I Wanted To” starts out with a confident guitar attitude, letting you know right off the bat who’s in charge! This song brings to mind the famous quote by Robert Frost. “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” That last part has a lot of meaning; those roads less traveled by Roger in his career are what has made all the difference. With a career spanning over 40 years, he’s earned the right to do it his way. He’s had experiences that didn’t turn out the way he wanted, and some that did! In the end, this song sums it up perfectly. He even answers the “why” in “Why I Do What I Do”. It’s a simple statement, and a matter-of-fact account of how he can just pick up his guitar and write about what’s happening, what’s around him, in story fashion. It may seem like something insignificant at the time until you pay attention to the song that’s trying to write itself for you. You just have to listen to what it’s telling you and translate it into words and music – Roger does this to perfection!
Other songs on this album make you think. “Sittin On a Stallion” reaches into places you might not expect. No, it’s not about a horse. It’s really a compassionate song with a message to those that may be hurting. Even though life may buck and kick leaving you feeling like you have no idea what you’re doing or where to turn, just keep the faith, keep going. I’m Through with the Blues – An oxy-moron type song – a great blues artist that’s through with the blues? That can’t be right! Having no real regrets in life, feeling pretty good actually about the way life has gone – none of that “woe is me” attitude. I guess he’s just not accepting the negative side of the blues but looking upward and onward to the next opportunity when one doesn’t go as planned, which happens sometimes because the world is not what is used to be. A great synopsis of that analogy is laid out in “This Crazy World”. An almost reminiscent bluesy rock opening leads you to a story about how things have changed, especially with kids these days! It’s all gotten out of hand! “Legacy of Ted Turner” adds some real history to this album. Mr. Turner was definitely a big name in Atlanta and deserves recognition. It’s good to see he’s getting that on this album. Also seems appropriate that this recognition is on an album called “I Did What I Wanted To” because he did!
Oh, and you even get a Christmas song on this album! “Why Can’t it Be Like Christmas Everyday” gives you a glimpse into what that could be like. People just being kind to each other, every day – not just on Christmas.
“I Did What I Wanted To” is definitely a great CD with depth, charm, stories, and life! I mean with a title like that, it has to be!
CD Review written by Brenda Lorenz
Beat Atlanta Online Magazine