“Smoke Rings“ by John Michael Hersey

“Smoke Rings” by John Michael Hersey is a poignant folk rock album that explores compelling narratives that highlight Michael Hersey’s singer-songwriter roots. A talented artist based in New York, Michael Hersey delivers his twentieth album with “Smoke Rings,” blending genres with ease to craft intriguing arrangements. His expansive discography never fails to disappoint, and the invigorating rhythms and compelling narratives present throughout this album pull you in and don’t let you go.

The title track of the album, “Smoke Rings,” opens with tapping piano before the drums kick in and set the backbone of the song. Visceral imagery describes an interesting figure at the bar, singing “in a black fedora, sitting at a bar, is a shady character from a film noir.” It is easy to picture the kind of character Michael Hersey is talking about, “blowing smoke rings” just to mark his presence and heighten the mystery he is shrouded in. Interesting percussion, little guitar solos, and the bluesy piano provide the perfect soundscape for the story. 

Another standout track on the album is the closer, “Jaguar.” This song begins with dancing piano melodies and a swaying rhythm. The first line sings “we were lovers long ago, so young and full of fire,” setting up the love story that this song tells. Michael Hersey walks us through this love that begins with naive hope, singing “we were lovers, innocent, but life would make us wise.” The relationship ultimately reaches a “demise,” though, and this emotion is mirrored in the melodic electric guitar dancing through the arrangement, as well as the rippling piano riffs.

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