American singer songwriter Eric Douglas releases charming and insightful new album, Open Sky.

By Graeme Smith

Though new to our pages, Eric has been writing and performing music since the 1960s and is proponent of his local Sacramento, California scene. His new album, Open Sky, is fourteen tracks that beautifully showcase his range and songwriting ability.

The album kicks off in a lively fashion with Brand New Day. There’s a wonderful optimism about it, and oodles of storytelling in its lyrics, smoothly delivered by Eric’s vocals. It sets things off on the right foot and leads nicely into the album’s title track, Open Sky. It brings with it a vibrant folksiness and hint of Paul Simon. It’s an early highlight.

Every Time I Look is moody and heart-breaking before I’ll Keep Waiting shakes off the blues with a punchy classic pop-rock number. Making Up My Mind keeps things classic during a soul-searching moment. My Mama Loved Me is bright and tropical before Driving rounds off the album’s first half with some dynamic country.

The River kicks off a second half that also includes the warm and pleading Start with a Heart, the soulful classic rock of Old Photograph, and the groovy Matter and Time. Enough for Me is folky and philosophical while The True Searcher is expansive and rich with narrative. Reach closes the album with a gentle, acoustic encouraging vignette. It’s the perfect way to round off this charming and insightful collection.

Eric Douglas has a timeless song writing approach that will appeal to music lovers young and old. You can hear how much thought and effort that’s gone into all his songs, and his delivery oozes with compelling charisma. You need to check out his new album.

Open Sky is set for release this Friday, 18 October 2024.