Album Review – Frankie Ballard’s “El Rio”
Frankie Ballard is right there. On the brink. Just a few little tweaks away from being something really cool in the country space that’s missing and necessary; someone with a classic cool factor like Dwight Yoakam had when he burst onto the scene. We’re used to seeing the parade of bros all done up in their backwards baseball caps and beat up T-shirts with manicured holes in them. But Frankie Ballard is a space apart from all of that, and a more authentic character whose a little bit behind the trend cycle in a good way, and looking a bit lost in today’s mainstream.
You want to root for Frankie Ballard, because we need a young kid like him to come onto the scene like a James Dean character and shake things up by showing the others the true and timeless definition of “cool.” But alas, when he opens his mouth, those cringe-inducing cliches about beer and girls come flowing out, and you just about want to throttle yourself. Yes, there’s real instrumentation behind it, and just a little bit of rock and roll to suck you in and keep you slightly interested. But ultimately, the idea of Frankie Ballard remains much better than the result.
El Rio is Ballard’s third album, and it has a number of really infectious, but intelligently-crafted songs on it that aside from the considerations of genre loyalty or quality of songwriting are just plain good listening. There’s a song on here called “L.A. Woman” that has a quirky, built-in key change that really grabs your attention, while finding a great groove leading into a juicy chorus, and is ripe for hitting repeat on. There’s another song called “Sweet Time,” that’s a little slower and swaying, and like “L.A. Woman,” works like a late 80’s white T-shirt innocent and enjoyable rock song that is reminiscent of a better time in music.
These two tracks happen to not just be the best selections from El Rio, but the duo of songs from the album that Frankie co-wrote, implying that if Frankie Ballard was left to his own devices, perhaps he would come up with something pretty damn cool, especially for the mundanity of mainstream country. But ultimately these songs illustrate the outliers, while a few of the worst tracks on the album work to indict the entire work for unforgivable crimes and misdemeanors against country music, especially the song “Little Bit of Both.”
“You’re a naughty little wine
In a hip hop line
You’re a William Shakespeare sonnet
Jerry Jeff, JAY Z
You got a middle of a bench seat
Baby with your nickname on it”
Please, nobody inform Jerry Jeff Walker his name just got dropped in a “country” song beside Jay Z; we’ve lost enough country legends this year. Ben Hayslip’s grubby little handiwork is all over this country music embarrassment. And dammit Frankie Ballard better hope they release this song as a single and it makes him a million dollars, because otherwise he just gave up his meal ticket with fans of meaningful country for the foreseeable future for nothing.
But mostly, El Rio sits somewhere in the middle. “Wasting Time” has a good groove and could almost get lumped into the positive pile of songs, except that it says “girl” 24 times. Yes, 24 damn times. It’s little decisions like these in the songwriting that keep this record and many of its songs from being as cool as they could be, which is frustrating. An act like Florida Georgia Line, you can just write them off completely. But you know there’s a nugget of authenticity and coolness inside of Ballard. It’s just trying to ferret it out in the impossible environment of mainstream country that makes it feel so frustrating.
And moreover, it must be pointed out that El Rio really isn’t a country record. There’s not one country song or country moment to take away from it. At the risk of committing country music sacrilege, you could make the argument that even Sam Hunt’s Montevallo has more country on it. At least there’s the appearance of a banjo on that record, and songs about small town stuff here and there. El Rio is a straight up rock record, and though that might be more agreeable than an EDM fest, it would be hypocritical to not point out it’s lack of country-ness.
READ: Song Review – Frankie Ballard’s “It All Started With A Beer”
And taken as a rock record, there’s a handful of really solid songs to walk away from the project with and be happy. A little imponderous, but “L.A. Woman” is kind of a jam, like a deep cut from The Cult, and we shouldn’t judge ourselves or others for enjoying it. Ballard’s cover of Bob Seger’s “You’ll Accompany Me” is not half bad, and the final song “You Could Have Loved Me” at least attempts to instill this project with some meaningful moments.
But the ultimate failing of El Rio is we all know it could have been much better by unleashing what is truly at the heart of Frankie Ballard’s passion for music, and allowing him to do his worst and see what happens. He could be the throwback 50’s style guitar-slinging country rock rascal that all the guys want to be, and all the girls want to screw. Instead we only got glimpses of that, just enough to frustrate you, and enough Bro-Country moments to throw many off the scent, and sour the whole thing for others. This is Frankie’s third record on a major label. Will he get a fourth? Whatever happens, hopefully we eventually get and album where Frankie Ballard is Frankie Ballard, and before he loses his suave and himself to the machine, so our suspicions of him as a badass can be validated.
1 1/4 Guns Down (4/10)
(despite a few decent songs)
SteveG
July 12, 2016 @ 8:08 am
I’m so disappointed to find out that the sound does not at all match the look.
Convict charlie
July 12, 2016 @ 2:46 pm
He used to have long hair when I first came out. Changed his image completely. When “tell me you get lonely” broached the mid thirties of the charts.
SteveG
July 12, 2016 @ 8:09 am
I mean, for some of the songs on here, he’d be better suited wearing a ballcap backwards with a white v-neck and a pair of pre-ripped designer jeans.
justin casey
July 12, 2016 @ 8:54 am
this isn’t a bad album it’s just forgettable it just kind of exists
Mike W.
July 12, 2016 @ 9:59 am
The bad songs are really, really bad and pull the album down with it. As a “heartland rock” album, it has some decent to high points. “El Camino” is a fun song that doesn’t insult the listener both lyrically or production wise. “Good as Gold” is a bit weak on the storytelling side, but has a decent hook and melody and production. “LA Woman” is decent 80’s rock. If this was released as an EP with about 6 songs on it, I would like it a hell of a lot more, because there are about 5-6 decent to good songs on this album. It’s just that the remaining 6 songs or so are complete crap and pull the entire endeavorer way, way down and turn it into a forgettable album.
justin casey
July 13, 2016 @ 1:53 pm
as far as heartland rock goes i think wild ones the album kip moore put out last year is a much better example el rio is a straight up rock record with slight country instrumentation and a few good songs and a few really bad ones i do like the bob seger cover but as a whole i found the album pretty forgettable
RD
July 12, 2016 @ 9:06 am
He looks like Judd Nelson’s body double from Breakfast Club. L.A. Woman isn’t terrible. 80’s rock sound. Reminiscent of Cinderella, Bango Tango, etc… That other song is horrible. You’ll Accompany Me is Seger’s best song. I’ll have to check that out.
Charlie
July 12, 2016 @ 9:20 am
I think it’s just a matter of time until scientists find a link between global warming and country radio sucking. We are being marched down to a hellish oblivion in unrelenting lockstep to the tune of Satan’s own soundtrack. There must be strong correlation somewhere.
albert
July 12, 2016 @ 10:16 am
“I think it’s just a matter of time until scientists find a link between global warming and country radio sucking.” If you aren’t a writer you should be Charlie . This is just about the best observation I’ve come across in years. So funny …..
Mo Crawford
July 12, 2016 @ 9:25 am
Any can play dress-up James Dean..he isn’t even close to being good
Mike W.
July 12, 2016 @ 9:55 am
Good is a relative term when it comes to Frankie Ballard. Is he “good” when you compare him to the Simpsons, Isbells, Bowens, etc. of the world? Hell no, but when you compare him to the Aldeans, Bryans, Swindells, etc. of the world he actually is much better than those guys. For the simple reason that Frankie Ballard seems to have an idea or aspirations to make a good record. I don’t think Cole Swindell even knows what a “good” song is. The problem is Ballard really wants to be Chris Isaak 2.0, but he is sold to Country radio and has to appease a major label. Like Trigger, I would be curious to see what Ballard could do if he didn’t have those two things working against him. Maybe his album would still suck, who knows? But I at least have a feeling that the guy has some talent and wants to cut good music, a feeling that you get with very few of the current crop of mainstream Country artists.
BrandonWard
July 12, 2016 @ 9:27 am
Glad I ate breakfast enough hours ago to not have to worry about losing it while listening to “Little Bit of Both.” I listened to a little bit of both (songs, that is) and am disappointed in what I hear. I definitely exected something with a little more promise.
And, my God, can we stop already with these songs that repeatedly tell some girl “what they are” throughout the lyrics?!?! Is that asking too much?!? Girl you’re a (insert random coast town name here) sunshine…….you’re a glass of fine wine (or a cold beer depending on the record label)……you’re a light at the end of my tunnel beer at the end of my funnel kinda girl…..you’re a night in on the couch, stub my toe in the dark – – ouch kinda girl……..When does it end? At least most can see through the bro-country laundry list crap songs. These irk me more I think, because this has become so commonplace in all genres of music that it is now seen as quality lyricism. I don’t know, maybe as I get closer to 40 I’m just becoming a grumpy old man..
albert
July 12, 2016 @ 10:24 am
” These irk me more I think, because this has become so commonplace in all genres of music that it is now seen as quality lyricism. ”
Brandon I think you’ve nailed it when it comes to the REAL concern with what’s happening to songwriting from a lyric point of view . A generation is growing up with THIS as their writing influence . How they hell can we expect things to improve if THIS is the ” inspiration ” for young writers and is held up as the standard they need to achieve for commercial success . We grew up with the Paul Simons , the Craig Wisemans , the James Taylors , Dolly Partons , Joni Mitchells , Merle Haggards and so many other far more original and gifted talents who’s work has weathered the test of time . As writers and even just as listeners and fans we were spoiled by the quality of writing and performances of those folks.
RG
July 12, 2016 @ 11:30 am
I too am inching towards 40 and have noticed my grumpiness increase the closer I approach that date…
Sorry but I just can’t get into this Ballard fella. Not sure what he is trying to be here, a little bit of country with a little bit of rock n roll?? I guess so and hence why he’s stuck in the middle to fans and the industry.
Rich
July 12, 2016 @ 9:43 am
That album right there is a heaping steaming pile
albert
July 12, 2016 @ 10:13 am
He’s had some insignificant airplay locally . Doesn’t interest me ( or too many others , apparently ) in the least . Derivative , cliche , generic , insincere ( ” Kick It ” …?? ” “You keep it so dope ” c’mon…)
Forgettable , trendy , inauthentic on every level ….what Keith Urban would be doing if he was 20 years younger . In other words …it will probably be HUGE with today’s ” I love wallpaper country musak ” fans.
Whiskey Pete
July 12, 2016 @ 10:46 am
I look at this guy and then I listen to his music but I just don’t understand it. Sounds like bitch music to me.
Frank the Tank
July 12, 2016 @ 10:52 am
I enjoyed the first song but the rest started all sounding the same (with some of the cringe-inducing lyrics as pointed out in the review) so I didn’t bother listening to the full album.
BwareDWare94
July 12, 2016 @ 10:55 am
Not one mention I’d “Good as Gold.” I think that’s far and away the best song on the album. Certainly the most unique with an interesting structure and really nice guitar solo.
BwareDWare94
July 12, 2016 @ 10:58 am
Not one mention of***
I’d sure like to know in which fucked up universe of can be confused for I’d. Fucking autocorrect.
seak05
July 12, 2016 @ 11:12 am
So I contrast this review with “My Church” and it feels like a double standard. Both albums have some good songs, but neither is country. If Marin gets a 1 for not being country at all, than so should Frank. If it’s about good music, than it feels like Marin’s score should be higher.
But if often feels as if not country is ok, as long as it’s rock, or even better, Americana, but not if it’s pop or adult contemporary.
Trigger
July 12, 2016 @ 5:09 pm
I gave “My Church” a positive review:
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/song-review-my-church-by-maren-morris/
I also said above, “‘El Rio’ is a straight up rock record, and though that might be more agreeable than an EDM fest, it would be hypocritical to not point out it’s lack of country-ness.”
If you’re talking about the Maren Morris ALBUM “Hero,” it’s never fair to compare two reviews, just like it’s never fair to compare two artists. The ratings are put there as quick reference points, but both reviews have detailed explanations on how I came to those conclusions.
seak05
July 13, 2016 @ 5:57 am
Yes, I meant the album review for Hero (obviously a song review, and an album review would be stupid to compare).
And see that’s my point (leaving aside that EDM & Pop aren’t actually the same genre, which I suspect you know). I enjoy a variety of different musical types. I enjoy listening to good examples of all of those types, as opposed to a mono genre where they all sound the same. But, even those genres of music that I don’t like, are still “worthy” genres. One genre isn’t better than others, it’s a matter of taste & music is better for having all of them.
So an album shouldn’t be “better” for being rock vs EDM, especially if it’s supposed to be country. An album should be better or worse for the quality of it’s songs. Anyways, just my opinion.
Six String Richie
July 12, 2016 @ 11:53 am
This guy is also a great guitar player. I’ve seen him live and the best part hands down was when he was just playing guitar. It’s too bad he doesn’t get to show that in his music.
If he could make an album without any label interference it would probably be pretty cool.
bg
July 12, 2016 @ 12:40 pm
This Man has it going on. Great voice, many different styles that all sound great. Heard his song ” it all started with a beer” on the radio and was hooked. Seen his concert, it was packed and EVERY PERSON was moving to his groove even the people in the bleachers. This guy can play guitar and sing. This is no slouch. So all of you haters, hate on something that is truly bad. This guy is gonna make it. What a bunch of whinners. Got nothing nice or positive write? No appreciation for much, im sure. You all suck.
albert
July 12, 2016 @ 1:39 pm
….obviously Frank B DOES appeal to you ….and that’s all well and good . But as has often been pointed out here on the site , its all about SAVING COUNTRY MUSIC here . FB is not making country music in any way shape or form .As great a guitar player as he may be , as great a singer as you may think he is , he’s just one more clone of what radio seems to THINK is country music and as such he almost HAS to be derivative and generic for radio to give him a second listen .Have you any expereince with trad country …or the people around who ARE faithful to real country music ? Mark Chesnutt , Chris Stapleton , Dolly Parton , Sam Outlaw, George Strait , Alan Jackson and many many others ? If not , you may be interested in listening to what these folks are doing by way of comparison to FB and I think you’ll better understand what this site is about and where the critique of the artists featured is coming from . FB may be , in your opinion , the next coming ….but all WE are saying here is that he’s one more guy trying to sneak into the biz by way of ” country’ radio which plays so little real country music anymore they are letting just about ANYONE through that door ( Sam Hunt , Florida-Georgia , Luke Bryan , Thomas Rhett..etc.. ) .The real stuff is still around and much of it is doing VERY well in terms of generating interest and revenue but mostly WITHOUT the ‘help’ of today’s mainstream country radio format. We’re trying to ensure that REAL country music doesn’t vanish altogether and this site and the folks who frequent it are a part of that mission .
JohnWayneTwitty
July 12, 2016 @ 10:01 pm
The term “hater” is the dumbest word in the English language.
Anyone who has a standard of what they like and dislike is a hater.
Do we all have to like the same nonsense? If so, why?
Kevin Davis
July 12, 2016 @ 4:55 pm
The difficulty with reviewing an album like this is that Frankie Ballard is not entirely a country artist. The same problem happens with reviewing Kip Moore. I love Kip Moore, but I must apply a different standard with different expectations, both musically and lyrically. I think this album has much to commend, which this review does not highlight enough. However, I completely agree that Frankie needs greater artistic integrity and less Nashville corporate pressure.
On the plus side, from “El Camino” to “Good as Gold” to “You’ll Accomp’ny Me” and “You Couldv’e Loved Me” there was clearly a lot of hard work and a fair bit of talent that went into making this album. Yes, there was garbage as well, namely “Little Bit of Both,” which is apparently what everyone wants to focus upon. But let’s see the glass half full, not half empty. I would give this album a 6/10 or perhaps even a 7/10, though the lyrics are obviously lacking on the whole. Case in point, “It All Started with a Beer” begins horribly with the cliche lyrics, but the song is solid overall and increasingly impressive the more I listen to it.
Trigger
July 12, 2016 @ 5:03 pm
“It All Started With A Beer” is an example of a good song idea and structure with terrible lyrical execution. That’s the problem that plagues this record. Still, I agree there’s some good stuff here. We just probably disagree on how much of it there is.
BwareDWare94
July 12, 2016 @ 7:08 pm
Trigger, what are your thoughts on “Good as Gold”?
Trigger
July 12, 2016 @ 7:53 pm
I like “Good As Gold.” I think it’s a good song. Just because I don’t mention something doesn’t mean I don’t like it. I usually mention songs in reviews to make broader points about the album. Sometimes I mention all the songs, and sometimes I mention none of them. Music speaks to us all differently. If you think it’s the best song on the album, awesome. And I’m glad you piped up in the comments section to share that.
TheCheapSeats
July 12, 2016 @ 6:50 pm
I stumbled across this album a couple weeks ago. I’ll admit I had never heard of Frankie Ballard until then, so I didn’t know he was considered a country artist. So my first listen, I judged it soley on the music with preconceived notions of genre. Even at that, I’ve drawn many of the same conclusions that others have.
Heard the first song on the record, “El Camino”, and thought this might be pretty good. It went downhill pretty quickly after that. There are still some decent songs on the album, but not enough to overcome the dreck.
Maybe there’s something in Frankie Ballard to be mined, but it won’t come out on a major label. Maybe the best thing would be for him to be dropped and record on a smaller label, I don’t know. That could be a disaster as well. It would be interesting to hear the results anyway.
There are some good songs on this album, but as a whole, it just never goes anywhere.
JohnWayneTwitty
July 12, 2016 @ 9:58 pm
Frankie Ballard’s album after the next one will be really good. That’s what I think about this album.
Commit one way or the other to being a bro. Choose correctly, please.
Kevin Smith
July 13, 2016 @ 6:00 am
He’s going for that retro rockabilly kind of look with a pomp hairdo and hot rod pinstriping on his guitar and video of him riding a vintage motorcycle, etc. So yep…he’s got a look going but the music is unapologetic bro country nonsense. In my view he’s pretty much what we call a poser. Also a tool of the trashville machine. But opinions are like well …you know , everyone’s got em..
Whatever….Triggers review is spot on. Most of the people who gravitate to this site will agree. Yes the visual comparisons to Chris Isaak and Dwight are noted, but if you are looking for that sound you will be disappointed. I do agree he has talent tho…just misused.
Corncaster
July 13, 2016 @ 6:48 am
oh yeah, the “sunshine and whiskey” guy — bubblegum
started to look at his video “good as gold” and bailed when it showed him wearing a freshly-washed t-shirt with the words “CHITLIN CIRCUIT” on it
looks like his website scrubbed his bio, and I can’t find bio information other than where he went to college and his Kenny Chesney next big star whatever competition win
the only interesting thing I found was that he woodburned his grandma’s name into his guitar after she died
Bigfoot is Real (lonesome, on'ry, and mean)
July 13, 2016 @ 7:57 am
Why is KD Lang’s picture on the album cover?
Corncaster
July 13, 2016 @ 8:47 am
maybe he’s part of the estrogeneration
Bobbo
July 13, 2016 @ 10:32 am
Great album, as usual. Triggy’s on his man-period again, guys.
Summer Jam
July 13, 2016 @ 6:49 pm
idiot
SJ's Worst Enemy
July 14, 2016 @ 7:34 pm
You’re the idiot SJ. And so help me god trig if you don’t post this I will be your worst nightmare even more on this site. He attacked me, so I should have the right to do the same to him. Fair’s fair.
Trigger
July 14, 2016 @ 7:40 pm
What is this middle school? You’re gonna troll the comments section and then complain when someone trolls you back?
How about instead of trolling, you offer YOUR opinions, disagree using salient points, explain to us why you like Frankie Ballard’s music. That would be a hell of a lot more interesting.
Your Owner
July 15, 2016 @ 3:03 pm
I’m sick of your continuous bashing of the new country sound and artists and personal attacks on them. You need to focus on promoting the music you like than be rude and disrespectful to people who are deserving of more respect. So I’m just doing onto you what you do to them.
I’ll post what I want, say what I want, and if I want to troll, I’m gonna troll. I haven’t even started using a PROXY yet, or really getting clever.
Why do I like Frankie’s music? Because I do. I don’t owe you a fucking explanation. I love the new country stuff, don’t care for the old stuff. I’m just sick of people going one step further than critical review and going and attacking these artists in a lot of your posts. It’s wrong. People bitch about Aldean going blackface (it’s a JOKE people) or Thomas Rhett in the Vacation video (those were his RELATIVES, he’s not a pedo FFS). Stick to promoting Shitpileton and the new coming twangbangers.
How’s that for an answer you miserable cunt?!
Trigger
July 15, 2016 @ 4:58 pm
Your Owner,
Look, if you like Frankie Ballard’s music, that’s all that should matter. Awesome. I’m not trying to change your opinion or anyone else’s, I’m just giving mine, which is my job, and what people come here to read. I’m not asking for an explanation from you, I’m trying to give you advice. I’ve found over the years that the best way to convince people of your perspective is to speak strongly and and intelligently for it. Coming here and calling me a “cunt” is not going to accomplish anything but blowing off some steam.
I really liked a few songs from this Frankie Ballard record. It’s probably one or two songs away from getting a mixed or positive review from me. Our opinions are probably not as far of as you would like to paint them. There are others in this comments section that feel a similar way. I want to like Frankie Ballard, just as I want to like all music. But it is my job to be honest about my opinions, and I’ve offered a forum where others can share their opinions as well because the last thing I want from this website is an Autocracy. Keep insulting me and see how far it gets you. I’ve had people make death threats to me and my family. I’ve had artists hire private investigators to be posted down the street from my house and report back. And I’m still here typing away, and still providing a forum for you to disagree with it.
Dane
July 13, 2016 @ 1:44 pm
It’s actually his second full album. He had an EP out as well. This is a good album, big step forward from the debut. Granted, it’s a Mellencamp/Seger Rock album, but it’s done well & fits easily with a country demo. Distinctive voice, nice guitar chops and yep, LA Woman is spot-on. That said, to even try and put this in the same bro-country camp as FGL et al is painting with the broadest brush possible. I wish this was the path Urban had chosen to tread.
BwareDWare94
July 13, 2016 @ 5:02 pm
“A Little Bit of Both” and “Southern Side” are huge blemishes. “Cigarette,” from the main riff to the chorus, is incredibly annoying. “Wasting Time” is wasted time. 4 bad songs means a mediocre at best kind of record. The great songs are definitely great, though.
CountryKnight
July 13, 2016 @ 6:05 pm
“Sunshine and Whiskey” was annoying. “Started With a Beer” is hogwash. Frankie Ballard is as dull as Jason Aldean.