Album Review – Bo DePeña (Self-Titled)
Whether it’s tried-and-true traditional country, more modern Texas-style country with a little rock ‘n roll swagger, singer-songwriter stuff, or something in between, Laredo, TX-native Bo DePeña has you covered in this new self-titled record, and in only nine songs.
Who is Bo DePeña? What’s his story, and why should you care about it? Well give a listen to this self-titled album, and it all unfolds right in front of you. Often when an artist or band titles an album after themselves, it’s from the lack of a better option. In this case, it’s because this album is Bo DePeña, at least the life he’s lived over the last few years. You follow Bo from his birth in San Antonio, to his raising in Laredo, then on to Austin, New Orleans, Colorado and even New York City. What would take a boy from south Texas to such far flung destinations? As you can probably guess, a woman is partly to blame.
The beginning song of the album called “This Town” is satisfactory, but eases you into the record a little reluctantly. The voice feels average, and the style somewhat safe. Not bad, but unremarkable. But then when he lights into the fiddle-led shuffle “Long Road To Denver,” you know you’re in the right place, and the buy-in is deep. And if that doesn’t sink the hook, his tear-soaked duet “Who Will Bring You Whiskey” co-written with Hartley Hall will and performed with Brittney Blair Flinn will.
From there DePeña depicts a travelogue to various destinations as he chases down a lover, and discovers things about the world and himself in the process, until he ends up back in Webb County, Texas where he started, for better or worse. In between DePeña presents a couple of songs in “Making My Way Back To You” and “The Weed and The Wine” that could be mistaken for Turnpike Troubadours tracks if it was a different singer, before he slides into fingerpicking and acoustic tones in the superbly-written “Fit,” and the final realization his love was in vain, pining and cursing the name “Maxine.”
The album ends with “Hello Webb County” that once again reminds you of the rambunctiousness of the Troubadours, but no matter the styling Bo DePeña chooses for any respective song, it always feels perfect for the mood, while the writing is par excellence. DePeña’s voice might not be naturally charactered for hard country, but it’s confident and strong, and once you settle in with it, you warm up to his unpretentious delivery.
Playing some 175 shows in 2019 all across the United States, and opening or sharing the stage with acts such as William Clark Green, Chris Knight, Dale Watson, William Michael Morgan, and Colter Wall, Bo DePeña is a name on the rise. With his first record Montana Sky from 2018, and a new single called “Colorado Rose” released since this early 2020 record, he’s amassed a quality catalog that deserves more recognition and consideration, as does the name “Bo DePeña” as one of the quality risers in Texas country.
1 3/4 Guns Up (8/10)
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Purchase from Amazon
618creekrat
July 8, 2020 @ 9:22 am
Nice summation. His voice isn’t instantly compelling, but the album unfolds into an interesting journey. Gotta be wary of those chicks who are bedazzled by the bright lights!
Doesn’t appear he makes it to the cornbelt very often; maybe I’ll luck into a show out west sometime.
Wobblyhorse
July 8, 2020 @ 6:29 pm
His delivery kind of reminds me of Chris Ledoux
618creekrat
July 8, 2020 @ 7:55 pm
I was trying to figure out who he’s been reminding me of; I think it is Ledoux. And you know, the first time I listened to a Ledoux album, I wasn’t blown away by his sound. But the genuineness of his songs overcame that and I ended up a fan. A couple listens to Depeña’s stuff, and I’m thinking he’s a guy to follow, too.
OlaR
July 8, 2020 @ 10:20 am
Not the best decision to start the 9 track album with “This Town”.
The track is unremarkable. An album filler.
The other eight tracks are (much) better…& yes…the voice of Bo DePeña is somewhere in the middle of nowhere.
My highlights: “Making My Way Back To You” & “Hello Webb County”.
In The Pipeline:
– Jeannie Seely – An American Classic – Album – 08/13 (incl. duets with Willie Nelson, Lorrie Morgan, The Whites, Rhonda Vincent, Steve Wariner & Vince Gill playing guitar)
New Stuff:
Kaylee Bell – “Home” – Single/Track – Released (Australia)
The New Graces – “Misty” – Single/Track – Released (Australia)
Emma Dykes – “This Nurse” – Single/Track – Released (Australia)
Liam Brew – “Kick It Tomorrow” – Single/Track – Released (Australia)
Sandy Louise – “Love Crashes Down” – Single/Track – Released (Australia)
Rebecca Lee Nye – “For My Hearts Sake” – Single/Track – Released (Australia)
Shelley Minson feat. Bobby Cash – “Small Talk” – Single/Track – Released (Australia)
Andrew Swift – “Never Meant To Break Your Heart” – Single/Track – Released (Australia)
Amber Lawrence, Aleyce Simmonds, Kirsty Lee Akers & Dianna Corcoran – “True Blue” – Single/Track – Released (Australia)
&
Bitches Tenpenny – “Broken Up” – Single/Track – Released (NOT Australia)
Hey Arnold
July 10, 2020 @ 1:59 am
Brett Eldredge Sunday Drive album too. It’s quite good and soulful
Benny Lee
July 8, 2020 @ 1:21 pm
Really like this album; also digging his 2018 Montana Sky… ah yes, that’s the stuff.
Bo DePeña
July 8, 2020 @ 4:30 pm
Hi there!
I am so grateful for the honest review. It means a lot that you took the time to write this, and thanks to the commentors for the honest critique. I am always open to ways I can improve my music and albums going forward.
I’d like to make one correction:
“Who Will Bring You Whiskey” was co-written with Hartley Hall, but the singer on this version of the song is Brittney Blair Flinn from Houston, Texas. Just giving the proper shoutouts on my end.
Thanks again for this!
-Bo
Trigger
July 8, 2020 @ 4:43 pm
Thanks Bo, I’ve added that info.
ArgentineCowboy
July 8, 2020 @ 9:42 pm
If you want to sum up Bo DePeña in one word it would be “genuine”. He is the real deal. A solid song writer and a great entertainer. Catch a live show and you won’t be disappointed. Solo, with a fiddle backup or full band he always gives 110%.
Glen
July 8, 2020 @ 10:19 pm
I really enjoyed the songs posted here. This is right up my alley. Thanks for introducing this artist to me. Tomorrow after work I’m gonna listen to the whole album.
Val Miller
July 9, 2020 @ 6:03 am
If you have an opportunity to see this man live, DO IT! You’ll thoroughly enjoy not only the music, but his smile and overall presentation.
karl
July 9, 2020 @ 11:24 am
Glad to here this review. I have been listening to Bo for a few years now. ‘There’s no way out of here’ and ‘Crash my car’ are two other albums. The first one is amazing. Can’t wait to get into this new one.
Di Harris
July 10, 2020 @ 1:04 pm
CALIENTE!!!