Playlist: Robert Francis – Junebug

Although still a newcomer out of the West coast (well, maybe not such a newcomer after being selected for iTunes single of the week and performing on the Tonight Show), Robert Francis made a big impact on my playlist since his first big label album (Atlantic Records) came out two years ago.

Before Nightfall takes a single event in Robert’s life – the ending of a long-term relationship – and creates an entire theme album that gets stronger with each track. No song sounds the same as the last and you’ll realize with each listen (and trust me, you’ll want to listen more than once) that the songs may sound melancholy and down to begin with, but over time a real hope begins to shine through.

As Francis himself says, “Over time, the theme of the album becomes more apparent. Once you live with the album for awhile, the power comes through – the more you listen, the more you understand.” With songs like “Nightfall,” “Junebug” (video above) and “Darkness” you get the full range of Robert’s voice and of the raw emotion that makes him playlist material.

Erik