THE VIEW – The Roys
In 2013, The Roys’ third album, “Gypsy Runaway Train,” reached #2 on the Billboard Bluegrass Album chart and #1 on Sirius XM Bluegrass Junction’s ‘Most Played Albums’ chart.
Following in the tracks of that Runaway Train is their newest project, “The View,” released in September 2014 on Rural Rhythm Records. The eleven tracks on the new album continue Lee and Elaine Roy’s journey that has undeniable roots in traditional bluegrass but adds their own take on tradition.
The album features contributions from some fine songwriters. Steve Dean (Dierks Bentley) joined Lee and Elaine to write “Sometimes,” a poignant story about an elderly woman afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease and reliving her childhood, running through fields of clover, while in a nursing home. Dean also shares writing credit on three other tracks including the upbeat “No More Tears Left To Cry,” that has something of a Dolly Parton feel as it tells of finding strength and a new beginning after “finally letting go of all my fears.”
Longtime Opry star and Country Music Hall of Famer ‘Whispering’ Bill Anderson co-wrote the album’s title track, “The View,” with Elaine and Lee. The song celebrates the Roys’ grandparents and their final resting place in a peaceful cemetery beneath a church on a serene hill. “It’s like looking out God’s window / What a view.”
Yes, the songs on this album – all written or co-written by the Roys who also produced it – do explore the realms of loss, heartache and hard times, but it is in no way a downer, focusing rather on the strength and optimism that overcomes the challenges.
Siblings Elaine and Lee Roy have created another fine album sure to increase their standing in the bluegrass community and in their fans’ hearts.
Album review by Preshias Harris – preshiaswriter@hotmail.com
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