Billy Raffoul—When I Cross the River

I may not be in Southern Ontario, being in Ottawa, but it feels strangely fitting to listen to “When I Cross the River” in January, with everything blanketed in snow. The album was actually released back in the summer, I think, yet reviewing it now feels almost prophetic. From the very first notes, the opening vocals command attention. There are hints of Springsteen, particularly as the song builds, but this is very much Canadian rock.

I love "Get Along". There’s an infectious familiarity to it. Two people meeting, maybe more, an inkling of a spark, a scramble to break the ice. A question is pondered, who would you choose "if you could be anyone?", and the ice is smashed. The choice of John Lennon in ’61 is charming, though I’d personally lean toward Lennon in ’65, at the height of Rubber Soul, Revolver, and the forthcoming magnum opus, Sgt. Pepper’s. But yes, all for the rhyme, and it works. There’s something very Springsteen about this track, and perhaps the album as a whole, even down to the saxophone solo. When something is this good, the source of inspiration hardly matters.

"Canadian" I think is a very tough song, both lyrically and indeed in the meaning behind the lyrics. I think the song explores the stark contrast between the sheltered privilege of the narrator and the profound trauma of a refugee who "lost his kin" to find safety. As I said a tough song, but music doesn't always have to be fun and fluff. As an immigrant, I can understand, but can only barely grasp, what makes me different from someone fleeing their former home for their life. A very powerful song, supported by some great musical accompaniment.

I don’t want this to become an exercise in analysing lyrics, but "Young" feels deeply relatable, especially as you get older. For some, letting go of the past and truly growing up can be difficult, clinging to a youth that now seems distant. It’s even harder when you’re the observer, but the mark of a true friend is being there, no matter how much time passes. Beyond the sentiment, it’s a fantastic track, with all the hallmarks of a truly great song.

"Born to Love" carries a different flavour, starting with a whimsical whistling intro and a distinct vocal style that immediately sets it apart. It unfolds at a slower, more contemplative pace, offering a reflective counterpoint to the earlier tracks and highlighting another facet of the artist’s versatility.

I love the playfulness of “Little Girl”, a rocking, upbeat track. It seems to be told from the perspective of an older brother, unfolding a story that highlights the strength and resourcefulness of the young protagonist, despite her age, and the obvious affection of those watching over her. Heart warming indeed.

"Woman" opens with harmonica and vocals that occasionally seem to channel Tom Waits. The track begins relatively bare, gradually filling in about a third of the way through. It’s a song about finding that special someone, and I particularly love one lyric: "And he said, woman, I would be a lucky one to belong, belong to someone like you". It’s a sentiment that resonates universally, capturing the feeling of discovering that rare connection.

Opening with piano, "Spare Parts" immediately stands out, bringing new textures and flavours as the album unfolds. It feels almost like an extension of the previous track, again exploring love, but here it’s the story of two broken people helping to make each other whole. The only minor criticism might be its brevity, running just over two and a half minutes. Perhaps it leaves the listener wanting more, but if so, that’s hardly a complaint, it’s a sign of its impact.

A return to high-energy rock, yet still introducing a fresh guitar sound at the outset, "Proving Ground" is an absolute cracker. It’s the kind of track that makes it nearly impossible to keep your feet still, pulsing with momentum and drive. With its infectious energy and vibrant riffs, it’s definitely a song I would love to see performed live, where its power and excitement would surely be amplified even further.

And so we come to the album’s close with "Where the Skies Are Blue". Tinged with a gentle melancholia, it’s a lovely track where the lyrics unfold like mini vignettes, reminiscent of Ralph McTell’s "Streets of London". This time, however, the focus is less on a specific place and more on the quiet anticipation of going home. It’s a beautifully reflective way to end the album, leaving the listener with a sense of warmth and gentle closure.

This album is a rich and varied journey, blending reflective ballads, rocking energy, and moments of playful charm. From the commanding opening of "When I Cross the River" to the gentle melancholy of "Where the Skies Are Blue", the tracks explore themes of love, friendship, identity, and connection with honesty and heart. Standouts like "Get Along" and "Proving Ground" pulse with energy and subtle wit, while songs such as "Canadian" and "Young" confront deeper, more poignant emotions. Along the way, the album surprises with whimsical textures, clever lyrical turns, and a versatility that ranges from upbeat rock to tender introspection. It’s an album that engages both the feet and the heart, leaving the listener moved, reflective, and entirely captivated.