You can’t hold down Brandyn Cross. After a devastating train accident that changed his world, Cross has emerged a solo artist years later. His new single, If Money Talks (It Ain’t on Speakin’ Terms With Me) co-written by Daryl Stevenett.is a prosperous tale of a hardworking man that can’t seem to cash-in. The all-too-relatable tale is bolstered through the slide guitar and a forlorn violin. Cross’ new track is bankable – and it sure talks to the listener.
MORE ON BRANDYN CROSS: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3591415/
A busy actor and author, Cross’ writing style in “If Money Talks” is immediately heartfelt. The fullness in the music bed sounds very traditional in country style, but has inklings of modern rhythms and bluesy guitars. Whatever I try to do, it just don’t pay the bills, Cross sings. His voice is clear, but with a hint of smoky tone. He sounds weighted down from rust and years on the road. Cross, who lost his leg in a train accident, never sounds down-and-out. He sounds challenged, but not out of the game. Living nine to five in another man’s shoes, how it seems to be, if money talks, it ain’t saying much to me, he sings. The guitar lays down a solid, melodic rock and country vibe. The bass guitar throbs along, nearly invisible. The violin is sweet, emphasizing the soul to this song and what I believe is Cross’ endearing attitude. Adding the violin really casts a warm light, a beacon of hope. I think, too, it’s a beautiful reminder of the American spirit that runs through all of us. We might be broke, but we’re not done for.
It ain’t on speaking terms with me, except for adios, auf wiedersehen, see you ‘round, Cross laments. There’s a slight crackle in his voice, and the guitar shines brightly underneath his words. Cross’ disposition also reminds me the singer in the corner bar, a sojourner poet that sings with the knowledge of time and experience. You can’t help but be drawn into his artistry – his voice is mesmerizing. He paints a wide canvass in this song. As a listener, I felt like I was on the journey with him. Not only was I searching for the pot of gold at the end of the story, too, but I felt an immediate empathy for him. He’s not begging for answers – he’s not begging for anything. He’s a blue collar artist, working his craft, one listener at a time. This will appeal to many music fans – including Christian/country, country, pop and even blues rock.
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The drums, pacing like a horse on a Sunday afternoon, give added rhythm to an already sing-along delight. Clumping along, the drums meander into definite country western territory. The drum work reminded me of the arrangements in Kenny Rogers’ (and The Killers’) “Ruby”. It’s a slow dance, but the backbeat has all the makings of a great parlor hit. “If Money Talks” sure lends itself to a campfire ditty, and at the same time, I can see it being the show-stopper, signature hit for Cross.
Kim Muncie
The music of Brandyn Cross has been heard all over the world in partnership with the radio plugging services offered by Musik and Film Radio Promotions Division. Learn more https://musikandfilm.com