In the liner notes for his debut CD, New England native RD Byrd describes his own work this way: “He writes songs about life and what people think about, whether it is one of his driving down the road songs, his love songs, his influential songs, or songs about what is going on the world today. RD Byrd has a song for everyone!”
If you are somewhat put off by the clumsy simplicity of these notes, move past them and give the CD a listen. You will discover a little gem of a release. For what RD lacks as a wordsmith, he more than makes up with solid musicianship and songwriting.
RD Byrd (né Roger Loiseau) is a fine guitarist who, with help from drummer Jeff Thal and keyboardist Vic Steffens, produced this eight song CD. Stylistically the songs have a southern rock feel, which is complemented by RD’s double-tracked vocal harmonies. Think Marshall Tucker Band meets Crosby, Stills and Nash.
The recording is clean without sounding sterile. Byrd’s production is simple yet shows off the strength of the three man group. The glaring problem is that Byrd is no wordsmith. In “With Only You,” he sings: "We’ve been together for the longest time/I guess I’ll have to just realize/ You’re on my mind so much it’s hard to see/When you’re not there it’s hard to be the same."
Fortunately the music and musicianship are mighty enough to mask the poorly rendered sentiments. And Byrd’s searing solos on “In A Letter” and “Park Bench” are alone worth the price of admission.
For a debut release, RD Byrd is good but with strong lyrics it could have been so much better. For his next release, perhaps Byrd will find himself a talented lyricist to help make his songs really shine.
RD Byrd's self-titled debut CD is available in all the usual outlets.
Article comments
1 - MsDee
I think Rd Byrd Cd is GREAT!
2 - Jack
Mindy, you should stick to Sci-Fi. Who are you to judge RD's lyrics. I find no fault with them at all, and moreover find them refreshingly new and insightful. My friends and I all agree that RD Byrd is a wonderful new artist worth keeping an ear to.
3 - AB
The lyrics are rather sophisticated and made me think quite a bit, but in a good way.
In an era of nonsense lyrics in popular music, lyrics that have no meaning, and which rehashes the same old nonsense over and over again, RD's lyrics would be a role model for any current artist.
4 - Larry
I think the lyrics and guitar are great. I listen to the music all the time in the car (and in the house) and my friends like the music as well. I give it all a 10/10.
5 - Lucille
I love the lyrics and the music overall. I listen to RD Byrd's CD all the time; it's a CD that you can understand all the words to. Keep up the good work!!!!
6 - Gerry
I especially like the lyrics in RD Byrd's Cd, especially in "Is this the way". In this day and age we are in with War and problems, it made me feel we can all do something to change it for the better. I think He did a great job on his first release and I find no fault in his lyrics.
7 - Max
I thought the lyrics were fine! Simplicity goes with this style of music
8 - Cheryl
I just went to RD Byrd's homepage and read his lyrics. I like them a lot. Each song seems to tell a story. How could this critic say RD is no wordsmith?
9 - LB
Solid debt by RD Byrd. Lyrics and music well paired. Strong guitar style that makes a statement on its own. Lyrics easy to hear, each song delivers a thoughtful story. Enjoyable cd.
10 - Hal
RD Byrd's CD has taken the top spot in the car CD player. Easy to sing to! The lyrics really make sense. It's time to put intellect and appreciation for lead guitar front and center. I listen to the radio and hear a lot of lyrics leading the songs, but rarely do I hear any impressive guitar solos. His solos are extraordinary! RD Byrd's music should be played for every rock guitar student in America. The guitar solos in "In a Letter" and "Park Bench" really are as Mindy says "worth the price of admission." Let's call it staight: RD Byrd is THE Master of guitar solos. One more thing - RD is right on in the song "Is This the Way?" when he talks about about nuclear destruction. "One button puts the world on fire." We are at war. The media sanitizes this. RD bluntly brings this out when he says "while the families back home get broken with the news."
11 - Val
Flame of Light is one of the most beautiful love songs I have ever heard. RD Byrd is a great songwriter.
12 - A man with an ear...
OMG...props to Mr Byrd for his passion for music, but let's be honest here. The songs are mediocre at best & the lyrics are laughable. He certainly can carry a tune, but Freddy Mercury he is not. No..I can't sing nor can I play an instrument, but I do have ears & love music in general. My advise to Mr. Byrd...don't quit your day job!