I’m The Smile
Self-Released, 2019
8/10
An appropriately titled 8th album, Minnesota troubadour Charlie Roth can’t help but smile when involved in his craft, which had him traveling to Texas to flesh out this warm and expressive folk-rock album with his friends John Inmon, Ray Bonneville, Bill Kirchen and Lloyd Maines, among others.
The title tracks lead the listen with Roth’s warm, comforting vocals as organs help punctuate the mood, and “Good Times” follows a similar path with Bonneville’s spirited harmonica.
Elsewhere, “Serenity” is a warm and playful folk tune with Roth’s soothing, wise pipes, while “Gloves” benefits greatly from Maines’ dobro on the genuine tune about Roth’s father where he alternates between singing and talking.
Some of the best tracks reside on the back half where “Where You’ll Be” recruits a cello and vocal harmonies for a haunting twist on his sparse folk sound, and “Pretty Little Lights Of Town” brings in a pair of telecasters on a snappy, honky tonk rocker you won’t help but want to dance to. Near the end, Roth makes Effron White’s “Yankee Dime” his own with a pensive and sincere execution, and “I’m The Smile (Reprise)” ends the fun with a stripped back version of the opener, where keys and strings are in attendance.
An extremely accomplished collection of originals and covers, Roth and company pen authentic, timeless, rural sounds here, that any fan of blues, folk, country and Americana will adore.
Travels well with: Bob Dylan- The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan; John Prine- The Missing Years