Dallas singer-songwriter Joshua Ray Walker’s debut album, Wish You Were Here, was inspired by his relationship and the loss of his grandfather, whom he credits with his passion for music. Wish You Were Here is a collection of 10 songs about the American working class, with hard-luck stories about steel mills, working girls, truckers, and lovelorn characters. Walker’s unique perspective and soulful, twangy vocals bring the songs to life, drawing the listener into the stories and close to the characters who inhabit them. Notable tracks include: a poignant opening track about loss and love in “Canyon”; the piano-driven “Trouble”; the emotive hard-luck story “Working Girl”; the blue-collar lament in “Pale Hands”; the country rocker “Burn It”; the mariachi tinged “Love Songs”; and the late-night love song “Last Call.” Joshua Ray Walker’s Wish You Were Here is another strong debut from a young talent. This album deserves more critical attention than it’s so far received, so give it a listen! – Written by JFelton
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