California-born Tyler Rich is entering a new phase of his career following his departure from Big Machine Records imprint Valory Music Co. Whilst signed to that label, Rich released a handful of EPs and his debut album ‘Two Thousand Miles’, which arrived in 2020. His 2018 song ‘The Difference’ was a breakthrough for him on the charts and it led to opportunities to tour internationally. Now he’s returning to life as an independent artist for the release of his long-awaited second album ‘Hello California’, which is actually the first part of a double album.
‘Hello California’ is a 10-track collection that sees Rich teaming up with fellow Californians Brad Hill and Lalo Guzman, who take on production duties. The set is a blend of the Country/Pop/Rock blend that Rich has made his own over the past decade or so. The album opens with the roaring title track ‘Hello California’, a radio-friendly feel-good moment that sets the tone for a record that’s fuelled by optimism. ‘Gets Me Every Time’ recalls Keith Urban at his peak, combining catchy melodies with a strong chorus that’s designed to lodge in your brain. Rich’s vocal delivery is stellar and you can imagine hearing this at a packed-out show, singing along to every word.
For me, the album comes into its own on its rockier moments. The Coldplay-esque piano melody of ‘Cigarettes (Lie to Me)’ transforms into an unexpected banger complete with guitar solos, while the steady beat on ‘All the Small Things’ (sadly not a Blink-182 cover) drives the perfectly crafted pop/Country track to a solid chorus. The highlight on the record is the barnstorming ‘Whiskey Go Bad’, probably the most straightforward Country moment on the record. Banjo riffs, rousing sing-a-long moments and a powerful chorus combine for a real gem of a track.
Of the album’s quieter moments ‘Give Up to Get It’ reflects on the many life moments Rich has missed out on in his pursuit of stardom, while ‘What Do I Know?’ finds Rich blindsided by the end of a relationship. Closing moment ‘Home We Choose’ looks back on the key moments in life where we decide to move on and move forward, embarking on new adventures away from the familiar. It’s a sobering moment and one that perfectly encapsulates Rich’s journey from California to Nashville.
I’ve been following Rich since 2014 and it’s been quite the journey for him in the Country music industry. While his time with Big Machine Records may not have yielded that huge breakthrough that he’s always been on the verge of, it’s clearly helped him hone the sound he wants to have as an artist. ‘Hello California’ isn’t breaking the mould but the songs here suggest that Rich is comfortable with who he is as an artist, and ready to press forward on his own terms. Radio-ready and commercially minded, ‘Hello California’ may just give him that moment in the sun he’s been working so hard towards.
Track list: 1. Hello California 2. Gets Me Every Time 3. Cigarettes (Lie to Me) 4. Give Up to Get It 5. All the Small Things 6. Whiskey Go Bad 7. What Do I Know? 8. Right Tonight 9. Drive Me Home 10. Home We Choose Record label: ONErpm Release date: 7th March 2025 Buy ‘Hello California’ now
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