Alex Blizzy - A Step Behind

Alex Blizzy

A Step Behind
​self-released; 2023

4.0 out of 5

By Matt Jensen
​

Alex Blizzy was born in Buffalo, NY and raised in the metro-DC region but is now based in Nashville. His upbringing framed some of his music according to his website. Blizzy mentions “This contrast between rust belt and beltway, brought about ruminations on identity, social strata and inner belonging that would ultimately lead him to become the type of writer he is today.”

Blizzy has been steadily working on his debut album entitled A Step Behind with a number of collaborators including Aaron Liao, Caleb Gilbreath, Andy Ellis Valdini and Kate Atanian. The album has an inviting and palatable sound that is simultaneously original yet familiar.

The album starts with the title song “A Step Behind” which felt like a single. It begins with a couple of guitars, drums and bass. The vocals bring you into the song and I was impressed by them right off the bat. One of the reasons I mention this song sounds like a single is the hook. It sticks with you. Great opener. 

“Drinking Town” is next and another very well written song with a great hook. I absolutely loved the guitar work in this song especially when the chorus hits. Blizzy hits the center of the bullseye when it comes to creating an Americana/country/rock hybrid. We get some melancholy with “Wrong End of Goodbye” which I was kind of waiting for. I also loved the solace an Americana based song can bring and that’s no exception here. “These Footsteps” has a similar sense of melancholy but this song feels like it has a bit of a redemption arch. The instrumentation is really quite gorgeous at points between the guitar, organ and keys.

We get in party mode in the spirit of Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band on “Comin’ For You” while “Even The Strongest Girls” has a nice mid level energy with a ’70s quality. “Love On Paper” was more like a ballad. It’s a great song and it was nice to hear Blizzy on an acoustic for the first half of the song. The energy increases once more with “Culture King” which is infectious, fun and actually quite motivational. I loved the lyrics on this one. “Never Felt Better” felt like a perfect closer mixing melancholy and gratitude.

​Wow - what a great debut. Blizzy combines exceptional songwriting with stellar production that should appeal to wide audiences. Recommended.

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