Album Review: Billy Raffoul Checks Into An “International Hotel”
Love is a global force, and seems to have a singular language. No matter what color or shape of eyes, we can tell when they are filled with love or not. Billy Raffoul’s International Hotel lives in that space; brazened love songs you sing when you really know the feeling.
Billy Raffoul – International Hotel Album – Episode 3: International Hotel (The Album)
Out August 28, I love how International Hotel sings to Love as if it is a “tell” in everyone’s poker face; something you FEEL is seen and thus known. Of course, you could say, “Gifts are a sign of love,” but I have seen enemies “gift” each other. Instead, Raffoul embraces his knack for painting a relationship’s space, and, from “Massey Hall” to “Library Book,” makes love seem like living rooms you can scroll and choose emotional furniture from in an IKEA Magazine. Seriously! How your lover laughs can be found under living room accessories or how they always smell like a baked good can be bought under the kitchen appliances section. Imagine! Yet, Raffoul’s ability to pluck out the details of a lover’s being and setting is what makes International Hotel feel like his best album yet.
Billy Raffoul – What Makes a Man (Official Video)
Don’t get me wrong! I love Billy Raffoul’s “Driver” and live for a good, angsty youth track. Yet, his smoky voice was made to bake and grill the varying layers of love; cooking them up whatever way that makes you taste it. Tracks like, “Philadelphia” make love feel like a chocolate, pecan croissant and there is some honey, vanilla in “Shannon.” You can’t have a voice as distinguishable and warm as Billy Raffoul’s vocality without making people embrace his love songs like simple, full sensory experiences. The difference between International Hotel, and his previous records, is that he has embraced, even moreso, his voice and his his listeners want him to sing to love like it was a soft blanket you cozy to by sparkling fire and hot cup of coffee. Click Here For More Information.
