Sometimes an artist surprises you out of nowhere and that’s exactly what happened when I hit play on “Ain’t Nobody“, the new 8-track album from Johnny Batchelor. I didn’t know what to expect, but I found myself listening all the way through more than once. This album is full of heart, emotion and seriously good music.
The album opens strong with the title track, “Ain’t Nobody” a reimagining of the Chaka Khan classic. Johnny’s version feels slower and dreamier with soft melodies and a rich atmosphere that sets the tone. His deep and warm voice pulls you in right away. It’s like the kind of voice that tells you stories while still making you want to dance a little.
“Walking On A Wire” comes next and it’s one of the catchiest songs here. The melody stays in your head and the lyrics are simple but powerful. It’s the kind of song that makes you feel like you’re walking on air. Then there’s “Proud Kind Man” which has its own unique groove. The rhythm is tight, and the production sounds polished without being overdone. You can really hear how much care went into the sound.
The rest of the album keeps things interesting. There’s no filler here. Songs like “Bad Mood Bad Groove” and “Anemone” explore different moods and styles but still feel connected. You can tell Johnny is an experienced songwriter. Every track has its own identity, but they all belong together. That’s not easy to do.
The final two tracks, “In My Hands” and “Watching the Detectives” end the album perfectly. There’s a mix of classic rock influence and something more modern, layers of instruments, thoughtful lyrics and great pacing. The production is clear and rich without losing that raw and emotional feel. “Watching the Detectives” is a reinterpretation of the Elvis Costello classic and Johnny brings his own style to it without losing the spirit of the original.
Johnny Batchelor may not be a big name today, but he sounds like someone who’s lived music for years and he has. From his 80s band days to this fresh and exciting release, this new album is a reminder that great music can still come from unexpected places. If you’re into honest songwriting, great melodies and a bit of indie magic, don’t miss this album.
