The new single “What People Think Of Me is None of My Business” from West Virginia’s Robert Hale is a near-certain success. The third in a recent trio of singles, Hale claims the Tim Stafford/Jon Weisberger-written song as his own with a forceful vocal performance. He surrounds himself with five-star instrumental contributions that deliver blazing accompaniment. The song is relatively short, less than 150 seconds. Hale’s structuring allows him and his bandmates an ample opportunity to flash their virtuosic skillset without sounding affected or overwrought. There isn’t a second of wasted motion audible throughout this performance.
It delivers venerable truths with great artistry. Hale’s performance embraces a largely bygone type of bluegrass song that imparts good-natured instruction to the listener. The underlying implication is always that the singer has won this wisdom through hard times and harder lessons. The single’s lyrics frame the song’s message in terms that every listener can understand. Its immediacy will go a long way towards securing the lasting audience that the songwriting deserves.
Everyone has felt this way – at least once. The genius of the song lies in its ability to encapsulate that emotion in such a concise and well-tailored manner. Hale’s voice is more than adequate to carry the vocals. He has a sharp sense of the genre’s rural appeal that comes honestly, excellent timing, and an attentive ear. He never indulges himself with any needless affectations that might hobble the song.
Crisp production shines a light on the song’s strengths. It achieves a healthy balance between the instruments while properly providing the needed focus when each player has a turn to shine. Robert Hale deserves kudos for various reasons, but his ability to balance tried and true genre tropes, a vibrant texture, and a personal touch that elevates the performance far above pastiche.
Some performers treat bluegrass with an almost hushed reverence. They handle its conventions with kid gloves and produce life-like representations of the music only tangentially related to its source. However, Robert Hale is different. The West Virginia-born musician and performer engages with bluegrass on a down-and-dirty level and challenges himself to leave his mark on the music rather than merely regurgitate stereotypes for a niche audience.
The pop song-like sentiments of “What People Think Of Me is None of My Business” are no impediment to the composition’s lasting value. Hale has a single on his hand sure to catch a listener’s attention, and his singing never cheapens its potential impact. Each moment of Robert Hale’s new single release aspires to linger in a listener’s consciousness long after the last note fades. It’s meant to have long relevance rather than temporary appeal.
He’s succeeded in every way. “What People Think of Me is None of My Business” packs good fun into less than two and a half minutes while also putting over a simple message everyone should remember. Listeners discovering Robert Hale for the first time will come away pleased and will confirm his standing for existing fans. He has an exciting future ahead.
Claire Uebelacker