Some artists leave a trail of melodies in their wake, each album a chapter, each song a verse in their ongoing story. John Michael Hersey, with his twentieth album, “Smoke Rings,” is not just adding another installment to his discography—he’s crafting an experience that feels like a fireside conversation, a drive down memory lane, and a moment of deep introspection all at once.
If you are unfamiliar with Hersey, he is a rare breed of musician: a true storyteller whose words feel like well-worn leather, smooth from years of truth-telling, and a guitarist whose fingers carve emotions out of strings. His music weaves together rock, pop, folk, blues, and country—not as separate elements, but as threads in the same intricate tapestry. And in Smoke Rings, every thread is rich with feeling.
Opening with a laid-back yet assertive presence, the album begins with “Welcome to My Country,” a song that feels like a knowing smirk in musical form. The arrangement is warm, guided by a steady rhythm section and blues-infused guitar licks that slither into the mix effortlessly. Lyrically, Hersey extends an invitation and a challenge—his voice carrying the weight of a seasoned storyteller, one who knows the road ahead is filled with beauty and consequence. The production is clean yet organic, ensuring every word lands with clarity.
The title track, “Smoke Rings” is a slow-burning masterpiece, its bluesy undertones curling and twisting like the very smoke rings it’s named after. Hersey’s vocals are slightly weathered, rich with wisdom and weariness, perfectly complementing the song’s melancholic, almost dreamlike feel. A haunting slide guitar weaves through the arrangement, adding a layer of mystery, while the percussion gently pulses beneath. It’s the kind of song that lingers long after the final note, like the last exhale of a cigarette in the dark.
There’s a delicate reverence in “Angel Tree,” a song that radiates a quiet spiritual depth. With acoustic guitar leading the way, the melody feels like a hymn for the wanderer, an ode to something greater than oneself. Hersey’s vocal delivery here is softer, almost confessional, carrying a tenderness that makes the song deeply personal. The subtle addition of strings adds an ethereal quality, elevating the song to something sacred.
The energy picks up with “I’ve Got No Time,” a track that leans into rock’s more urgent side. Gritty guitar riffs and an insistent beat drive the song forward, mirroring the impatience in the lyrics. Hersey’s voice takes on a sharper edge, a slight growl slipping in as he delivers the lines with conviction. The production keeps things raw, amplifying the song’s restless spirit. It’s a track that begs to be played loud, preferably on an open road with the windows down.
Playful, bluesy, and dripping with charm, “Something Sexy” lives up to its name. The slinky guitar lines and laid-back groove create a sultry atmosphere, while Hersey’s vocals take on a teasing quality. There’s a wink in his delivery, a knowing grin behind every word. The bassline hums seductively, locking in with the rhythm section to create a smooth, irresistible pulse. The production is crisp but lets the instruments breathe, allowing the sensuality of the track to come through effortlessly.
With a folk-rock core, “New Fangled Friends” explores themes of change and shifting relationships. The jangly acoustic guitar lays down a foundation, while electric flourishes add a layer of modernity, mirroring the contrast between the old and the new in the lyrics. Hersey’s vocals here are reflective, tinged with both nostalgia and resignation. The melody is subtly infectious, wrapping around the listener like a well-told story.
A beautifully constructed ballad, “One Day” feels like a whispered promise—gentle yet powerful. The piano takes center stage, its delicate notes carrying the weight of hope and longing. Hersey’s voice dips into vulnerability here, his delivery measured and heartfelt. The strings swell at just the right moments, lifting the song into something cinematic. The production leans into warmth, allowing every instrument to glow.
In contrast to the previous track, “Happy Highway” bursts forth with an easygoing, road-trip-ready spirit. The bright acoustic strumming and breezy melody make it feel like an Americana classic, while the harmonies add a layer of richness. Hersey’s vocals take on a storyteller’s lilt, guiding the listener down an open road where adventure awaits. It’s a feel-good song in every sense, radiating freedom and possibility.
Emotionally charged and deeply intimate, “Don’t Go Now” carries a sense of desperation wrapped in a haunting melody. The electric guitar work is particularly striking here—each note feels like a plea, a question left unanswered. Hersey’s voice wavers just enough to let the emotion seep through, making the song all the more gripping. The production remains spacious, allowing the raw emotion to take center stage.
Philosophical and slightly surreal, “Reality” bends genres, incorporating elements of folk, blues, and psychedelia. The lyrics challenge perceptions of truth and illusion, and Hersey delivers them with a half-smirk, half-sigh. The instrumentation feels layered yet open, with space for the listener to wander within the soundscape. The production embraces a slightly hazy quality, enhancing the song’s introspective nature.
This track feels like a slow dance under dim lights, drenched in nostalgia. The gentle sway of the rhythm, combined with Hersey’s velvety vocals, makes it an understated yet deeply affecting love song. The instrumentation remains subtle—just a touch of electric guitar, a steady bassline, and soft percussion—allowing the lyrics to take the spotlight.
Expansive and cinematic, “Somewhere on Earth” carries a universal longing, a search for belonging. The atmospheric production creates a dreamlike quality, while Hersey’s voice floats above it all like a guiding light. The guitar work is particularly evocative, painting pictures with sound. It’s a song that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Closing the album with a burst of energy, “Jaguar” is sleek, bold, and undeniably cool. The blues-rock guitar snarls with confidence, the rhythm section struts, and Hersey delivers his lines with a knowing smirk. It’s the perfect finale—leaving the listener exhilarated, eager to hit repeat.
Overall, “Smoke Rings” is an album of stories—each song a window into a world, a thought, a feeling. John Michael Hersey doesn’t just write songs; he crafts experiences. His vocals are rich with life, his performance unwaveringly genuine, and his delivery soaked in soul. The production across the album ensures every note, every lyric, and every nuance lands with impact, while the instrumentation remains both refined and raw where needed. Twenty albums in, and Hersey is still not just making music—he’s making magic.
Listen to the “Smoke Rings” album on Spotify or SoundCloud
Follow John Michael Hersey here for more information
