'Rookie' Modernizes Classic Rock With Their Self-Titled Debut

Updated: Jun 18, 2020

The resurgence of rock has been going strong these past few years, from the heavy punch of 'Greta Van Fleet' to the psychedelic sounds of 'The Explorers Club'. These immensely talented bands have taken that sweet song of old and breathed it new life. The same goes for 'Rookie', and their debut album of the same name.

Many things can be said about 'Rookie', almost too many to include in one review. Let's start with their opening track, 'Hold On Tight'. I look at this song as an explosive salute to 70's Glam Rock. After hearing it for the first time, I went back and listened to it again. If I weren't replaying the song, I'd be replaying certain parts of the song like that mini drum fill before the second chorus. One of the many selling points of this fine album, and if any song deserves to be on any chart then it's this one. Of course, with an opener as amazing as this one, you're probably wondering what they follow up with.

I was initially worried that the album would fall flat after 'Hold On Tight', but 'I Can't Have You But I Want You' put those worries at ease. As I listened, I got some hints of "Elvis Costello" mixed with "The Rolling Stones", two of the driving forces of the 70's rock scene. While a little more chill and bluesy than the first song, this track more so focuses on telling a story while at the same time providing a catchy cool-down tune.

Track after captivating track, you begin to realize what 'Rookie' was trying to do with this album. They welcome you with the borderline rock anthem "Hold On Tight" and as soon as they have your attention, they begin to tell you stories of love, heartbreak, and the longing to be back home. They show us that not only are they masterful musicians and lyricists, but storytellers at their core. That, ladies and gentlemen, is the spirit of "rock 'n' roll".