Ray Johnson – A Menu Full Of Dreams (2023)
A couple of weeks ago we brought you the musical stylings of Ray Johnson with his single ‘Isn’t That True’; but this wasn’t our introduction to the talented singer-songwriter. While he has been on our radar since 2023’s ‘Ocean Blue’, each of his tracks continue to act like something new yet to be discovered by our ears. Further exploring the tapestry of life with a vibrant sonic palette, Johnson reaches us with his single ‘A Menu Full Of Dreams’.
Taken off the well-received 2023 album, Appealing To Angels, ‘A Menu Full Of Dreams’ joins the talents of Ray Johnson and Dave Bieritz in a folk-inspired sound. Similar to tracks like ‘Coffee And Toast’ and ‘Ocean Blue’ – both from Appealing To Angels – ‘A Menu Full Of Dreams’ showcases Johnson’s acoustic folk style; however, there is a slip of other-ness in this single. For me, the track is not a chilled-out folk song but breathes an eclectic fusion of 80s soft rock into the mix – think Bon Jovi meets Fleetwood Mac with Paul McCartney on the door. Then again, the comparison to any other artist seems futile as Ray Johnson’s melodies are Johnson and no one else.
Melodically, the tune is an intriguing composition elegantly scooping you up in a kaleidoscopic blanket of joy and warmth, but it is the lyricism that fills the squashy blanket with intimacy. Drawing on his storytelling skills, Johnson sets the scene for an enchanting tale of finding dreams, facing reality, and making the moment count – all in a quick narrative of someone ordering things from a menu of dreams.
Brimming with sincerity, honesty and a luxuriously tranquil state of calm, ‘A Menu Full Of Dreams’ is a refreshing breath of air after a tiring day. Sticking in your brain, it’ll become your happy space and you’ll probably find yourself humming it. I am thoroughly enjoying wading through Ray Johnson’s discography and am eager for more.
In addition to the single, Ray Johnson released a recent music video for ‘A Menu Full Of Dreams’. You can view the video below or on his YouTube channel.
Find out more about Ray Johnson on his official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more folk music on The Other Side Reviews Folk playlist:
