Rob McNelley – Circus Is Leaving Town (2024)
Known for his masterful understanding of finely crafted songs – the melody, the lyricism and the raw emotions it evokes – Rob McNelley can create masterpieces from a couple of words on a piece of paper. One of the most sought-after guitarists in country music, US-based McNelley has contributed to chart-topping releases spanning decades. From Carrie Underwood and Buddy Guy to Lainey Wilson and Hank Williams Jr (to name a few), McNelley has quite the collaborative repertoire; however, we are interested in his solo project. The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Circus Is Leaving Town’.
Following his critically acclaimed single ‘Right Back To You’, ‘Circus Is Leaving Town’ further showcases McNelley’s innovation, eclecticism and originality. While ‘Right Back To You’ fused elements of Americana and pop-rock, his new single leans strongly to an Americana flavour with blues-inspired tones shimmering across the melody. Interestingly, while the track has a strong 70s vibe, there is a refreshing contemporary edginess in the bold single.
Composed and produced with Bob Rea and Justin Francis, ‘Circus Is Leaving Town’ is an elegant track filled with sophistication; however, just as there is a balance between modern and old-school vibes, an innocent youthfulness slithers within the mature arrangement. McNelley’s powerful guitar glides along the Hammond organ with a rustic soothing… then again, a gritty vulnerability and rawness exists in the moving tune.
While the melody is intriguing, it is the lyricism pushing the profoundness of ‘Circus Is Leaving Town’. McNelley explains:
“’Circus Is Leaving Town’ is a song about someone you know. The master manipulator. It might be your boss, family member, your ex, a politician, etc. They only reveal themselves once they’ve moved on. This is about that person.”
An eye-opening moment when you realise how you’ve been duped, ‘Circus Is Leaving Town’ is frustration, fear, confusion and despair wrapped in a sincere, reflective and sentimental sonic wrapper.
Find out more about Rob McNelley on his Instagram and Spotify.
Listen to more Americana tunes on The Other Side Reviews Americana playlist:
