Rusty Reid, the Texas-born, Pacific Northwest-based indie-folk-pop-country-rock singer-songwriter, has unearthed a piece of buried treasure with his new album The Unreasonables. Written and recorded decades ago but only now seeing the light of day, the record leans less on Reid’s usual philosophical musings and more on raw, unfiltered rock and roll. Among the standout cuts is the single “Attitude Change,” a jangly, sassy pop-rock number that feels both of its time and timeless in its energy.
The track kicks off with shimmering guitar lines and a tight, thumping beat, immediately setting a vibrant mood. Reid’s thick voice comes in playfully to pull listeners into his grievance and humor. He rattles off complaints about being mistreated with witty, wry humor, as if rolling his eyes in rhythm. He sings, “Seems like you’d rather make love to the TV,” like a stinging jab and a clever cultural dig, conjuring the picture of distance creeping into intimacy.
The refrain, marked by the repeated cry of “Aye-ee-aye, are you trying or lying / Aye-ee-aye, are you surviving or dying,” builds tension like a chant, each phrase driving home the sense of exasperation. The insistence on a long-overdue “attitude change” turns into a universal pushback against stagnation, lethargy, or apathy. The energy of the drums, bustling under jangly guitars, mirrors the demand for movement and spark.
By the bridge, Reid gets more personal, admitting, “Two times two I fell in love / Three times more with you,” before flipping the confession into frustration, as though love itself can’t outweigh a partner’s inertia. The song barrels toward its final choruses with gleeful determination, ending in a cheeky “Ha!” because discontent is often served cold.
“Attitude Change” proves that Reid’s rediscovered rock instincts pack both bite and charm. If you like the sound of that, check it out.
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Review by: Naomi Joan