It felt satisfying when I discovered Robin James Hurt, an artist who feels timeless and freshly unearthed. He’s a gifted Irish musician whose career has seen him share stages with legends like Sinéad O’Connor, Ronnie Drew, and Finbar Furey. He steps boldly into his own story with A Song, A Story Told—a record that feels handcrafted in every sense of the word. Co-written with Dublin poet and songwriter Tony Floyd Kenna, this album is a love letter to folk roots, street music, storytelling, and the living pulse of rock ‘n’ roll.
Opening the album with infectious energy and emotional honesty, “Hey Mary” celebrates Dublin’s living heartbeat. It’s a love letter and an anthem, tipping the hat to Máire Úna Ní Beaghlaoich, whose spirit echoes through the song’s joyful rhythm. Robin’s vocals are textured and expressive, blending that storyteller’s rasp with melodic tenderness. The instrumentation brings Dublin’s streets right into your headphones. I could feel the crowd gather, smiling.
In “When the Happiness Is There,” Robin channels quiet reflection, painting a tender portrait of fleeting joy. His delivery is gentle yet assured, reminiscent of early Cat Stevens or Van Morrison’s more introspective moments. The warmth of the cassette recording adds intimacy; every breath feels close, every chord sincere.
One of the album’s most contemplative songs, “Where Are They Now,” carries a nostalgic ache—a meditation on memory and time. The layered guitars shimmer with a subtle melancholy, and Robin’s voice feels like it’s sifting through old photographs. It’s a standout for its lyrical maturity and restrained emotional power.
A song of longing and quiet connection, “Thinking Of You” blends a folk heart with an understated rock spirit. The melodic phrasing and steady percussion create a hypnotic groove, while Robin’s delivery is tender yet deeply felt. The kind of performance that reminds listeners how powerful simplicity can be.
“In The Heart Of A Rainbow” glows with hope. There’s a sense of rebirth here, of finding light in unexpected places. The production feels organic with bright acoustic tones, soft bass movement, and an almost ethereal slide guitar line. All of these give the song its sunlit texture.
One of the album’s liveliest moments, “Room Full Of Music,” is exactly what its title promises. It’s a groove-led invitation to move, dance, and remember. You can sense the joy in Robin’s strumming and the warmth of his smile through his vocals. It’s celebratory, rhythmic, and deeply human. A reminder that sometimes, music is the room.
Robin leans into folk philosophy in “Don’t Look Down On The Day.” This song is a reminder to appreciate life’s small moments. His vocal phrasing has an old-soul authenticity, and the arrangement balances acoustic and electric textures in perfect measure. The bass gently anchors the piece, while subtle percussion keeps the tune moving forward like a steady heartbeat.
“Believe,” the eighth song, feels like the emotional core of the album. Robin’s voice rises with conviction, blending vulnerability with resilience. The harmonies shimmer with warmth, and the production’s fidelity actually enhances its emotional impact. It proves that truth in performance outweighs polish.
“Take Me Home” is the album’s collaboration keystone. It’s the meeting point of Tony’s rock energy and Robin’s folk grounding. It’s cinematic, heartfelt, and deeply personal. Guitars swell with purpose, drums drive the song forward, and Robin’s voice carries yearning and release. It’s the sound of two artists finding common ground and creating something transcendent.
Closing the album with grace, “A Song, A Story Told” is a lullaby from parent to child, but also from artist to listener. It feels like a whispered thank-you, a goodnight tune that wraps everything in beautiful acceptance. Robin’s delivery here is breathtaking. It’s fragile and wise at once, like a candle flickering in the dark.
Recorded on 4- and 8-track cassette at home, the album achieves what many digital recordings can’t. There’s a tactile, analog warmth in every note, a living pulse that makes you feel as though you’re sitting in the room with Robin and his guitar. The production choices highlight musicianship over perfection and texture over gloss. Acoustic guitars, earthy percussion, and subtle electric touches blend seamlessly with Robin’s expressive vocals. Each song feels handcrafted, like a letter written in pen instead of pixels.
With “A Song, A Story Told,” Robin James Hurt has created something timeless: an album that honors the folk traditions of Ireland while pushing them gently toward rock and poetic modernism. His voice tells stories that linger. His guitar work, always thoughtful, ties melody to memory. This record wasn’t just heard; it was felt, breathed, and moved. It reminded me why I listen to songs in the first place: to find a story that feels like mine.
Listen to the “A Song, A Story Told” album on Spotify
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