Album Review/ Americana : Mogipbob’s ‘High on the Hog’

Mogipbob is the music project of Jason Graves. A singer-songwriter and performer from the heart, his soundscapes are marked by expressive melodies, catchy hooks, and a singalong rhythm. His latest release is ‘High on the Hog’, an album that blends feel good pop with 70s classic rock and some country/ Americana influences. All of it brimming to the top with lyrical imagery and a larger than life vocal energy. 

The title track opens the album. With fresh instrumentals and a storytelling vocal line, the track lays out a feast. One that marks the progression of a life from little money to a rich lifestyle. Listening to the track, you start to feel lucky. The song sings of possibilities, paints a life that is colorful, bright and successful. Made dynamic with violins, jazz, and country flows, the song is perfect to sail into the sunset with. 

There are a lot of quirky themes and histrionic imagery that the artist employs across the album. There is also a remarkable stylistic range. Both combining to form a very captivating and curious sonic character. In ‘Blame the Cat’, we see electronica and disco influencing each other. The vocals are theatrical as they absorb the 70s culture of the instrumental atmosphere. ‘Gimme That Dirty Bird’ celebrates fried chicken with a very ABBA-esque style. There is a sincere musical passion that is tempered with the mundanity of the theme. 

In ‘She Thickened Up’, we see funk, blues, classic rock, jazz riffing. A soulful flow that forms around a beautiful, curvy woman who catches the eye of the protagonist. In ‘Even Steven’, we see another neo-soul/ R&B track that is easy to fall in love with. The artist’s production value and vision is quite commendable. He explores a vast stylistic profile that leads him to the mood he decides for a song. In ‘She’s Too Hairy For Me’, we see a million dollar, classic American style country rock track. ‘Eileen’ touches upon the country but stretches into a soul profile that pours you over. 

‘Soap on a Rope’ is a funky, groovy neo soul track. It keeps you moving, dancing and having fun like Bruno Mars. ‘The Longest Goodbye’ is a country folk song. Flooded with raw emotions and swirling neoclassicals, it is quite moving. ‘Unemotional Rollercoaster’ is a Bill Withers type of rock show. Finally, ‘When Summer Fades’ is a nostalgic, rustic country song that romanticises country landscapes and nature. Listen Now! 

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The album is available for streaming on popular sites like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music! 

You can listen to ‘High on the Hog’ by Mogipbob here -