Greg Hoy – ‘Hit Music’ [Album Review]

Oakland, California-based artist Greg Hoy releases his latest album, Hit Music, whose title was borrowed from an old, enigmatic sign outside a local steakhouse that read ‘Hit Music.’ “I kept passing by it every day, and it just stuck,” Hoy says. “It got me thinking—what if, instead of a greatest hits album, I made a record that felt like one?”

Hit Music’s genesis occurred when, in the middle of a set in Berlin, Hoy’s left hand went numb. He played through it, but the symptoms throughout the tour. He was later diagnosed with spinal arthritis, two fused vertebrae, and cervical radiculopathy. Whenever he strapped on his guitar, a nerve running to his hand was pinched.

For the time being banned from playing guitar, Hoy rented a small room where he played drums.

Hoy explains, “I’d drop my daughter off at preschool, head straight to the studio, and just play whatever felt good. It was a return to my earliest recording experiences—raw, instinctual, and completely live.”

Over a period of six months, Hoy created more than two dozen songs. Following his own rules – full takes, no software hocus-pocus, and live performances – he recorded a visceral rock album flavored with surprising textures of brass: German trumpeter Kelly O’Donohue and Pittsburgh saxophonist Ben Opie, Hoy played all the other instruments on the album.

Encompassing 12 tracks, highlights include “The Simulation,” laced with stripped-down dirty guitars riding a crunching rhythm and topped by dark, portentous vocals. Opie’s wailing saxophone gives the tune urgent edginess.

Blending hints of punk with garage rock roughness, “Gold” summons up suggestions of Jack White and The Knack, tight, austere, and extremely catchy. High vocals imbue the lyrics with atavistic longing.

Greg Hoy, photo courtey of Greg Hoy

“Say you wanna / Take a lover / But it’s only on / The weekend.”

For some reason, “The Wheel” conjures up AC/DC, low-slung and vibrating with energy at once moody and passionate. While “The Machine” is vaguely reminiscent of Tom Petty, only rawer. And when O’Donohue’s trumpet enters, the tune takes on elusive Latin savors akin to an Ennio Morricone composition. It’s wonderful.

A feel-good pop-rock song, “Stay Fun!” is simple and optimistic, oozes flair, and features an unpretentious yet oh-so evocative guitar solo.

Uncomplicated and fresh, decorated with bravura horns, with Hit Music, Greg Hoy just keeps on getting better and better.

Hit Music Track Listing:

1. The Simulation
2. Last Quarter
3. Gold
4. What, My People?
5. The Wheel
6. The Machine
7. Luck Vs Fate
8. The Nx
9. I Have Frustration
10. The Devil
11. Stay Fun!
12. Hit Music

Run Time:
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Record Label: Independent