Listening to Class 2 Rapids feels less like stepping into a single sound and more like getting pulled along a moving current. That’s very much the point. Robbie Rapids doesn’t box himself in here. Instead, he leans into decades of influence and lets each song go where it naturally wants to go.
At its core, the album is rooted in classic rock, but that foundation is constantly stretched. Pop instincts, folk storytelling, alternative country warmth, and even flashes of metal edge their way in. Rather than feeling scattered, the variety gives the record its character. This is music made by someone who values songwriting over labels and trusts listeners to follow the journey.
Class 2 Rapids is Robbie’s second solo album and the result of two years of writing and recording. Across fourteen tracks, you can hear both patience and intention. The album was recorded at Mosspit Studio in Norcross, Georgia, and BigSound Productions ATL in Johns Creek, and the production keeps things grounded. It sounds human and lived-in, not polished into sameness.
The standout songs point to the album’s emotional range. Hang Loose tackles the quiet pressure of climbing the work ladder and the stress that comes with it, offering a reminder to breathe and let go. Dance with Me plays out like a short story, full of anticipation, disappointment, and last-second resolve. Black Roses moves in the opposite direction, unpacking a breakup from an unexpected angle, letting reflection do the heavy lifting.
What I find most engaging is Robbie’s approach to storytelling. Songs like I Believe in You and Mystery of Life stretch across years, friendships, and turning points, touching on themes of belief, loyalty, and finding direction when it’s not obvious where to turn. Even the lighter moments, like Fishing the River or Mule of Mine, carry personality and humor without feeling throwaway.
There’s also a clear affection for rock history woven throughout the album. BIG BAM BOOM openly tips its hat to glam rock roots, while Dream Away drifts into psychedelic territory, built on memory, distance, and longing. These moments don’t feel like pastiche. They feel like conversation, one generation X rocker speaking back to the sounds that shaped him.
What ultimately makes Class 2 Rapids work is Robbie Rapids’ comfort with who he is as an artist. He’s not chasing relevance or trends. He’s returning to originals after years of bands and tributes, and there’s a sense of freedom in that choice. The album doesn’t rush. It listens to itself.
For anyone who values melody, story, and variety, Class 2 Rapids offers a full, rewarding listen. It’s the sound of an artist letting the current carry him, confident that the songs will find their own way downstream.
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