MICHAEL RAY - Hold - Warner Music Nashville

Michael Ray continues to showcase his underappreciated artistry with his latest release that explores lessons learned on how to approach love, relationships, and life.  “Hold” is available now digitally and on all streaming platforms via Warner Music Nashville.

A thought-provoking, emotionally-inducing tune to its core, “Hold” explores the realms of the life’s common themes while offering lessons to which we should all listen and relate.  And as it will with most of us who hear it, the song resonated with Ray on a personal level as well.

“This one is so special to me,” Ray said.  “It’s about keeping what really matters close to you.”

The vibe and ambiance is perfectly articulated from the onset as it flows from verse to chorus in an elegant manner that is sure to focus on the lyrical anecdotes that read like a poetic excerpt from one looking back on his life to share his wisdom with those who follow.

“Hold a beer, don’t hold a grudge

Hold on to the ones you love

You can hold your cards

But boy know when to fold’em

Hold on to your beliefs

Don’t hold back on all our dreams

Make some memories

‘Fore the good Lord calls you home

There’s a lot of things in life worth letting go

But the ones that mean the most

You gotta hold”

As is becoming a common theme in his music over the past couple years, Ray once again showcases his deceptive vocal power and range while incorporating his sensitive vigor at the adequate moments to take the emotional impression of this song to the next level.

“Hold” follows “Nothin’ Else” as the first taste of new music from the country music star since his 2023 EP release.  Ray is currently in the studio working on a follow-up to ‘Dive Bars & Broken Hearts’, which featured standout tracks “Spirits & Demons”, “Get Her Back”, and “Workin’ On It”.  The six-song collection served as Michael’s first new music since his ‘Higher Education’ EP from 2021. 

To date, Ray has eclipsed 1 billion global streams and 150 million views on Youtube.  And while he has charmed the masses in the past with upbeat catchy hit singles including “Think A Little Less”, “Kiss You In The Morning”, and “One That Got Away”, it has been this new chapter of his career that has seen his artistry escalate to a whole new level, adding to his reputation as a well-rounded and undeniably talented singer and songwriter.

(Review Written By: Chad Carlson)

• Prev
• Next