Album Review: Fortunate Youth reminds us of the good to be found in every day with the amazing new LP, Good Times (Roll On)

Photo courtesy of Fortunate Youth. Photo credit: Mike Davids

As we approach the end of 2021, we look back on a deeply tumultuous two years. Anger, fear, and anxiety are on the rise in all individuals across the board; and along with these feelings, a cloud of negative thoughts and emotions has slowly been forming over our collective well-being. This is precisely why the world needs a band like Southern California's Fortunate Youth (FY). In this time of strife and uncertainty, FY has created an album reminding us to look on the bright side, enjoy the company of those we care about, and put our worries aside when the medicine for our injured soul is partying it up with friends and having a kick-ass night. Having a bad day? Throw on Fortunate Youth's new LP "Good Times (Roll On)" and see how you feel.

The creation of the new album was a longer process than normal for FY, who are known for their consistent releases and touring. Tracking and production were done at multiple locations, including California studios Kona Town Recording, Total Access Recording, 17th Street Recording Studio, and East Coast studio, Kromatic Sound. The time the band put in to produce this record paid off, and the result was a collection of songs that will excite both old and new fans alike.

The vibe and purpose of the album are best embodied by the title track "Good Times (Roll On)”, a feel-great song about rolling with the punches and enjoying the good that can be found in every day. The track starts with a wonderful harmonized horn line, after which the full band comes in with a groove that instantly brings a smile to your face. The bass and drums are perfectly locked in, organ and keys provide the perfect texture to the rhythm, and a wonderful clean guitar jumps in with a laid-back tone and lead. Singer, Dan Kelly jumps in reminding us that even when it's rainy outside if it's sunny in your heart the day will feel the same. He talks about barbecuing and reminiscing with friends and family, and in the chorus brings the song home with the lyrics "Good times they come and go, each and every day.”

The "Good Times (Roll On)" album also includes some great artist features. The popular track "Around the World" has Italy's reggae band Mellow Mood crushing it on the track alongside Fortunate Youth. "Around the World" reinforces FY's mission to spread the love of reggae music across the globe, and the success they have found in the endeavor. The instrumentation is all so deep in the pocket you can find a ticket stub from five years ago that has been through the washer a hundred times, and is proof of the hours Fortunate Youth's members have spent playing together.

The appropriately titled song "Groovin" features reggae's upcoming powerhouse Iya Terra. Iya's Nathan Aurora does a stellar job creating a verse that perfectly compliments Dan Kelly's vocals. The percussion really stands out in this track (as it should in any song titled "Groovin") and provides that extra bit of sauce to FY's musical barbeque. SkillinJah and Dread Kennedy jump on the track "Riddim Rydah". Both artists throw down over a beat-driven by a killer bassline and well-chosen production samples.

The cover art of "Good Times (Rolls On)" is worth mentioning as it fits the songs perfectly. The ocean, beach, Hollywood sign, and palm trees all sit in the background of the Fortunate Youth Cab leaving an intense smoke cloud for the following traffic to enjoy, officially making it the only traffic jam this reviewer would choose to be in.
To celebrate "Good Times (Rolls On)" Los Angeles Ale Works has released a Juicy India Pale Ale with the album's namesake. If the brew is half as good as this album it is guaranteed to be delicious.

For more on Fortunate Youth's music and tour dates go to www.fortunate-youth.com

"Groovin'" featuring Iya Terra is the Daily Reggae Song of the Day.

By Chris Lawrie.

Review originally published on October 5, 2021.