Ray Barnard Lets Us Join The Ride on ‘And The Horse You Rode In On’

Without the constant push of mainstream radio nowadays, artists are able to craft songs that are true to themselves without having to conform to what some label executive deems “popular.” This allows genre meshes that can appeal to multiple fanbases without alienating anyone. Ray Barnard puts it all on the table with his own unique flavor on his latest album And The Horse You Rode In On.

This 5th album by the talented songwriter is a gritty, heartfelt fusion of reggae, soul, R&B, and roots-rock that feels like a love letter to the Twin Cities and a middle finger to its pretensions. Always adapting, Ray Barnard strips away the experimental edges of his previous release, Radicalized, for a “meat and potatoes” approach that hits hard with live-cut rhythm tracks and minimal overdubs. He took on many roles of this one, writing, arranging, and producing alongside a superb team of musicians. This record is a testament to his three-decade journey of crafting soulful grooves with a rebellious streak.

From the opening track “Scufflin”, Ray Barnard gallops in with a laid-back yet commanding vibe. The rhythm section—Jeremy Johnson, Blair Krivanek, Nick Salisbury, and Greg Schutte—is tighter than a well-worn saddle, laying down grooves that blend reggae’s skank with the punch of roots-rock and the warmth of soul. The tone is set with a track about survival and community that’s as much a gritty anthem as it is a reflection on finding strength in connection. The live-recorded energy is palpable, making you feel like you’re in the studio, nodding along to the beat.

The album’s heart lies in its thematic exploration of Ray Barnard’s love/hate relationship with his hometown. Tracks like “Closer To God” elevate the record to spiritual heights, a gospel-infused ode to finding divinity in the everyday. The vocals add a dipped-in-the-blood intensity to the track. Raw, uplifting energy is a standout, blending soulful harmonies with a rhythm that feels like a Sunday morning revival in a dive bar.

Let The Rhythms of Ray Barnard Take You Away

Barnard’s knack for genre-hopping keeps things fresh. One moment, you’re swaying to a reggae-inflected groove with a Tex-Mex twist; the next, you’re caught in a world-beat rhythm that recalls a low-key Paul Simon. Get a taste with “”Will 2 B Wild” with its multi rhythm sound occupying every inch of the sonic space without being overbearing. A journey of a song that can be listened to over and over again finding new nuances each time. 

Tracks like these showcase Barnard’s ability to paint vivid sonic landscapes while staying grounded in his roots. The production, handled by Barnard with minimal overdubs at his home studio, lets the live rhythm tracks shine, giving the album a warm, organic feel that’s both timeless, contemporary, and REAL.

And The Horse You Rode In On is a triumph of soulful storytelling and groove-driven craftsmanship. The raw honesty and unpolished charm of Ray Barnard make it a refreshing counterpoint to overproduced modern records, perfect for indie fans who crave authenticity.. Whether you’re a fan of reggae, soul, or roots-rock, this album has something for you—a sonic journey through the heart of a city and the soul of a man who’s still swinging and riding on.

Keep up with more from Ray Barnard HERE.