Album Review: Willie Nile — New York at Night
Way back when Bob Seger finally broke through nationally, much was written about how it took him many years to become an overnight sensation. And he’s merely one example of highly talented artists who toil in obscurity for years. Some – most, actually – never break out. They might earn a measure of critical claim, but not the kind of thing that puts food on the table. They might cultivate a small yet loyal following, and if they and their fans are lucky, they’ll find a way to keep making records, keep playing shows.
All of this came to my mind as I popped New York at Night into my CD player. Its maker, Willie Nile, has been in the rock ‘n’ roll game for a long time. A long time, I say: I saw him live in concert, opening for The Who. In 1980. Nineteen-eighty. That’s 40 years ago. And while critics (this writer among them) enjoy his gritty, heartfelt and rock-solid musicianship and writing, he’s never quite broken through on a commercial level.
Nile’s latest release is a collection of story-songs that paint a picture of his city. Helped out by a bunch of friends (and fellow New Yorkers), the album has an inviting vibe. It’s easy to create a “mind movie” to accompany songs like “Doors of Paradise.” More often than not, the images would be silent footage of the City, moving through it quickly in a car. Nile’s well-worn voice reinforces the lived-in feel that his lyrics present.
He explores a variety of themes, but there’s an undercurrent of regret and resignation that percolates through tunes like “Lost and Lonely World” and “A Little Bit of Love.” Yet there’s a glimmer of clear-eyed optimism that is welcome, especially in these times.
Standout track: with its musical quoting of “Little Bit of Soul” by the Music Explosion, it’s gotta be the title track, “New York at Night.”
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.