Rusty Reid’s “Attitude Change” arrives with a story as compelling as its sound. Originally recorded some forty years ago for a double album that never saw release, the track is finally stepping out into the light, carrying with it the charm of its era and the fresh resonance of a rediscovered gem. On first listen, it’s impossible not to feel the pull of its jangly, sunlit guitars and driving rhythm—a sound that nods to the rock and roll lineage of Tom Petty while carrying just enough of that clever, melodic flair reminiscent of early Elvis Costello. Reid’s composition doesn’t merely trade on nostalgia, but thrives on timeless qualities: hooks that land, a groove that rolls, and vocals that cut through with warmth and honesty.
At its core, “Attitude Change” is a rock song in the purest sense. It rides on the effortless chemistry between acoustic and electric guitars, intertwining lines that shimmer without crowding one another. Beneath it all, a buoyant bassline keeps the track grounded while lending it a sense of momentum, like a car cruising down a sunlit highway. The drumming is steady and unfussy, driving the beat forward without stealing the spotlight. This instrumental interplay creates the perfect canvas for Reid’s vocal delivery, which falls somewhere between conversational drawl and confident storytelling. There’s no excess, no attempt to dazzle with vocal acrobatics—just a straightforward, unpretentious voice that’s approachable and assured.
Thematically, “Attitude Change” captures the outlook of a younger Reid—before his songwriting turned to broader political and philosophical landscapes. Here, he’s writing in the familiar terrain of youth: love, life, longing, and the everyday struggles that define early adulthood. It’s refreshing to hear him in this mode, unconcerned with global commentary, simply chasing the joy of writing a great song. And that’s exactly what “Attitude Change” delivers: a track that balances jaunty energy with emotional accessibility, making it as infectious today as it would have been in its original era. The lyrics don’t overcomplicate the picture; instead, they reflect the straightforward honesty of rock at its best—relatable, memorable, and tinged with charm.
There’s also something liberating about the production itself. It doesn’t rely on the gloss of modern overproduction, instead leaning into an organic, lived-in feel. You can almost imagine the song being born in a late-night studio session or hammered out in a barroom set—its raw edges and jangling chords feel like a reminder of rock’s essential vitality. In an age where so much music is polished within an inch of its life, “Attitude Change” is a refreshing throwback that still manages to feel current. It’s music that doesn’t need bells and whistles to resonate. It stands tall on rhythm, melody, and spirit.
As a gateway into Reid’s newly unearthed double album “The Unreasonables,” “Attitude Change” plays a special role. It invites listeners to hear the artist in a different light, offering a glimpse of his younger self before the weight of politics and philosophy defined his songwriting trajectory. Yet even stripped of those layers, Reid’s talent is unmistakable. This song embodies the raw, lustful, alive-in-the-moment energy that has always been at the core of rock and roll. And while the album promises nineteen tracks of expansive storytelling, it’s here, in “Attitude Change,” where Reid’s heart beats loudest—a rediscovered anthem that proves great songs never lose their spark, no matter how long they’ve been waiting in the wings.
For more information, follow Rusty Reid:
Website – Facebook – YouTube – Soundcloud – Bandcamp
