STONE DIAMONDS FIRST SINGLE: LOVE STAYS If someone doesn’t like this song, they’d better be checked for a pulse. This is the kind of music that has a real universal attraction. Stone Diamond is a rock trio and here they show that they have the ability to create music that has a real classic vibe while still creating a unique sound. While there is an inherent familiarity, it never sounds like any particular act or song. In fact, it’s kind of hard to even pin it down to one genre. As the vocals open this, quickly joined by guitar, there is almost a country edge to that vocal delivery. Mind you, it’s the type of country that’s practiced by the real country acts, not pop country acts. The guitar sound kind of careens between that and an almost funky take on things. The backing vocals on the chorus are catchy. Then again, every thing here is catchy. The instrumental hooks are infectious. The vocal leans just seem perfect for the music. The lyrics are powerful and universal. Some of the later sections take on some edginess that gives it a real 1970s rock sound. There is some melodic guitar soloing over the top that calls to mind Santana a bit. There’s a nice bridge with just percussion and layers of vocals in a real soulful round. Classic organ sounds are heard as the tune builds out from there. Again, that section, fading out to close it, has a lot of soul built into it. This outfit has managed to create something that feels classic without feeling “ripped off” or copied from anything else. They have a real timeless sound. It’s a tough call to judge a group from one song. How many people have bought an album after hearing a tune on the radio only to find out that nothing else on the disc sounds anything like that one song or comes even close to reaching that quality. That’s the true origin of the “one hit wonder.” So, it’s tough to tell what these guys have to offer beyond this song. The truth is, though, this would be the one that would get people into the store to buy the whole thing. It’s that good and it’s that classic. Only time will tell what else these guys have to offer. Artist: Stone DiamondTitle: Love Stays Review by G. W. HillRating: 5 (out of 5)