SINGLE REVIEW: KEZIA GILL - IF HEAVEN HAS A HONKY TONK

If any further evidence was needed that Kezia Gill is not just happy to tap on the UK Country glass ceiling, and that she intends to smash it, then listen to "If Heaven Has A Honky Tonk". It takes on our good friends across the pond and let's be honest, it matches and surpasses much of the output currently being xeroxed at the moment and injects a bit of energy, telling of a riotous event happening at life's after party. With a band consisting of Alyssa Bonagura and her significant other Steve Shirley this is up front, in your face, damn good fun.

It's rootsy, with drums and guitars boldly upfront, yet nothing is as forward as they lady of the hour herself who acts as guide on this true journey of a lifetime, gently introducing us to the concept on the opening verse before soaring off on the chorus.

"People will say "I'll sleep when I'm dead

Life's for living, then we're laid to rest

But what if the good times are yet to come?

And finding out as you depart, it's just the start

And the party's just begun"

It touches on what many might see as being a bit morbid, yet makes it seem like fun, conjuring up just some some of the names you might see. In essence it's a list song of past performers but it is done with love, affection and just a little panache, just look at the way Kezia signs off the chorus.

"If Heaven Has A Honky Tonk - you know where I'm gonna be

I'll throw one back with Johnny Cash, have a wine with Patsy Cline

Take the floor with Toby Keith

And Jerry Lee is on the keys, Elvis is stealing the show

If Heaven Has A Honky Tonk - I'm dying to go!"

Kezia paints a picture of the great beyond as being a welcoming place, full of fun where you can carry on your favourite pastime

"It's always open, and happy hour never ends

You might show up on your own, but before too long

You're surrounded by old friends

If people knew about this place, you wouldn't worry about your time

Cos when you walk towards the light, it's just the neon shining bright on the sign"

It's probably not the market that Kezia was looking to grab, however we'll be amazed if this song is not adopted by Country fans as their parting gift. More importantly it's a song to be savoured while you are living and the accompanying video with its own line dance shows just that.

"So don't be crying at the wake, turns out dying

Is all it takes to have the time of your life

When it’s my time you’ll find me two stepping up to heaven

With the all star band and a mic in hand"

It's the second instalment on the highly anticipated "All On Red" due in 2026 which promises to repaint the UK Country landscape and see it placed on to a world stage. It is also accompanied with a video that incorporates lots of neat touches including an appearance by her former band.