Folksy, Dynamic, Experimental

Formed and led by singer-songwriter M.C. (Michael) Taylor, Hiss Golden Messenger is a musical project built around a rotating cast of musicians who help shape each release. For I’m People, Taylor collaborated closely with Josh Kaufman, who contributed multiple string instruments and co-produced the album, alongside JT Bates on drums and percussion and Cameron Ralston on electric and upright bass. While several other musicians appear throughout the record, these four artists serve as the primary creative forces behind the album.

Despite the project’s unconventional lineup, I’m People is deeply rooted in traditional country and folk influences. The opener, “The Middle of It,” immediately establishes that foundation with vibrant guitar work, steady percussion, and Taylor’s rugged, lived-in vocals. The song’s energetic instrumentation complements its lyrics, painting a portrait of someone navigating the chaos of everyday life while somehow managing to keep everything together.

The following tracks, “Who You Gonna Run To?” and “Shaky Eyes,” maintain the upbeat momentum established by the opener before “Mercy Avenue” shifts the album into more reflective territory. Built around a slower, more solemn arrangement, the track incorporates touches of harmonica and saxophone to deepen its emotional atmosphere. Lyrically, Taylor reflects on growth and change while acknowledging that no matter how far he moves forward, he never fully leaves his roots behind.

“Last Orders,” the album’s seventh track, reintroduces the earlier energy while exploring the beauty found in simply being alive. Like many songs on the record, its uplifting instrumentation works in tandem with the lyrics and backing vocals to create a feeling of freedom and appreciation for life’s fleeting moments.

One of Taylor’s greatest strengths has always been his willingness to experiment with different styles, and I’m People continues that tradition. While country and folk remain at the album’s core, elements of rock emerge throughout the second half. This is especially evident on the penultimate track, “Spirit Car,” where Taylor pleads with a lover not to give up on him. The emotional weight of the lyrics is matched by driving drums and prominent electric guitar work, culminating in an extended instrumental passage that serves as one of the album’s most powerful moments.

In contrast, the closing track, “Depends on the River,” slows things down once again. The song revisits themes of change and self-discovery, focusing on the tension between holding onto the past and embracing the future. Through recurring imagery of fire and water, Taylor contrasts the chaos of life with the peace that comes from accepting uncertainty. By the song’s conclusion, he arrives at a simple but effective realization: the future cannot be controlled, only embraced.

By the end of I’m People, Taylor and his collaborators have crafted a thoughtful and rewarding album that explores life’s many complexities, from matters of the heart to questions of identity, growth, and acceptance. Just as the themes vary, so do the musical influences, with country, folk, rock, and touches of jazz all finding a place within the record. The result is an album rich in both meaning and musical variety, offering listeners plenty to discover with each return visit.