After releasing an EP's worth of singles in 2021, singer/songwriter Dusty Ballard - AKA dustybonez - played it slow last year, releasing only one song called "Breathe." Now he's jumpstarting the new year with his latest number, "Ride or Die," a Bruce Springsteen-esque, Americana rock & roll track. It's ripe with a bluesy, quasi-pop punk guitar riff in the verses alongside some expertly-played bass. There's also some slick electric guitar work, especially in the closing moments as the guitar is nearly shredded to pieces. The song is pleasantly upbeat and lively, as Ballard draws from his past experience with the Lord saving him from a wasted life. As he takes time to acknowledge the perfect partner we find in God, who is always by our side no matter what, Ballard sings, "Every time I slip and every time I fall / You're always right there to carry me through it all … together we stand, divided I fall / I don't want to be without You ever at all / don't leave me here all by myself / I don't want to be here with anybody else tonight / You're my ride or die." dustybonez is a talented artist who clearly loves Jesus and wants to share that love through simply-written rock & roll songs with no frills, but lots of passion and hope. If you're the kind of person who likes accessible, Christ-centered music with a blues and Americana bent, this may be the artist for you. "Ride or Die" is a great place to start!

- Review date: 1/10/23, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com