Pat Reilly, Prince of the Night (EP) | Album Review 💿

LGBTQ+ pop artist Pat Reilly shines on his debut EP, Prince of the Night, mixing pop, electronic, R&B with a distinct, queer narrative.

You should always be true to self, period.  It’s easier said and done in a world where far too often, we focus on conformity as opposed to individuality but being true to self is the way to go.  Listening to 💿 Prince of the Night, the debut EP by queer pop artist 🎙 Pat Reilly, it’s clear that he exemplifies being ‘true to self.’ He understands exactly who he is and exactly where he is trying to get to.  On this must-hear, five-song project, Reilly gets personal, working through issues that have bogged him down and ultimately, coming out on top of the internal battle. He’s fierce and unapologetic, two qualities that make a truly accomplished artist.  Safe to say, Reilly is a queer voice that everybody should give their full, undivided attention to.

“Act of Love”

“Being honest with yourself / Is an act of love.” ✅ 🎵 “Act of Love” definitely sets the tone on Prince of the Night (EP). The record features sleek, sticky, electro-pop and R&B infused production.  Producer 🎙 Ryan Browne definitely kills it – NO CAP! The ear candy is incredibly ripe.  Adding to it are gorgeous vocals by Pat Reilly.  Reilly never under- nor over- sings, serving up a balanced vocal over a much more rhythmic, ornate backdrop. From the jump, “Act of Love” is incredibly alluring, drawing the listener in.

On the title track, ✅ 🎵 “Prince of the Night,” Reilly continues to compel, or should I say, S-L-A-Y!  Like “Act of the Love,” the production is a masterclass, with an assortment of bright, energetic sounds fueling the fire. It’s incredibly modern and showcases the evolution of production with so many intricate details. Don’t get it twisted though, Pat is the star.  He sounds strong despite eschewing gospel histrionics; he doesn’t need them to sell his performance.  He has the elaborate backdrop helping to fuel his fire, not to mention a great melody and some distinct, memorable lyrics in his corner.  My personal favorite lyric is quite sexy: “He got me on my knees but I don’t wanna pray to God.”

“Let’s Fight”

“I can’t deal with all the shit that I’m feelin’ / Why don’t you face me, let’s talk / I wanna know what you’re thinking / Let’s Fight.” Pat Reilly is definitely in his feelings on ✅ 🎵 “Let’s Fight,” which appears smack dab in the middle of Prince of the Night.  On the third track, the tempo slackens a smidge, but the energy remains high.  Clearly, matters of the heart have Reilly feeling some type of way, but he’s NOT going to let this guy walk all over him, tear his heart to pieces, or get the best of him this time.  The premise of this record should be totally relatable to any and everybody regardless of sexual preference.  

🎵 “Adamantine” should catch every one’s attention. Why? The title alone.  Adamantine, an adjective, per Merriam-Webster, ranks in the top 3% of words as far as popularity goes.  The meaning? (1) Made of or having the quality of adamant (2) rigidly firm: unyielding and/or (3) resembling the diamond in hardness or luster. You get the point, and if you don’t, well, let Pat sing it to you.  According to him, “This adamantine love is going to suffocate us.” I’d agree, based on both the expression he sings with, plus understanding the meaning of adamantine itself.  Adding to the glory of the track is more musical excellence – the driving rhythmic groove and that lit keyboard work/synths.

Reilly caps off Prince of the Night with 🎵 “Who U R.” Once more, we are blessed with lovely vocals – balanced, never overwrought.  Not to sound like a broken record, but the production shines once more, embracing more hip-hop cues.  No, Reilly doesn’t bust a rhyme – he’s true to self – but there’s an additional swagger that appears here that’s characteristic of the contemporary hip-hop, R&B sound.

Final Thoughts 💭 

So, how does the debut EP by Pat Reilly stack up? In my humble opinion, it’s definitely a bop! On Prince of the Night, Reilly adds to a growing, truly dynamic catalog of music by queer musicians.  That in itself is quite important, not only to the LGBTQ+ community but to all music listeners and lovers everywhere. It’s always fantastic to see a far too often underrepresented group expand and lend their talented voices to the world.  Everyone needs to hear these gifted, talented musicians and the messages they offer up.  Reilly is surefire star in the making.  He understands exactly who he is and he isn’t afraid to share that with the world.

✅ Gems 💎: “Act of Love,” “Prince of the Night” & “Let’s Fight”

🎙 Pat Reilly • 💿 Prince of the Night (EP) • 🗓 11.13.20

[📷: Pat Reilly]