When you press play on “Rough Time”, the latest single from Jonny Corralitos, you’re immediately transported to the golden California coast—top down, ocean breeze in your hair, and nothing but endless highway ahead. It’s a track built for freedom and catharsis, a feel-good rocker with enough heart and grit to mean something deeper.
Jonny Corralitos is the musical alias of veteran California songwriter, singer, guitarist, and producer Jon Abrams. With roots in the misty redwoods of Corralitos, CA and the wide-open spirit of the Santa Cruz mountains, Corralitos brings a uniquely West Coast energy to everything he touches. “Rough Time” is no exception—it’s groove rock with soul, sunshine, and a hint of pain lingering just below the upbeat surface.
“Rough Time” kicks off like a shot of musical adrenaline. The rhythm is punchy and immediate, with Zepplin-esque accents and a swagger that feels both classic and fresh. The band wastes no time—within seconds, you’re locked into a head-nodding, toe-tapping groove that feels tailor-made for long drives and loud speakers.
But beyond the catchy hooks and delicious melody lies a deeper emotional thread. Lyrically, the song is a simple and direct plea for love and support during a difficult stretch. “It’s a universal story,” Jonny seems to say—not with drama, but with quiet determination. There’s something about the way he answers his own lead vocals with tastefully layered guitar licks that makes it all feel personal. You get the sense that this is a man who’s been in the cellar and is slowly clawing his way out.
That duality—between the breezy vibe and the weight of emotional struggle—is what gives “Rough Time” its staying power. It’s the kind of track that lifts you up but also reminds you that it’s okay to ask for help along the way.
Jonny Corralitos’ music is deeply tied to his unconventional upbringing. Raised in a teepee on an off-the-grid commune in the Santa Cruz mountains, Jonny learned guitar from hippies and old-school stoners by firelight, with peacocks roaming the property. It’s the kind of backstory that would feel far-fetched if it weren’t so perfectly reflected in his sound.
There’s an authenticity to “Rough Time” that can only come from a life well lived—one filled with surf breaks, spontaneous jam sessions, and dusty road trips. Those early influences of ska, reggae, punk rock, and cosmic Americana all echo faintly in the track’s DNA, but they’re expertly distilled into something entirely his own.
As the opening track of his upcoming album, “Rough Time” feels like a mission statement. It’s a confident, hook-filled invitation into Jonny Corralitos’ sonic universe—one where laid-back California vibes meet earnest songwriting, classic rock chops, and pop accessibility.
This isn’t throwback rock. This is music built on foundation and memory, reshaped through experience and emotion. Jonny isn’t chasing trends—he’s just telling the truth, one groove at a time.
“Rough Time” delivers exactly what its title implies—an honest reckoning with struggle—but it does so with such energy and musicality that it leaves you feeling uplifted. Whether you’re blasting it while driving the PCH or sitting with headphones in a quiet room, it finds a way to reach you.
With this release, Jonny Corralitos proves that groove rock can still say something real. It’s not just about a catchy chorus or a killer riff (though it has both). It’s about resilience, connection, and the music that helps us get through.
If “Rough Time” is the beginning, we can’t wait to hear where the road leads next.
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