Album Review: Bryce Vine Delivers Summer Vibes on "Motel California"

Bryce Vine has always existed somewhere between genres, and now, between labels too. On Motel California, out via his own imprint, the 6x platinum-selling artist ditches the major-label polish for something looser, freer, and far more personal. It’s a bold, breezy 11-track ride down the Pacific Coast Highway of Vine’s mind—equal parts party playlist and internal monologue.

The title alone is cheeky. Motel California isn’t some grand five-star retreat. It’s a roadside stop for dreamers, heartbreakers, and overthinkers, with songs that range from funk-laced summer bops to acoustic-tinged reflections that feel like voice notes never meant to be shared.

Right out of the gate, the album’s standout singles set the tone. “Lauryn Hill” featuring Flyana Boss is Bryce Vine doing what he does best: marrying clever pop sensibility with hip-hop cadence, all dressed up in a hook that begs for sunshine and bad decisions. Then there’s “Rocky Mountain” with Brittney Spencer, the album’s heart-and-horizon moment—unexpectedly twangy, quietly emotional, and full of open-road introspection. It's a cross-country detour that actually lands.

Vine’s versatility is on full display here, but what makes Motel California feel cohesive is his voice, both literal and lyrical. Whether he’s slyly self-deprecating on “GOOD 4 NOTHING” or channeling millennial nostalgia on “THE DAYS (This Thing Called Life),” there’s a consistent undercurrent of honesty without oversharing, vulnerability without victimhood. He's not trying to prove anything anymore, and ironically, that’s what makes the album so convincing.

Guitar lines are the quiet MVPs of the record, cutting through the shimmer with just enough grit. On tracks like “RIGHT THERE” and the title track itself, electric strums play against lo-fi beats and chopped samples, creating a sonic palette that feels warm, worn-in, and distinctly Californian. This isn’t genre-bending for the sake of it—it’s just what happens when an artist stops filtering himself for a target demographic.

But Vine’s still having fun, too. “JANE FONDA” (with Mickey Avalon) is a delightfully offbeat, tongue-in-cheek jam that plays like a chaotic night out you’re not quite sure you regret. And closer “7 DAYS A WEEKEND” bottles the ethos of the entire record—low-stakes joy, unhurried ambition, and a refusal to take the grind too seriously.

If his earlier hits like “Drew Barrymore” and “La La Land” were about chasing the dream, Motel California is what happens when you pull off the freeway, get a little lost, and realize you didn’t want the map anyway.

There’s no grand statement here, and maybe that’s the point. Bryce Vine isn’t trying to break records or chase radio hits—he’s making music on his own terms, and inviting us to check in, chill out, and stay a while.

Rating: 4/5

Highlight Tracks:

• “Lauryn Hill” (ft. Flyana Boss)
• “Rocky Mountain” (ft. Brittney Spencer)
• “THE DAYS (This Thing Called Life)”
• “JANE FONDA” (ft. Mickey Avalon)
• GOOD 4 NOTHING

Full Tracklist:

• Motel California
• GOOD 4 NOTHING
• DRUGS
• Vine St.
• Bittersweet Symphony
• BROKEN HOME
• THE DAYS (This Thing Called Life)
• Lauryn Hill (ft. Flyana Boss)
• RIGHT THERE
• Rocky Mountain (ft. Brittney Spencer)
• JANE FONDA (ft. Mickey Avalon)
• 7 DAYS A WEEKEND

Motel California is available everywhere since May 2nd. Stream below:

About Bryce Vine:

Bryce Vine blurs the lines between pop, hip-hop, and alternative with a signature blend of laid-back charm, sharp lyricism, and massive hooks. Raised between New York and Los Angeles, his sound reflects both coasts: part sun-drenched nostalgia, part raw urban edge. Influenced by everything from Third Eye Blind to JAY-Z, Bryce brings a genre-bending, no-rules approach to his music.

Since breaking through with the double-platinum hit “Drew Barrymore,” Bryce has released a string of standout tracks including “La La Land” featuring YG (2x Platinum), “I’m Not Alright” with Loud Luxury (Gold), “BabyGirl” with Jeremih, “Miss You a Little” with lovelytheband (Gold), and “EmptyBottles” with MOD SUN. His collaboration credits span a wide range—from MAX and Cheat Codes to Quinn XCII and FITZ—each showcasing his versatility and unique voice.

A favorite among college audiences, Bryce has performed at over 150 universities across the country, with his cult-classic “Sour Patch Kids”(Platinum) becoming a college anthem for its reflective, feel-good energy. Whether he’s performing on campus, headlining festivals, or appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! And Late Night with Seth Meyers, his magnetic stage presence and relatability shine.

With more than 2 billion streams to date and new music on the way, Bryce Vine continues to evolve while staying true to his roots: witty, honest, and unapologetically himself. Whether it’s a summer anthem or a confessional late-night vibe, Bryce creates music that connects—and keeps listeners coming back for more.

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