​“Singer songwriter Phil Hooley has just a little gravel to his voice which makes it perfect for singing a country song.” (Forever British Country)
“The vocal pairing of Phil Hooley and Robert Vincent is a marriage made in heaven. Both have Americana running through their veins and this was a genius stroke to bring the two together. Phil Hooley is clearly an accomplished songwriter with a voice that is unique in tone and rich in Dylanesque grit.” (The British Country Music Festival on Midasville)
“Stupendous” (Simply Country Radio,Russell Hill on Midasville)
“Great song..this is brilliant….Midasville” (Ralph McLean BBC Radio Ulster)
​“Citing songwriters such as Guy Clark, John Prine and Bob Dylan amongst his influences, Phil’s life-worn voice is the perfect instrument to enunciate his thoughtful and articulate songs.” (Americana UK)
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​“So sometimes in life, amongst the doom and gloom there are things that make you feel good….I am so proud that two years on Phil is making his music and making his mark in our wonderful community” (Gill Tee co-founder of Black Deer Festival)
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“ …what it does, is showcase Hooley’s storytelling abilities within his lyrics and you can hear the influences of Guy Clark and John Prine in his writing.” (Maverick Magazine)
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“ a truly joyful four minutes….this is just the perfect way to while away some time…..a quite masterful piece of songwriting that is hugely enjoyable” (Chris Farlie W21 Music on Learning To Be Still)
“Lyrically powerful, built around a nagging melody and arranged with brooding atmospherics, it's one of the best songs I've heard this year.” (Mike Davies, Fatea on Midasville)
“The songs run beautifully and Phil knows how to paint a song. Each painting is delicately produced in a simplistic, yet gorgeous tone……This album is a gift from the country gods,the same gods that bestowed on Phil the voice that is as smooth as silk, yet sultry and ragged...if that makes sense.” (RobsRawMusic)
“The songs reflect the emphasis Phil places on lyrics, telling stories of everyday people” (Country Lowdown)
“For the first time as a solo artist, Phil Hooley has delivered a very nice album.” (Rootstime, Netherlands)
“Phil Hooley has delivered a beautiful debut solo album with personal, easy listening songs that deserve to be heard. Take the time.” (Real Roots Cafe, Netherlands)
“Songs From The Back Room has a laid back vibe that suits Hooley’s storytelling songs” (Country Music People)“an album characterising the essence of the back room in such a frank and delightful groove of modern twisted self reflecting Americana music.” (Three Chords And The Truth Blog)
“Hooley’s well-grained voice which is like a finely aged malt whisky. Johnson’s production is sympathetic, allowing Hooley to effortlessly croon his words over the finely crafted arrangements……a very good album.” (Paul Kerr, Blabber n’ Smoke)
“Phil Hooley has one of those voices, as smooth as melted chocolate and able to wrap itself around a lyric and draw you into the song. If the songs are good, then you have a winning formula. The songwriters Hooley looks up to include Guy Clark, John Prine and Nick Lowe. Exalted company, so it’s good news that ‘Songs from the Back Room’ has plenty of songs that deserve the comparisons……this is another fine entry in a vintage year for Americana albums.” (Tim Martin, AmericanaUK)