Josh Raines

"Josh Raines Gift-Wrapped Affection-Instilled Euphoria in Euphonically-Packaged Soul-Pop in ‘Two Bears’

Josh Raines’ new single, Two Bears, swells with the feeling of love discovered and treasured, wrapped in soul-scintillating pop that flows with the confidence of a songwriter who has witnessed the mechanics of the industry from every angle. Each lift in the production forms a melodic updraft, allowing listeners to ascend alongside the track’s buoyant motifs—pop Americana with the warmth and clarity of a newly cut diamond.

Raines’ old-school sensibility is inescapable; it lingers in the careful craft of his arrangements, shaped by a youth spent absorbing Motown classics and ‘60s and ‘70s pop, and later fine-tuned as he moved from indie band frontman to seasoned producer for artists like Zach Royal and Lexie Rose. This musical pedigree is evident in the way he layers psychedelic colours through the mix, never overloading the senses but allowing each note to resonate with meaning. The pop-rock textures he brings from his teenage years surface in the guitar hooks, which refuse to be boxed in by nostalgia and instead propel the song with a rhythmic pulse that feels alive and undeniably present.

Lyrically, Raines threads appreciation and introspection with the skill of someone well acquainted with life’s sharper edges. The line “I found someone who loves me” lands with the force of a revelation, distilling gratitude into a statement that’s impossible to ignore—if you feel nothing, your soul may as well be on a mortuary slab. The gospel-tinged motifs and rock crescendos bring a thematic substance that effortlessly distinguishes Raines as a pop artist determined to transform personal history into something universally felt.

Two Bears is now available to stream on all major platforms; for the full experience, watch the official music video on YouTube."

By Amelia Vandergast & A&R Factory

"Don’t Sleep on ‘Two Bears’ — Josh Raines’ Chorus Game Is Unfairly Strong

Here’s what stands out about ‘Two Bears’ by Josh Raines: it’s tender, melodic, and instantly inviting. The track radiates warmth, built around a sense of intimacy that feels both genuine and deliberately crafted.

And yes, I said huggable. I’m talking cardigan weather, snowed-in-at-the-farm energy — which, fun fact, is exactly how and where the song was born. Josh wrote it about his wife during a snowstorm in Tennessee, and you can hear all that affection baked into the track. It’s got that cozy Americana glaze on top, but with a pop heartbeat keeping everything moving.

But let’s talk about the real MVP here: the chorus. It’s one of those “oh damn” choruses. Sticky in a good way. Like, eat-some-honey-while-wearing-a-flannel kind of sticky. It’s a hug and a hook in one. And once it lands, you get it. That’s the moment the song really takes off — not in a “fireworks and drama” kind of way, but in that “yup, I’m adding this to my ‘feels good’ playlist” way.

Josh Raines opens the door to a warm house deep in a snowy forest, where the fireplace crackles, the air smells of wood, and beside him is the one this song is all about. He’s head over heels in love, and this track is a confession — quiet and gentle, like a morning where nothing interrupts the two of you.

SCORE 9/10
Bears approved."

By Anita Floa & Indie Boulevard

"Josh Raines, formerly known as Josh Wienczkowski, has been weaving through the music industry in various capacities for years, but it’s clear that he’s found his voice as a soulful, alternative artist. His journey from pop-rock band beginnings to a polished Nashville-based producer is evident in the way his music now glows with both a nostalgic charm and contemporary freshness. With early influences like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Motown, it’s no surprise that Raines’ sound feels like a nod to the past while still pushing forward. You can hear it in his melodies and the lush arrangements that give his songs an almost timeless quality. “North Star,” his debut single, captures this balance of old and new beautifully. The track, produced and mixed in his home studio, draws from natural imagery to explore the stages of love, with sultry guitar hooks and a rhythm that grooves effortlessly. His soulful tenor voice is restrained for most of the track, saving its full power for the climactic final chorus, a choice that makes the song feel both intimate and expansive. Raines himself insists that the music needs to “bop, groove, and be life-giving,” and this ethos is felt in every layer of the track, from the subtle hooks to the vivid lyricism. His use of alliteration and thoughtful prose adds depth to the storytelling, always searching for the silver lining in life’s complexities. There’s also a deeper emotional layer to his music, one that connects not only to his artistic process but to his personal life as well. His decision to change his artist name to Josh Raines was a tribute to his wife, Kayla, who has been a constant source of support for his creativity. By adopting her last name, he’s symbolically tying his music and personal journey together, completing a full circle. It’s a sentiment that mirrors his approach to songwriting—deeply personal but ultimately relatable. Balancing life as a practicing physician specializing in mental health and addiction recovery, Raines’ dual identity brings a unique perspective to his work. He often reflects on how music serves as his own form of therapy, just as he helps others with their mental health. This duality of being both a healer and an artist adds depth to his creations, making his music more than just a collection of songs—it’s an emotional release, a coping mechanism, and a celebration of life’s ups and downs. “North Star” isn’t just a love song; it’s a reflection of the balance between chaos and calm, much like Raines’ own journey. It’s a track that pulls you in with its smooth, groove-laden melodies and keeps you hooked with its honest, heart-on-sleeve lyricism. Whether you’re a fan of singer-songwriter sensibilities, indie experimentation, or retro vibes, Josh Raines’ music is sure to leave a lasting impression.” 

- FusioNostalgia