Press & quotes
What reviewers, radio hosts and fellow artists have said about Rick Denzien’s music. Each quote is word for word, with its source.
Exit 21 reviews
On Exit 21.
His hit song "Desperation" fuses sporadic assaults on civilization with a dewy love narrative.
The overall tone of the disc [is] very warm and inviting. The songs build and draw you in; the hooks captivate; the vocal harmonies reflect the thoughtful nature of the lyrics
On this CD, the singer/author/songwriter/poet reminds me of Canada's great musical and poetic genius BRUCE COCKBURN... The album was better than I imagined. It became more impressive the more I listened to it... Intelligent, thoughtful lyrics with solid music by Denzien make 'EXIT 21' an album worth checking out.
Never heard of Rick Denzien? Shame on you. You soon will. ... Listen carefully to Denzien's smart, edgy lyrics, filtered through catchy, driving guitar riffs and moody anti-ballads and you'll hear genuine talent.
This guy has a strange handle on pop/rock. The songs are in the deep-end lyrically, but the musical hooks grab you and have you bopping before you know what's going on. This takes skill, and Rick Denzien has plenty of it. The songs have a political edge, and Denzien wears his feelings on his sleeve.
Rick Denzien's music has an eclectic alternative rock style that reminds me of a mix between Richard Marx and Pearl Jam. Sounds strange, I know, but if Richard Marx had Stone Gossard on guitar and didn't sing so mellow all the time, you would have something quite like Rick Denzien. ... The really cool thing about Denzien's music is that while I was listening and liking it, I caught my mom tappin' her foot, too.
Radiate
On Radiate and the single Go Out and Play.
In a sea of uncertainty, it is excellent to take a break and listen to some positive rock music. ... Overall, I'm impressed and emotionally stirred, without being exhausted or pushed to the point of tension. It is a great song to start a listening session.
I have been listening to Rick Denzien hit single Go Out and Play and I have to say this song is really good.
On “Go Out and Play”
Extremely original, excellent project! Really good, we love it very much and we will support it.
'Go Out And Play' is another in a long line of radio friendly modern music from Rick Denzien. Catchy melody, great instrumentation ingredients for a great listening experience for music lovers everywhere.
'Go Out and Play' is infectious... IN A VERY, VERY GOOD WAY!! I played it while I was shaving this morning and wound up singing the chorus all freeken day! Love this tune!
Catchy tune! Rick Denzien writes a very pertinent song that is very "in" with the times right now. The melody and vocals are reminiscent of Peter Gabriel. 'Go Out and Play's strong hook will be playing in your head over and over. Five thumbs up!
Awards & recognition
- 2016The Akademia Music Award — Best R&B / Christian Song
Presented to Jamie Knight for “Tender Mercy”, produced by Rick Denzien, written by Stephanie Wills & Mark Pasley, Jr. — April 15, 2016. Rick also recorded, mixed and mastered the track, played acoustic guitar and percussion, sang backing vocals, and produced, shot and mixed the music video. Spotify Apple Music
Source: Award plaque
- 2007New Music Awards — nominee, Crossover Artist of the Year and AC/Hot AC Breakthrough Artist of the Year
For the single “Tsai”, which reached the Top 10 on the New Music Weekly Hot AC chart. Ceremony: November 10, 2007, Avalon Theater, Hollywood.
Rick Denzien - New Music Awards Source: Billboard Publicity Wire, October 23, 2007
- 2007Song of the Year song & lyric competition — Suggested Artist and Honorable Mention
“Suggested Artist” in the April 2007 round (“Tsai”) and “Honorable Mention” in the June 2007 round (“Her Calling – America”).
Source: Song of the Year notices on the original rickdenzien.com
- 1994Billboard Songwriter’s Award
For the album Laser Writing on the Moon.
Source: Rick’s 2007 press bio; The Intelligencer interview
- 2025Finalist — Plug In America Drive Electric Awards (EV Advocate)
Listed as “Rick Denzien, Zero Emission Musicians & Delaware Valley Tesla Owners Club, of Ambler, PA”. See Eco & EVs.
Source: Plug In America, Oct 10, 2025
- Finalist — Music Universe Songwriter Contest (American Songwriter)
Songs entered: “Goodbye Misery”, “Constant Romance”, “Good Kind A Crazy”, “Ordinary Girl”.
Source: Contest results notice on the original rickdenzien.com
Press & radio kit
Photos, one-sheet and current bio are being updated. For press requests, see Contact.
Highlights
- Laser Writing on the Moon won a Billboard Songwriter’s Award and was played on over 35 AAA radio stations.
- Heal the Land earned college airplay that led to Rick’s first major-label engineering credit, the Bloodhound Gang’s “Use Your Fingers” (Columbia/Sony).
Quotes about Rick’s other work are on the Producer, Eco and Teacher pages.