Rusty Reid & The Unreasonables – “Let’s Just Talk” (Single Review)

With “Let’s Just Talk,” Rusty Reid reaches back across four decades and pulls forward a song that feels remarkably alive, sharp, and relevant. Originally recorded in the early 1980s and only now seeing the light of day, the track carries the spark of a band caught in a moment—restless, curious, and clearly having fun exploring the emotional push-and-pull of connection.

Stylistically, “Let’s Just Talk” sits comfortably in a pop-jangle-rock, New Wave–leaning space. Bright guitars, tight rhythms, and an easy melodic confidence give the song an immediacy that belies its age. It doesn’t sound like a relic; it sounds like a rediscovered gem that somehow slipped through the cracks of time.  the song zeroes in on that universally familiar moment when attraction meets uncertainty. The question at its core—“How can I tell how far you want to go?”—is handled with wit and restraint rather than bravado. Reid captures the tension of early intimacy without overstatement, letting curiosity and hesitation coexist. It’s a subtle, human take on desire that feels honest rather than exaggerated.

What truly elevates the track is its structure. The song steadily builds momentum, rewarding patient listeners with a bridge and back half that deliver a satisfying emotional and musical payoff. It’s classic songwriting craft—hook-driven, purposeful, and designed to linger after the final note. As part of The Unreasonables, the long-shelved double-album finally released decades after its creation, “Let’s Just Talk” underscores why this material deserved a second chance. There’s a youthful energy here, but also a timeless quality rooted in melody and feel rather than trend. For listeners who appreciate jangly pop-rock with New Wave touches and smart, emotionally observant songwriting, “Let’s Just Talk” is a reminder that sometimes great music doesn’t age—it just waits.