Originally released in 2004 Secret Ruler of the World reached number one on the UK Americana chart and was voted album of the year by Americana-UK.com

“It’s not an overstatement to say it’s up there with Ryan Adams’ “Heartbreaker”. Believe me, you need to hear this album.” Whisperinandhollerin

“If heartbreak has ever before been melded into such an intriguing, downright splendid attraction then I’d be at pains to believe it, for this is an absolute treasure of originality.” Logo magazine

“Secret Ruler’ is punishing and yet cruelly beautiful. Eleven songs that we guarantee will strike you dumb. As sweetly stinging as you could ever imagine an album could be.” Losing Today

“maybe it’s Hill’s warm intensity, maybe it’s just a cracking album but on this evidence, the UK americana scene has never felt so healthy” Americana UK

“poised between light and dark, like the sweet sting of velvet nettles –three stars” Uncut

“Secret Ruler of The Word is a real find. Deserves to take pride of place in anyone’s Best Of lists at the end of the year, it simply is that good.” Comes with a smile

“echoes disparate bedfellows such as Gram parsons and Elvis Costello – four stars” Classic Rock magazine

“a real talent for songwriting plus some wonderful darker moments that you can’t help but fall in love with” Maverick magazine

“Real Romantic Soul offers gothic bluegrass hung with Spanish moss, God Knows I’m Leaving takes Tom Waits for an Irish immigrant’s country slow waltz through a drunk’s broken heart” Netrhythms