Zac Brown Band releases a breath of fresh air
Two years after releasing his 2015’s Jekyll + Hyde, a mix of jazz, dance, pop, hard rock and reggae, Zac Brown Band returns with a new album featuring what made them one of the most favourite acts in country music.
Zac Brown deserves some credit. He listened to his fans, who didn’t care about the new musical paths he travelled on his previous collection. The new album titled Welcome Home is a breath of fresh air in the often toxic mainstream country music radio.
Welcome Home brings the band back to its roots. Zac Brown Band is one of the most creative acts within the country genre and can effortlessly go from one style to the other, showcasing its versatility.
On Welcome Home, ZBB once again teams up with producer Dave Cobb for an almost acoustic album of songs about missing home, paying a tribute to his father and enjoying life with the same woman.
Ten years after “Chicken Fried,” Zac Brown works hard to convince his fans that he still “drinks cold beer on a Friday night.”
The current single, “My Old Man” finds Zac Brown talking about the lessons of his father, who was the first person he apologized to for the whole deplorable “strippers and drugs” incident in 2016.
On Welcome Home, he reflects on his life, singing about going back to his roots and having appreciation about the simple things in life, and being thankful for all he has. The new album brings back the delightful Zac Brown Band multi-part harmonies, fiddle and banjo, and the Southern sound mixed with a hint of soul, the sound that the band was known for through multiple records.
The 10-track album recalls earlier work like 2008’s The Foundation with its heartfelt lyrics and standout musicianship. The collection opens with “Roots,” a number about Brown learning to play guitar as a child and being on the road by the time he was 18. Night after night he played cover songs while dreaming of playing with his heroes. The inspiring track reminds the fans, “don’t give up, hold on a little longer / what don’t kill you only gives you stronger roots.”
The piano based track “Real Thing” reminds us of the importance of the genuine things in life, from the memories of that first taste of whiskey, falling in love, and music that touches the soul.
On “Long Haul,” Brown sings about being a man who is hard to love but despite his flaws, he’s in it for the long haul. There’s also “2 Places at 1 Time” about the struggles that life as a musician can often bring.
Brown offers a vivid description of the Northern Lights and “things that no one could believe,” that he gets to see on the road, but in contrast he is not at home with his family. “But that music is part of who he is, so he’ll continue to try being two places at one time.”
“Start Over” is a striking number that blends ZBB’S influences between 1960’s Motown, Jimmy Buffett’s island vibes and Spanish instrumentation. It offers a positive message and a melody that will make you dream of a vacation.
Another delightful moment comes with a cover of John Prine’s “All the Best” with Kacey Musgraves. Their stripped down interpretation showcases the soft harmonies between Brown and Musgraves as the duo effectively manage to make the song their own.
While you won’t find genre-bending experimentation on Welcome Home, there is plenty of heartfelt lyrics and Zac Brown Band’s remarkable musicianship. Many of the songs featured on their new album will surely become fan favourites and future highlights in the band’s live show.
Considering the current country music industry, such a mellow album might come as a risk commercially. It might be seen as too rootsy, and too country. Overall it’s a much laid back album compared to their past efforts. The band is really restrained and the focus on these songs is the lyrics, which are very strong and personal.
The album could have used a couple of more upbeat numbers but fans will love it anyway. It is Zac Brown looking back at his life and sincerely singing about the things that really matter.
Welcome Home gets them back to their authentic identity. It gets them back home. And whether you’re a diehard fan, or someone who enjoys them as a slightly better alternative on the radio, it’s good to have the Zac Brown Band pointed back in the right direction.
Sara Evans to release new album In a press release, Sara Evans announced the launch of her own record label — Born To Fly Records. The multiplatinum entertainer has revealed additional details about her highly anticipated forthcoming album.
The ACM Female Vocalist of the Year divulged a few days ago that her brand new album, Words, will release on July 2, 2017. Fourteen separate female songwriters, including powerhouses Ashley Monroe, Caitlyn Smith, Hillary Lindsey, Hillary Scott, Liz Hengber, Sonya Isaacs, and of course Evans herself, contribute their words to the stunning, upcoming record.
Words marks a creative reunion for Evans, pairing her with frequent co-producer Mark Bright (2005’s Real Fine Place, 2014’s Slow Me Down). Her daughter Olivia (14) even contributes background vocals to the record.
Have a great weekend everyone and keep your country state of mind!