If you’re a fan of contemporary music that touches on country, rock, and traditional styles, definitely check out this new album from Brock Davis. The production sounds great, the songs feel familiar in a nice way, and the overall composition style is sure to connect for folk fans.
“All of You” starts the album off with a bouncy love song. It’s about knowing a partner well, understanding how to let the other person be themselves. It’s an easy going sentiment that will be relatable to anyone who has been in a healthy long term relationship.
“Nowhere Near Ready” has a calming acoustic fingerpicked element at the heart of the track. The vocal comes across as weathered, experienced, and sincere. The line, “I guess you can meet the right one at the wrong time” really connects. It’s a deep track about making a “foolish” mistake to break someone’s heart in your youth. It’s some of the most heart-on-sleeve writing I’ve heard in recent years and really stands out as a gem on the record.
“I’ll Be Your Alibi” starts off with an expressive electric guitar, firmly more of a rock tune than the openers. It has a 70s rock energy to it that will resonate with fans of southern rock in particular.
The following “My Beautiful Bride” brings back the sentiment from the opener, another love song. It’s a narrative form about the wedding day itself. The instrumentation reminds me a bit of early 90s country music, with just enough production to allow the storyline to emerge. It’s quaint and gives the perspective of a groom looking toward his beautiful bride.
The title track “Nothing Lasts Forever” has a soft, engaging folksy country sound to it. Like many a good tune, it starts with a scene in a bar with heartbreak. The wise sage in the bar gives the advice that “nothing lasts forever” and it’s a matter of “holding on” until you can move on. It puts the listener in mind of the sort of pop country that dominated the airwaves in the early 90s.
“I’m Glad You Left Me” is an easy going song that feels honest. It shares the sentiment of loss of a relationship rolled into gratitude. It’s got a realist’s clarity in the midst of a difficult situation. It doesn’t feel bitter so much as genuinely thankful.
As a contrast, “Laughin’ Til It Hurt” brings back the upbeat rock energy and a fun-loving vibe. It’s an anthem about being “kids getting crazy.” It’s about driving fast and living life. I hope every single person hearing this can relate to the positive energy of this song; it made me think of a few specific people and experiences in my own life.
One of the best tracks on the album is “Miracle on the Hudson,” a reference to a plane crash in the Hudson River in New York. The narrative form tells the story of the accident in the tradition of older folk music. Davis sings the story of how people – in that scary moment – have to confront their mortality and the things that matter most. It’s a nice folk tune that turns an event into a layered moral message.
“One Paycheck Away” gives a gritty Americana-style tune about the difficulties of modern life. It’s a juxtaposition with the following track, “Daddy’s Girl” which is tender and sweet. “Til the Morning Comes” feels like a bit of a rebirth in the album, a new beginning after some of the difficulties presented earlier. It’s got a mature sincerity to it. The line, “I’m gonna stop the chemo ‘cuz baby it ain’t workin’. I wanna be here with you without hurtin’.” It’s got an Isbell-style sincerity that is sure to stop a lot of listeners in their tracks.
The closing track “A Daughter” has a gentle acoustic style. There’s a softness to the track that tells an almost spoken-word story. It’s a really interesting tale about finding out about a new sibling found out in an unconventional way. I won’t spoil the ending… I’ll just say, you should listen to the track.
At the end of this record, I have to say that it’s some of the most honest writing you’ll ever hear. The music itself comes across as wholesome and straightforward, which works great for the lyrical content of the tracks as well. If you enjoy traditional music from the 20th century in the genres of folk, country, and a bit of classic rock n’ roll, check out this album from Brock Davis.
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