Album Review: Darlin’ by Sal Weston

If you’re a fan of the intersection of pop, folk, and adult contemporary music, then definitely consider this new album from Sal Weston.

The opening title track “Darlin'” sets the album’s course with a toe-tapping adult contemporary style. Part way through the track there’s a subtle organ that gives a warm tone to the sound before a more percussive shift turns it into a bit more of a pop tune. All told, it’s a nice easy going way to start the album.

“Wildflower” is driven by a calm acoustic guitar that feels relaxing. The electric guitar gives a bit more of an adult contemporary energy. The playing on the track definitely creates a mature and polished sound; this feels like a recording that could have emerged in the pop and country realms in the 1980s.

“Easy to Love” is a perhaps the most “folk” in the first half of the album. There’s something about the strumming of the guitar and the shake in the percussion that makes it feel more light hearted than other tracks on the album. The horn part in the background makes it feel a bit more like a pop track than pure folk, but in a good way. There’s a chill vibe here reflected lyrically in what it feels like to be settled into midlife, set in your ways but not in a curmudgeonly way, but more just doing life together.

The track in the middle of the album, “She Got Big Plans,” feels a bit like a storytelling tune with a dash of whimsy. The vocal is almost spoken word instead of pure singing, but it does work with the format. I’m not sure what the genre convention is on this one, but I honestly get some Jimmy Buffett vibes here. It just feels like a good time with friends.

“Talking with Myself” has the kind of jangly country energy that connects with a lot of the music I curate for our site. It might be my favorite on the album, with a sound that feels light hearted and engaging, all while featuring introspective lyrics about self improvement. If there’s such a thing as an anthem for midlife, this song just might be it.

“Drive Back Home” and “Time to Wonder” both have a bit more of a relaxed vibe to them. Both feature electric guitars prominently, with the latter including some organ work that really sets the mood. They both have some unconventional melodic turns that make them stand out from the crowd a bit.

There’s an intriguing melodic structure and some excellent electric guitar work on “The Maze.” Something about it feels quite 70s to my ear, which seems to suit the production and overall vibe of Weston nicely. “Celebrate” shifts a good bit in a different direction with more of an acoustic feature, taking its time getting started then telling a story. This might be the track that most reminds me of old site friend Kyle Cox. There’s a definite expression of bluesy sincerity on this one. “Someone for You” gives me those shades of 80s country again with the clear electric guitar and the effect on the vocal. It’s a heartache song with a sense of sentimentality to it. The final track “Great Decent” carries over a similar vibe as the penultimate track, allowing the crooning vocal to extend the sentimentality. The lyrical vibe is about the journey that we’re all on and what it means to be careful to consider it.

All told, this album is sure to appeal to folks who enjoy the intersection of folk and pop. I know I’ve used adult contemporary as a descriptor for some of this music, so perhaps that’s another genre to consider here. I would summarize the album by saying that it’s got lyrical appeal for people in the midst of life’s depth asking about purpose, heartache, and a sense of journey or calling. If that sounds like themes you want to explore via music, consider giving Sal Weston’s album a spin.