Murdered British MP Jo Cox was famously quoted as saying 'there is more that unites us than divides us'. A true statement providing the theme for Justin Wells to meticulously plan out his latest album. From choosing to name the record THE UNITED STATE (surely some ironic twist on his homeland) to basing some of the songs on the stripped back human state of birth, death and ageing, there is clear intent in Wells' songwriting that aids as a companion to the rawer delights of his robust country voice and a sound steeped in the annals of intuitive country rock.
As meaningful and well-intended as the lyrical content is, the general feel of a record is what courts most folks first and Wells scores highly here on his second solo release since branching out from southern rock band Fifth on the Floor. A quick scan of the press release refers to artists like Blackberry Smoke and Chris Stapleton, a connotation that runs deep as you roll through the twelve tracks that form THE UNITED STATE.
Vocally, the album consists of ten tracks as Wells chooses to open and close the record with a 48-second instrumental and a 20-second humming murmur. Maybe the intention is to chronicle life's arrival and departure in a sense of personal solace. Whatever the merit of these twin bookended moments, the real strength of the album is in the core where a copious country collective blends deep rich vocals with acres of desirable musicianship. Wells has the vocal toolkit to transition from rock to country, a state perfectly natural for this honorary Kentuckian.
As soon as 'The Screaming Song' hits the the waves as the second number, you know you are on the right side of the tracks especially when the steel kicks in. If this song is based on birth, it acts as the perfect introduction of what to expect. The record rarely looses its rock tinge even as the country gets deeper. 'No Time for a Broken Heart', 'Some Distance From It All' and 'Never Better' exemplify this, with the third of this song trio fully demonstrating the formula of the record.
The country rock credentials ramp up as we head into the final stages with the infectious chorus-led groover 'It'll All Work Out' catching the ear alongside the steady rocker 'Walls Fall Down' perfectly constructed for the live arena. Throughout, nifty guitar licks and inspiring instrumentals are aplenty. Wells even nails the pertinent closing song with 'The Bridge' seamlessly slipping into this slot.
From the evocative front cover depicting the passing of time to a voice ripened with southern sentiment and country panache, Justin Wells has created a winner in THE UNITED STATE. Move along Chris Stapleton, this guy makes far more interesting music and the result definitely unites rather than divides us.
