Whether you believe in nature or nurture, Justin Townes
Earle has consistently used his talent to search for the true soul of Americana
music. His five previous albums have been recorded amidst a host of personal
barriers and, while commercial appeal has never been on the agenda, recognition
for what he has been striving for has been forthcoming. Not an artist afraid to
confront experimentation within the confines of his mission, the latest album
SINGLE MOTHERS does reflect a maturity in the writing and outlook of a married
man passing the threshold of thirty. Of course there is still fire in his belief
that truly authentic Americana music needs to be made and has decided that the
time has arrived to make a more laid back mellow version in search of the holy grail
of contemporary roots music.
Despite an undulating rhythm and pace across its half hour,
SINGLE MOTHERS is representative of an unhurried sound, placid in places but
totally absorbing in ambience and effect. Pedal steel guitar reigns supreme on
this ten track album, owning the softer parts of the sound and spearheading
Justin’s delve into elements of classic country. However like all true
Americana recordings it does possess smidgeons of blues, soul and a touch of
soft rock.
In a bid to remove the potential of polluted tinkering, the
album was recorded solely with his four piece touring band with minimum rehearsal
and takes. In fact two of the more passive inducing songs feature just Justin
and pedal steel guitarist Paul Niehouse, these comprise of the slightly solemn ‘Picture in a Drawer’ and the totally mesmeric
‘It’s Cold in this House’. In
contrast both album closer ‘Burning
Pictures’ and ‘Time Shows Fools’
are recorded with a little more upbeat and oomph but still retain the overall
ethos of mild in overture and sentiment.
As you would expect the writing is deeply intense and
personal but Justin leaves it open for the listener to decide whether to
immerse themselves in the lyrics or kick back and enjoy the vibes. The latter
has soulful tinges in ‘Wanna be a
Stranger’ and ‘My Baby Drives’,
while Justin flirts a little with the blues on his social commentary number and
title track ‘Single Mothers’.
Fantastic atmospheric pedal steel opens another heartfelt track ‘Today and a Lonely Night’ where Justin bares
his sole and asks for nothing more back than a sympathetic ear.
Album opener ‘Worried
about the Weather’ welcomes the listener to the milder and more conciliatory
side of Justin Townes Earle to launch a seamless thread of music built to last.
While there are a multitude of candidates for stand out track on an album
pretty even in quality there is an ultimate soothing presence about the
gorgeous ‘White Gardenias’ where once
again pedal steel is king and Justin resonates with his new found contentment.
SINGLE MOTHERS has an open invite to join Justin Townes
Earle on his new journey of discovery and an affirmative RSVP is an essential
response. This phase of his career has seen him sign to Loose Music for the UK
release of the album and he joins a growing band of artists exploring an area
of country music where few dare to tread. Perhaps we are also a step nearer
where the word Justin outweighs the other components of his name.
