If several releases down the line a Jarrod Dickenson album is heralded his best album yet, then it would be an amazing feat to supplant the outstanding effort extolled in the record set to illuminate his 2023. Getting music out has been a challenge for a Texan singer-songwriter hovering around the UK scene for close on a decade. BIG TALK more than fills any gaps in a jagged recorded career. It is a monumental record capable of getting folks talking big about its merits.
Jarrod Dickenson scores highly from listeners looking for the key credentials of a blistering opening and memorable closer. Take the three tracks in those positions alone and you are already in credit. Elsewhere the universal full-on sound ramps up the octaves and smart songwriting reaches those smitten with such facets. Across the ten-track album you feel in the safe hands of hugely capable operators. Dickenson fronts with class, and no doubt would pay tribute to a slick band of merry helpers.
The resolute and defiant theme to opener 'Buckle Under Pressure' would be a worthy stand-out candidate on its own. However, it is duly trumped by next-in-line 'Born to Wander' taking the dreaming roamer theme prevalent in Americana music to a different level. Optimism refreshingly tips the mood balance across the record and the dedicated tribute 'Goodnight' seals the deal at the end. You can only assume that this emotive acoustic period piece relates to the 'in loving memory of Homer & Margaret Dickenson' statement on the liner notes. If so, a touching bout of real life songwriting.
Contributions to BIG TALK make their mark on the third track, 'Home Again', where Oliver Wood from the Wood Brothers gets the featuring credit for vocals alongside Jano Rix. Together they generate the energy on another high-tempo uplifting track. The writing credits are a mixture of solo and co-writes. A notable latter one is with wife Claire Dickenson on 'If You're Looking'. She has played an active role in her husband's career, both live and on record, and this writing effort is rich with a splendid lyrical structure.
For a major sound deviation within a tight template, a complete horn section raises the roof on 'Prefer to Lose'. Another catchy track to hook listeners in and one slightly less optimistic in lyrical tone. More in tune with the album's general rocky sound is 'With Any Luck' at the heart of the record.
The album title appears in a single line in 'Bamboozled', a song where the theme edges into a political stratosphere with a knock at the establishment and the American Dream. There are similar echoes in 'Long Hard Look' where Dickenson, on solo writing duty, links the concept of an individual looking into the mirror to something those in power should do. Completing the neat round number of ten is penultimate track 'Don't Deprive Me' where Dickenson digs deep into the role of pleading for his love to stay.
Looking back in the gig-going vaults, it is nearly nine years since Jarrod Dickenson was first seen live co-headlining in Birmingham with Diana Jones. The highly anticipated tour launching BIG TALK to UK audiences is set to be a grander affair. This is helped being accompanied by a big record that nestles comfortably alongside efforts from esteemed peers. Top production, super writing and songs with substance and style. Jarrod Dickenson deserves every inch of incoming acclaim.