Yep, excellent through and through. I definitely sympathize with those looking for the more direct swagger of Honky Tonk Hell, but as someone who found a real connection with Hometown Kid last year ... idk, there's a real catharsis that's unlocked for me with these past two more intimate releases. Like a calming wave of grace washing over me with every listen. Excellent review as always, Mark!
Yeah this album was my jumping on point for Gabe Lee. I struggled with Honky Tonk Hell and am still not sure why that album doesn't click for me but "Drink the River" somehow does. "Merigold" is one of the best songs of the year imo
I have a weird nitpick with this album, it's missing bridges and final choruses- most songs are just two verses, two choruses and that's it, and while there's obviously a lot of great instrumentation to back it up, the songs sometimes feel...incomplete? I guess?
As a big Gabe Lee fan who thinks this is my album of the year so far... I do get this nitpick. In spite of how much I love the song "Drink The River," I do think in particular could've used a third verse and final chorus to put it to that next level that I think "Eveline" (my favorite song of his) sits on.
The Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus structure is the hallmark of Pop music. You’ll find many songs and genres outside of the pop sphere don’t follow that structure.
Yep, excellent through and through. I definitely sympathize with those looking for the more direct swagger of Honky Tonk Hell, but as someone who found a real connection with Hometown Kid last year ... idk, there's a real catharsis that's unlocked for me with these past two more intimate releases. Like a calming wave of grace washing over me with every listen. Excellent review as always, Mark!
I agree,this album is special, terrific songwriting and warm smooth melodies. One of the best albums this year
Yeah this album was my jumping on point for Gabe Lee. I struggled with Honky Tonk Hell and am still not sure why that album doesn't click for me but "Drink the River" somehow does. "Merigold" is one of the best songs of the year imo
I've never listened to Gabe Lee before, but now I think I'm gonna check out this album.
Fantastic album. Very heart-touching.
Independent country stays winning
Oh yeah this is a good jumping on point. His most melodically inviting album to date, this is something special.
JUST LISTENED, ITS PHENOMENAL!!!!!!!!!
I have a weird nitpick with this album, it's missing bridges and final choruses- most songs are just two verses, two choruses and that's it, and while there's obviously a lot of great instrumentation to back it up, the songs sometimes feel...incomplete? I guess?
As a big Gabe Lee fan who thinks this is my album of the year so far... I do get this nitpick. In spite of how much I love the song "Drink The River," I do think in particular could've used a third verse and final chorus to put it to that next level that I think "Eveline" (my favorite song of his) sits on.
The Verse-Chorus-Verse-Chorus-Bridge-Chorus structure is the hallmark of Pop music. You’ll find many songs and genres outside of the pop sphere don’t follow that structure.
Wondering if you’ll cover the new Chase Rice record? I thought it was quite good
Not my favourite it got a bit boring