JT Hayden Band’s new album Lengthy Method Again to Memphis is a 36-minute undertaking of reflection and, most of all, an actual good time. The undertaking lyrical content material tackles the realities of fame, the steadiness of homesickness and gratefulness for an opportunity of journey, love, and heartache.

The story attempting to be informed is supported by the heart-swelling instrumentals. Drums, string devices, and guitars stack on prime of each other to come back collectively in an empowering symphony. The 9 observe album swings by way of a combination of nation and rock sounds, with some gentle jazz influences, which principally reveals itself within the swingy move of the devices and rhythm. 

The vocal performances are probably the most profound and memorable in current nation music historical past. Vocalists Josh Hayden, Mike Lafferty, Luke Billingsley all present impassioned and emotional tone to their singing. Background harmonies enhance already luxurious melodies. From technical belts to brassy vocals, each efficiency alternative appears intentional.

The introductory observe “Lengthy Method Again to Memphis” units the tone of the album. The drums and electrical guitar whist listeners right into a live performance like expertise. The theme of the track, reminiscing about house whereas on a protracted journey match proper in with the daring sonic constructing blocks. “It’s a loopy feeling/ whenever you’re dwelling in a track/ and everyone is aware of your identify,” is sung passionately, because the singer displays on lacking house whereas concurrently being appreciative of their journey. The track is the star of the album, the vocalists’ performances at their peak and the instrumental that’s not possible to not get caught in a single’s head in one of the simplest ways.

“Lonesome Street,” continues to develop the sonic theme of Lengthy Method Again to Memphis. All of the devices mix and permits for the message to take heart stage. The track highlights how it’s onerous to should enterprise out on one’s personal and to face losses alongside the way in which, however it’s a pure incidence in life. “There’s nonetheless a lot love inside/ now you’ll by no means know/ all I’ve inside me is a reminiscence/ of what been finished/ and deep inside I do know your nonetheless simply part of me/ when it’s stated and finished.” 

For listeners who favor a stronger emphasis on a rustic sound, “Insurgent On The Street” is the track that finest matches stated listeners’ style. The observe is rustic sounding love track about initially falling after a interval of singleness and mere flirtations. 

Though most of the songs are excessive power, the concluding piece is tender, heartfelt, and bittersweet. “Alone Inside,” options romantic violins that matches the environment of the track so nicely that it feels as if the instrumentals are world constructing for the center aching and loving story learn by way of the track’s lyrics. The track’s gentleness is felt by way of the literal quieting of the observe’s quantity as in comparison with nearly all of the opposite items on the undertaking. The JT Hayden Band completely encapsulates the intimacy of affection in its many kinds and phases by way of their sensual vocal efficiency. 

Lengthy Method Again to Memphis first and last tracks permit for the story to totally loop round. From craving for house whereas nonetheless wanting to expertise the world totally to feeling as if one discovered anyone to embark on this journey with. Intentional moments of storytelling, together with adequate track-to-track transitions that permit songs bleed collectively permit for this album to be one probably the most cohesive in current musical historical past.

The JT Hayden Band clearly got down to narrate a storyline that whereas relatable to many, can be distinctive to their very own life. A listener can hear inside the first minute of the album how the JT Hayden Band claims their very own life and experiences. Each second feels pure, but nicely thought out. This uncommon steadiness highlights the band’s true musical power, and this album is finally an amazing piece of labor so as to add to their portfolio. 

Written by Sarah Payne