Lately I've been kind of bummed about new music, I haven't really found anything new that I like. This is why I've gone back to Ryan Adams. I've always had a slight obsession with his music, even though many of my peers find him a little bit too mellow or not enough country for them, I find him to be the perfect blend between country, rock, and folk. His last album, Cardinology, is far from his best, actually it's probably my least favorite. To get a real feel for who Ryan Adams is you have to go a little bit further back.
For anyone who doesn't know much about Ryan Adams you first have to go back to his days with Whiskeytown. When Adams was part of this group there was a little bit more of a country influence that his later solo material, and kept a slower tempo as well. This was where Ryan Adams began to gain attention from labels, getting signed to Lost Highway Records.
Adams then began producing his own solo material, which is where it gets good in my opinion. His first solo release was "Heartbreaker," a perfect blend of fast passed songs as well as heart felt numbers about his latest break up. It's really hard not to relate with some of his lyrics personally if you've ever been through the living hell that is a break up. With lyrics like;
I wish you would
Come pick me up
Take me out
Fuck me up
Steal my records
Screw all my friends behind my back
With a smile on your face
And then do it again
I wish you would
Come pick me up
Take me out
Fuck me up
Steal my records
Screw all my friends behind my back
With a smile on your face
And then do it again
I wish you would
You really get the whole feeling what drove Adams to write this album. It's something I've personally related to before, and hearing a song nailing your exact feeling of self loathing can really make you happy, in a sad pitiful way.The best way for me to describe these songs is that he sings the hurt. But if self loathing isn't really your thing, there are still a few numbers on this album that makes for an interesting twist. "To be Young" is a fast passed jam about being young, doing drugs, and getting your heart broken. Sounds rather depressing, but the upbeat melody blended with Adams singing, gives off the impression of the complete lack of caring in the younger years of life. The time where we're all trying to find exactly who we are in the world. It's a strong tune that kicks the album off with a clear statement. "Heartbreaker" is probably the best solo album that Adams has produced in my opinion. Not to say he hasn't released anything since that was good, just that this was a very emotional record that was crafted perfectly.
Since "Heartbreaker" Adams has released several albums that have varied in quality. His last big hit in my book was when he reunited with his backing band "The Cardinals" and released "Cold Roses." This two disc album really covers the whole spectrum in tempo, from sad acoustic ballads, to bar band jams such as "Beautiful Sorta." By using a full band rather than going his solo route, Adams produces what I'd call his best work. It doesn't have the same emotion as "heartbreaker," but the variety of songs and depth that they have is truly astounding.
Well that about sums up my Ryan Adams rant. Go listen to him, give him a chance. You like country, you should like him, you like rock, you should like him. He fits in lots of places, but somehow always gets overlooked.
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