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CD Review: Justin Townes Earle – "The Good Life"

Posted on 26. Jul, 2008 by AlainWilliam in Music

Having your own name before the name of two country greats, namely Townes (van Zandt) and (Steve) Earle would be quite intimidating for any young songwriter, I’m sure – especially if you’re expected to live up to the standards of either of those legendary songwriters.

Justin Townes Earle is the son of hardcore troubadour and Nashville rebel Steve Earle, and named for Steve Earle’s mentor, the late great Townes van Zandt. However, these names would probably be unheard of to someone not familiar with country music – which is understandable, as van Zandt never had a major hit from any of his own songs, despite being heralded as “the best songwriter on earth” and “a songwriter’s songwriter” by fellow musicians such as Kris Kristofferson. However, despite the somewhat unrealistic expectations set forth for Earle (Jr) to even remotely reach the level of songwriting attained by both van Zandt and Earle, nevertheless on a debut album, he has managed to craft an album that sets him apart stylistically from both of his namesakes – which I’m sure was quite a challenge for the 25 year old songwriter to break from these pressures and to create something that is entirely his own. While Steve Earle’s sound is somewhat rock n roll country, and van Zandt’s leans more towards blues and folk, Justin Townes Earle has created an album that is reminiscent of classic, classy old-time country. Upbeat and quirky at points, while solemn and introspective at others.

Musically, the album is rich, with layers of slide guitar, piano, fiddle and guitar, all incorporated to give the album a full sound, despite some songs being more sparse, with subtle textural additions. All songs tend to carry a very catchy melody, with classic country incorporations such as multi-vocal harmonies, slide guitar licks etc. There is a definite sense of maturity to this album, due in part to Earle’s crooning, which far exceeds his years, as his vocals sound like that of an old, wise man. Earle’s lyrics deal with normal country music topics such as love, loneliness, heartbreak etc; but he also includes a bit of his own feel with songs such as “The Good Life” which glorifies being homeless and carefree, in a quirky, vibrant manner.

Overall, this album far exceeded my expectations, and Earle delivered an excellent debut of very classy, traditional country, executed professionally and with promise of great things to come, if this album is any indication of that.

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Tags: cd-review, country, justin townes earle, Kris Kristofferson, Nashville, Steve Earle, Townes van Zandt