Jason Eady’s sixth full-length reintroduces the Fort Worth songwriter, both in its eponymous title and substance. His previous pair of LPs, 2012’s AM Country Heaven and 2014’s Daylight & Dark, staked the Mississippi import as one of Texas’ best-kept songwriting secrets, and here he culls a collection of acoustic ballads that digs deeper than he has before. Opener “Barabbas” brilliantly works the biblical tale into a classic country redemption narrative, setting up the road-running “Drive” and highway ode “Why I Left Atlanta.” Vince Gill harmonizes on barstool regret “No Genie in This Bottle” behind sharply crafted Eady lines like, “If I had three wishes, my first would be for a second chance.” The second side feels expressly autobiographical, the fiddle blues of “Rain” ceding to the weary “Where I’ve Been” and easy rolling melody of “Waiting to Shine.” Closing pair “Not Too Loud” and “40 Years” showcase Eady’s depth, the former number about watching his daughter grow and the latter reflecting on middle age. Pushing his songwriting to the fore, Jason Eady takes a major step forward.

***.5

This article appears in July 14 • 2017.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.