In my younger years I had an amazing life soundtrack, filled with musicians who created story-driven songs that forever tempted me to get in my car and just drive along the open roads, as far as I could dream. From Tom Petty to John Mellencamp to Tom Cochrane and so many more, this was an era of music that relied on great songwriting over the simple tricks of the modern technology. It was a far more emotionally analog time back then, a time where listeners would gather together to hear the new album, with a few drinks to go around.
Now, we find ourselves crushed by the digital wave so often, that we don’t have much time to dream about those potential open roads anymore. Sometimes it’s easy to forget the warmth found in the discovery of a new album, and then you come across a music gem that ignites your soul, takes you back to more authentic times, and reminds you that there are still some true spirited musicians creating inspiring music that simply makes you feel grateful for music and life; and this just happened to me upon hearing the incredible new album by Charlie Haley and The Band titled Today.
Today is a beautifully crafted album that takes inspired hints from both past and present times. It is Blues/Alt-Rock love letter to a music scene that needs to be reminded that music is supposed to come directly from the heart, and not just the skill in the software alone. It captures the essence of true American Rock, and welcomes your soul to travel alongside the music you are listening to. Charlie Haley has a natural ability to craft songs that are instantly recognizable as his own, and the musicianship found within the band rings clear on every song on Today.
From DeKalb, IL, Charley Haley and The Band have captured and crafted a sound that I think will resonate with a large audience of vastly different listeners. If you enjoy acts like Oasis, Switchfoot, John Mayer, Dallas Green of City And Color and he Black Crowes, then it is safe to say that Charley Haley and The Band will be in your music wheelhouse.
One could make an argument for almost any song off this great album as being a single-worthy track, but I would like to shed a light on some of my personal favorites; starting with Amen. It is no secret that Charlie is a man of faith and conviction, and this stunning track really captures his desire to share the power of his faith and his intention to combine that spiritual belief with the music that he creates, and he does this without being overbearing about any of it. Amen shines brightly closer to the end of the song, where the band made up of Charlie Haley (Lead Singer and Songwriter), Tim Both (Vocals and Guitar), Scot Bishop (Drums) and Robbie MacPartland (Bass) all come together to create an emotional masterpiece.
Another song that hit me right-in-the-feels was a sentimental number called Bad Things Happen To Good People. The title alone speaks volumes about the conscious tone of this song that rests heavily on moody piano hits and smooth vocal lines. It is a song that feels important to the music scene, as it shows how much power can be found in drawing directly from one’s own experiences and choosing to share those intimate thoughts that are aimed to help heal others. “Bad things happen to good people for no reason at all, the only thing that matters is what you do when you fall.”, a lyric like this can travel the world, one heart at a time.
It is clear that I could write something on every great song that makes up this emotionally powerful album, but I want you to take the time to experience it all for yourself, without my opinion to consider first.
If you are looking for an album that shines from the first song to the last, then look no further than what Charlie Haley and The Band have offered up with their newest album Today.
