Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues

4.0

4.0 (1)

triplew.me reviews the new album from a man with musical pedigree, Justin Townes Earle titled Harlem River Blues. Review by Rasha Omer.

On his most technically accomplished and conceptually balanced recording to date (he’s released an album every year since 2008) – Justin Townes Earle gives us a bit of everything in a brief and polished manner.

This is a beautiful and bittersweet country album, with influences ranging from traditional Americana to rockabilly. Opening with the gospel fueled upbeat title track “Harlem River Blues”, which sets the lyrical story in motion with a tale of a desperate man looking for a way out, but in this context, it isn’t particularly a sad song.

What makes 'Harlem River Blues' work as a record is that it doesn’t dwell on, it’s a perfect length clocking in at half an hour – and it’s a simply told story with no unnecessary grand gestures.

On songs like 'Wanderin' Townes Earle taps into a more jovial folky territory – which other than including a killer harmonica sequence, cements his storytelling abilities. The record also has its more tender, balladeer moments especially on tunes like the blues soaked 'Slippin’ and Slidin’' and the piano driven 'Roger’s Park'.

Having an established parent as a musician (Steve Earle) might be a burden (endless comparisons) or a blessing – but if we can infer at least one thing from these songs it’d be that this country boy definitely has his own voice.

JUSTING TOWNES EARLE - SLIPPIN AND SLIDIN' SHORT FILM

Editor review

Leave a comment