While I have no business writing a an album review, I’m going to do it anyway. I thought it would be fun to share with the internet (if anyone actually reads this stuff) my thoughts and opinions on albums I’ve recently purchased. I’m not an avid music buyer but I do love me a good album every once in a while.
As for this past week, I received my Ryan Adams Ashes & Fire Bundle in the mail that I pre-ordered and I kid you not, it made my week! Ryan Adams is my favorite musician EVER. Hands down. No one will ever replace him in my book. He for reals occupies a special place in my heart.
This album is following his December 2010 double released of Cardinals III/IV with his former band The Cardinals. The Cardinals disbanded in early 2009 with the bassist Chris Feinstein passing away in the latter part of 2009. Ryan then took a break from music and is now back with this album, Ashes & Fire, that was released October 11, 2011.
Let’s get into the actual album because I could go on and on about my love for Ryan Adams. It’s kind of sick, my obsession that is.
1. Dirty Rain- This is the opening song on the album and probably my favorite. It embodies that alternative country that Ryan Adams is good at producing and has perfected over the many, many years. ” And the church bells were ringin’ through the sirens and your coat was full of bullet holes..” Stunning.
2. Ashes & Fire- It first listen I wasn’t a fan of this song. I couldn’t put my finger on it but after you listen to a few times, it grows on you. I feel like Ryan took note of Laura Marling in this song and transformed her style to fit his style. It works. “And the wind was suddenly sweeter than roosevelt pie.” Mmmhmm
3. Come Home- One of the slower songs of the album. I feel like it’s about someone that you really love and when you are with them, wherever you are, you are at home. Ryan does an incredible job of making his songs as well as his voice sound very vulnerable and angelic.
4. Rocks- Not my favorite song but still good and worthy of listening. It’s hard for me to really get into the song. However, I can tell Ryan has really worked on his vocals sounds amazing.
5. Do I Wait- Another favorite of the album. Starts out as a slower song and progressively builds to be a more powerful jam. Mad love for this one. Reminds me of Meadowlake Street from Cold Roses a little bit.
6. Chains of Love- Super easy listening and a very cute song. “Storms are brewin’ in your heart”. It’s pretty much about being infatuated with someone and being caught up in that infatuation and not thinking/worrying about anything else. However, Ryan is good at toning down what he is trying say in the song so it’s not a simple, what-you-hear-is-what-he-is-trying-to-say type song.
7. Invisible Riverside- Another hit of the album. “My soul, let it roll away, on the invisible riverside.” Sounds so much like Ryan Adams and his previous work.
8. Save Me- Like “Come Home”, Save Me is a slower song and stays true to his alt-country vibes. Not my favorite song of the album but I enjoy listening to ALL of Ryan’s songs.
9. Kindness- “Kindness can heal a broken heart, honey are you feelin’ kind?” This song is purely about heartbreak and how all it takes is some kindness to heal it. Learning to trust someone with you heart again.
10. Lucky Now- Ryan said in countless interviews that this song is about the late Christ Feinstein so I don’t want to say anything to disrespect the song. However, I personally love the song. It was the first single off the album and is a strictly a pretty acoustic song.
11. I Love You But I Don’t Know What To Say- It is WAYYYY obvious that this song is about his wife and like all of his songs, is very personal. His wife Mandy Moore, he clearly loves very much. “When I met you, the clouds inside me parted and all that light came shining through. Promise you I will keep you safe from harm, love you all the rest of my days.” This song will be my wedding song. I kid you not.
I give this album 5 stars and that is not me just being biased, it is truly a solid album. Ryan stays true to his craft and what he has done in the past while also updating his style with better vocals and simply, new songs. Now anyone who reads this, GO BUY THE ALBUM!!!!
