ALBUM REVIEW: Just Woke Up – Jaret Ray Reddick
Time to dust off that Stetson hat and spin JARET RAY REDDICK‘s brand-new Country album Just Woke Up. Reddick is probably most well known for being the frontman of pop-punk band BOWLING FOR SOUP, however on his new solo album he’s gone strictly country as he explores his Texan roots. It’s definitely a departure from BOWLING FOR SOUP‘s usual sound, but then again this is not a BOWLING FOR SOUP album.
Country music has always been a big part of Reddick’s life, being a proud native of the lone star state. His mother was even a country singer and he’s wanted to record this album for a long time. Now, thanks to the pandemic, he’s finally managed it. The first track Way More Country features Uncle Kracker and it really is a lot of fun. It’s simplistic with a signature country feel and basically sets up the album as the rest of the songs pretty much follow suit. It’s catchy and Reddick even pokes fun at the fact that he sings in a punk rock band which is just great.
Next is One Of The Good Ones, which builds up slowly but turns into quite a big track. It feels a little closer to home through Reddick’s vocal performance on this one. The lyrics are more heartfelt and he seems more honest. The album also features a cover of BOWLING FOR SOUP‘s Ohio Come Back to Texas. This is sure to please fans as although it’s different it’s still a good song even in a country style. It’s a little slower and instead of a moshy feel it’s got more of a swingy, relaxed feel which is a welcome change.
Doggonit! is a good song as it’s simple and doesn’t seem to take itself too seriously even if it does seem to be about a quite frankly toxic relationship. It’s playful and has a great solo and the whole guitar part in this track is something to be admired. It’s not overly complex but it works for the song which is what matters really. Frank Turner makes an appearance on Drunk As It Takes; this one is about a relationship that has ended and so it’s time to get drunk. It’s more of a sad country song with the lyrics being heavier and the music having a more sombre feel. Reddick’s voice matches perfectly with Turner’s and he is definitely a welcome addition to this track.
My Truck Up And Left Me is the perfect country song. A man singing about his questionable relationship with his truck. It’s a poignant message about what could be between man and machine and about how like all relationships can end in the blink of an eye but still hurt just as much. Back In 83 is a nostalgic song with Reddick looking back on his life accepting things he has done and acknowledging things he hasn’t but is happy with the man he is. It’s about how we’re all still working and growing. No matter your age, you are still growing up.
The album ends on The Bitch Song which is another BOWLING FOR SOUP cover. Again, it’s not bad with a country twist on it, but that song was pretty great as it was and Reddick probably should have left it alone. Still, it’s not by any means a bad track.
Recently in the media country music has been getting a bad name, but is it really that bad? Especially with albums like this coming out. It’s as if Reddick isn’t taking it or himself too seriously. He’s just having fun with it and that’s exactly what Just Woke Up is: fun.
Rating: 7/10
Just Woke Up is out now via Brando Records.
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