On The Rocks: Midland Album Review
Midland, one of the hottest acts north and south of the border, have dropped their full-length debut album, On The Rocks, and we’ve been listening.
With 13 tracks clocking in at 45 minutes, Midland has released a highly anticipated collection of songs that don’t disappoint. All of the hype that’s grown since the release of their #1 single, Drinkin’ Problem, has been lived up to sonically. And now it’s only a matter of time and fan reaction to see how high this album climbs and where it stays.
From cheeky odes to Colorado weed, to ballads telling the story of playing bars and dance halls up and down the highway, On The Rocks is an album full of stories. It’s country music written as country music is at its best.
And when it’s time to just sit back and listen, Midland continues to do what has brought them this far, they sing. The three voices of Mark Wystrach, Jess Carson, and Cameron Duddy fit like your favourite pair of faded jeans, and are as smooth as the good whiskey you save for special occasions. Add in the guitars, strings, and piano throughout the album and the sound becomes full and complete.
Related: Midland at Boots & Hearts 2017
To say that Midland has captured the attention of country music and its fans is an understatement. Their throwback sound and style has been a refreshing reminder that country music has many faces, and that country music fans are free to embrace a band like Midland as well as any of the other chart topping acts they love.
Note: Midland’s photo shoots and stage outfits make us wish we were all in the late 70s/early 80s to see how these boys would stack up in their colourful and sparkly outfits.
We’d be remiss not to mention the band’s newest single and music video, Make A Little. We heard the track like at Boots & Hearts this summer, and are happy to hear that it has been given a wide release. The toe tapper comes in at just over three minutes of good vibes and smiles. It’s catchy, and it wouldn’t surprise us to see it rise on the charts.
There is a lot to like about Midland and this album. And while some may scoff at the outfits and the moustaches, all it takes is a listen to understand that this is legit. These are songs that allow for both escape and connection. This is entertainment and comfort. It’s what we love most about music of any genre. And while we wish songs like 14 Gears and Gator Boys were included with Check Cashin’ Country, Somewhere On The Wind, and Nothin’ New Under The Neon – we aren’t complaining.
BUT, if Mark, Jess and Cameron are listening, we’d gladly take an hour long, 17 track follow-up when it’s time for the next album.
Midland, On The Rocks Tracklist
1. Lonely For You Only
2. Make A Little
3. Drinkin’ Problem
4. At Least You Cried
5. Burn Out
6. Out Of Sight
7. More Than A Fever
8. Check Cashin’ Country
9. Nothin’ New Under The Neon
10. This Old Heart
11. Altitude Adjustment
12. Electric Rodeo
13. Somewhere On The Wind
If you’ve been waiting for this album, you won’t be disappointed. If you’ve never heard Midland and you like country music, we highly encourage you to give it a listen. And if you grew up on country music from a generation past, these boys are a nice bridge that you can stand on.
We asked Ontario country singer/songwriter Ben Hudson for his thoughts on the album and here’s what he had to share… “Midland’s On The Rocks is the album country music fans never knew they needed. Their three-part harmony and steel guitar driven sound paired with radio friendly hooks strikes the perfect balance between traditional and modern country”.
Press play now and listen to Midland’s full-length debut album, On The Rocks.
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If it sounds good, it is good!
Got this album the day it came out and haven’t stopped listening to it since! Every song on it is amazing. Album of the year!
It’s so good. I keep coming back to it – and singing along!