Jamie Sutherland, frontman of Broken Records, makes a confident return with his second solo effort, The World as It Used to Be. Approaching this album without any preconceptions about Sutherland’s previous work, I was struck by how fresh and evocative it feels—a welcome surprise in a year craving authenticity. Sutherland’s influences—Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and The Everly Brothers—are deeply embedded in the record, creating a sound that feels like a homecoming to his musical roots.
What sets Sutherland apart, though, is the distinctiveness of his voice. It carries a raw, emotive quality reminiscent of Neutral Milk Hotel, while his lyricism evokes the depth and insight of James McMurtry. There’s a genuine wisdom here, a narrative richness that speaks to life’s wear and tear without feeling overwrought.
The album’s production is a masterclass in minimalism. The arrangements are full and dynamic, yet intentionally sparse, allowing guitar and harmonica to do the heavy lifting. This restraint works to the album’s advantage, letting the songwriting take center stage. The music, in this case, becomes a subtle yet powerful tool to highlight the stories and emotions that Sutherland crafts with care.
Highlights
The album kicks off with a bang in Start Again, immediately grabbing your attention. It’s got that raw, Bob Dylan vibe—heavy strumming, loud harmonica, and a lot of emotional weight. The wailing in this track creates a perfect atmosphere, full of angst and desperation, with a real sense of fear underneath. You can feel the lost love, the regret, the fear of what’s coming next, and that urge to drown it all in a bottle. The production is spot on, keeping you hooked on every note as it builds up to this powerful finish. The added synth and keys give it a modern twist, adding layers of emotion. It’s a bold, strong way to start the album.
You Were My Friend is a total shift in mood but lastingly impactful. It’s another classic folk song—simple, sweet, and melancholic. It hit me right in the gut, reminding me of the friends I haven’t seen in ages, as well as the ones long gone from this mortal plane. Sutherland’s lyrics are so colorful and vivid, it’s like guiding you through a personal journey down memory lane. This song is bittersweet, making you smile and tear up at the same time, and by the end, you’ll feel the urge to call up all those long lost pals. It’s a beautiful, heartfelt ballad and one of the album’s standout moments.
Final Thoughts
Album Release: Sept 6, 2024
Favorite Tracks: Start Again, The World as It Used to Be
RootsnRevelry Grade:
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