I posted my list of favorite from the first half of 2021 back in July (here). Rather than replicate that list for my full year review, consider this a continuation — the best songs from the second half of the year.
What’s The Matter/Ft. Walton Wake-Up Call, James McMurtry (from the New West Records release The Horses and the Hounds)
I couldn’t decide among these two McMurtry classics to be. They share a theme of dealing with an unhappy relationship partner, delivered with the storytelling wit and intelligence that are a McMurtry hallmark.
Red Roses, Jeremy Pinnell (from the Sofaburn Records release Goodbye L.A.)
In his hands, Jeremy Pinnell plays his tale of love gone cold as a country song but the song could work just as well as a pop standard. “And the roses aren’t as red as they used to be, but they are in my memory.”
Missing Person, Del Amitri (from the Cooking Vinyl Records release Fatal Mistakes)
Justin Currie writes songs that are as intelligent, colorful, and entertaining, as this ode to escaping past mistakes at a bar attests.
Spiders, Kirby Brown (from the self-released Break Into Blossom)
An upbeat pop melody does little to hide Brown’s tale of a man dealing with life hardship. And the spiders of the title make their presence known in the chorus.
Spiders make homes in old guitars
People feel young in classic cars
The ocean makes room for falling stars
And some things just don’t change
Not Gonna Lie, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram (from the Alligator Records release 662)
Ingram reflects on his own story and inspiration but it’s his guitar that does the loudest talking in this muscular blues gem.
Songs for Younger Hearts About Maps, The Pines at Night (from the self-released A Year of Novembers)
So remember this
If it ends in defeat
Don’t follow it
Oh, Younger Hearts,
Don’t cave in
You’ll lose a lot
But sometimes you’ll win
Speed Limit, Tim Easton (from the Black Mesa Records release You Don’t Really Know Me)
Easton delivers with this ode to finding one’s own way and avoiding complacency. “I can’t worry about tomorrow, yesterday is just a waste of time”
Help Me Remember, Hayes Carll (from the Dualtone Records release You Get It All)
Hayes Carll reflects on living with dementia in this powerful and moving ballad.
Little Death, Sean Rowe (from the Fluff & Gravy Records release The Darkness Dressed In Colored Lights)
Rowe takes a positive view on a failed relationship.
Sometimes I see us both walking back together
In my mind
Like maybe
We both only misunderstood
But I’m thinking that we missed that train forever
And that’s fine
‘Cause baby
It wasn’t stopping at no place good
Next Town, Joe Tullos (from the Big Sun Records release Vessels)
Joe Tullos’ ode takes on an entirely new – and heartwrenching – meaning on the late artist’s last studio recording.
Three Strikes, Joshua Ray Walker (from the State Fair Records release See You Next Time)
Walker conjures up all the best of 1960 and 1970’s country in this instant classic.
‘Cause its once, twice, three strikes a felony
If I keep on messin’ around this drinkin’ will get the best of me
Secret Garden, Harrison Whitford (from the Screwdriver Records release Afraid of Nothing)
Whitford’s song of longing is as intoxicating as it is forlorn.
Wild and Free, Texicana (from the self-released ep Little Bit of Trouble)
Texicana serve up a tasty dose of hook-driven classic rock. As they say, “woo-woo”.
In Spite of You, Jesse Terry (from the Wander Recordings release When We Wander)
Terry gently takes a toxic friend to task for a lifetime of wrongs and quietly celebrates the contentment he has found in his own life.
Hold Onto Your Heart, F. Scott and the Nighthawks (from the self-released Hold Onto Your Heart)
Simply a fun guitar-fueled rock song, all the more so for its sing-along chorus.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.