On January 1st, Ryan Adams dropped FIVE new albums and became the MVP of 2024. Yes, you read that correctly. FIVE. NEW. ALBUMS. I’ve been taking my time digesting each of them and am going to start with Sword & Stone here. As a self-proclaimed superfan, getting these records as a New Year’s present was pretty damn exciting. Still is.
Starting with the completely badass picture on the cover, this is a record that deserves some attention. I think of it being broken into 3 parts. First we have the straight rock songs of “I was Here”, “Blown Away”, and “Sword and Stone.” Then the record shifts into something more serious and thoughtful with “Memory Lane”, “Friday Night NYC”, “Manhattan in the Rain”, and “Nuclear War.” These songs feel like a throwback to the “Love is Hell” record, with slower melodies and more of a storyline in the lyrics. We end with a few more solid tracks, notably “I see the Light”, another rocker.
“Blown Away” has been stuck in my head for days, with its rock riffs and ragged vocals. There are 2 NYC-centered songs with “Friday Night NYC” and “Manhattan in the Rain”, making me wonder if Adams misses his time living there. That city continues to be his muse, even after years of living in LA.
This album has been in solid rotation since it’s release several weeks ago. Added to the other 4 that were released, it’s a staggering and incredible amount of music. In the song “I’ll Wait”, Adams sings, “Feel like I don’t have much left of my time.” I pray that’s not true because I can’t imagine all of the incredible songs that we’d miss out on.
About the author: Suzanne started her love affair with photography at age 15. When she's not snapping photos, she is working as a Clinical Social Worker just outside of Boston. Suzanne also enjoys attending concerts and singing. Check out more of her photos at facebook.com/suzannedavisphotography