When I received a press release declaring Adam Brand’s new album Speed of Life was “his best and most positive work yet,” I expected it was more of the same promotional spin. I’ve never really considered myself an Adam Brand. I thought he was a competent country singer, but for me he kind of blended into the Tamworth scene, never standing out the way a Keith Urban or Kasey Chambers does. Yet as I listened to his new album Speed of Life, I realised his marketing team was onto something.
Adam has no doubt benefited from working with Luke Wooten, who has produced albums for country luminaries including Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley. His work gives this album a real polish, but as the old saying goes you can’t polish a turd. You need quality material to work with and this album has that. The songwriting is first-rate, reflecting Adam’s content in a happy marriage after the birth of his first child. There’s a persistent myth that you need pain and heartache to fuel the best music, but this album proves that’s simply not so. There is so much wisdom here, so much meaty material that can only come when you’ve lived a life and found some peace.
Speed of Life opens with the title track, a country-rock ballad reminding us all to take time to slow down and enjoy the ride. The first single “Life’s Been Good to Me” comes next, anchoring the album with its positive, personal reflections on his good fortune. “Just a Love Song” notes the inadequacy of the three-minute love song to really encapsulate the love he feels for his wife, while “Don’t Wanna Let You Down” is a beautiful vow to his daughter. Everything Casey Donovan touches seems to turn to gold, so it’s unsurprising that Adam’s duet with her, “You Are Not Alone” is one of the album’s strongest tracks. Don’t think Adam has gone completely soft though. “Freakin’ Weekend” should satisfy the listeners looking for a good old-fashioned country party anthem. It feels a little out of place on this collection, but it’s still a hell of a lot of fun.
Speed of Life is out today. Sadly, Adam has had to cancel his upcoming tour due to a throat and vocal cord condition, but hopefully he can get out and play these songs for fans once he recovers. It’s a real shame because these songs are some of the best he’s written and they deserve to have the biggest audience possible. Until then, fire them up on your favourite streaming service or get the album from all your local music store now!
Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia
It’s another week with another act at the top of the Aussie charts. The Hilltop Hoods have dethroned Angus & Julia Stone with their seventh studio album Walking Under Stars. It’s their fourth consecutive number one album in this country!
There’s some local joy on the ARIA charts this week, with two local releases topping the singles and ARIA charts.