There is a breed of songwriters that sits somewhere in the middle of punk, folk, country, and rock & roll that all have one thing in common: honesty. You know who I’m talking about. It’s the troubadours you see up on a smoky stage with whiskey breath and some bone to pick about their lived experience. It’s Frank Turner, Brian Fallon, Dave Hause, etc. Of course, among them all is also Chuck Ragan, set to release Love And Lore, his first solo album in nearly ten years.
The interesting thing about this style of music is that it gives the listener many reasons to pay attention. For me, Ragan has always been on my peripherals for the obvious influence of classic folk and Americana. It’s not just the sound or his vocal style; it’s his fearless approach to authentic writing, production, and performance. He’s always been the kind of artist that makes me say “damn, this song is good” no matter when or how he finds a way in. And that honest integrity is perhaps more present than ever before throughout Love And Lore.
The album kicks off with “All In” and its haunting, at times wah-wah whining, guitar accompanied by Ragan’s wonderfully raspy vocals. One thing about this album, it immediately has a rock and roll ethos that doesn’t quit on you. “All In” might be a small taste of that tone, but it kicks up to high gear on “Wild In Our Own Ways.” Against fuzzy rhythm turned all the way up, Ragan shouts “and like the dirt on an endless road, we’re not meant to be alone.” This track is 4 minutes of nonstop punk rock energy with folk undertones. And I think that is the best way for me to describe the entire album.
That “punk rock with folk undertone” description is solidified for the listener by the third track, “Northern World.” To me, this song is riddled with Springsteen and Steve Earle influence. Interestingly enough, “Northern World” reminds me of a more reflective Springsteen (think: “The River”) but a more high energy Earle (like if “The Galway Girl” had less mandolin & fiddle and more electric guitars). Seems strange when written like that, but the same genre-bending craft that happens with a folksy rock and roll legend or a floor-stompin’ bluegrass outlaw can be heard all throughout this album.
Perhaps my favorite part of Love & Lore are the bones of it. Songs like “Winter,” “Aching Hour,” and “One More Shot,” when listened to very closely, have the foundation of any great folk song. You could strip the electricity, simmer the drums, insert a campfire, and hear the heart of them all. And that speaks to Ragan’s songwriting strength and integrity and it keeps me nodding along saying “damn, this song is good” once more.
Love And Lore is streaming everywhere on October 25th. Listen to the latest singles here:
The Indy Review 
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