Ellis Bullard released his sophomore album, “Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution“, via Feels So Good Records, on February 9th. Two years after his acclaimed debut “Piss-Hot Freightlining Country Music“, this new LP is an unmissable record for honky tonk and real country lovers.
Each and every song present on this album is a gem, starting with its title track, “Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution“. This song, named in reference to ACDC’s “Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise Pollution“, from their Back in Black album, was released as a single previous to the album, on October of 2023. With more rock vibes than the rest of the album, it includes heavy guitars riffs and perfectly suits Ellis Bullard’s deep voice. You can also notice the importance of pedal steel, that is undoubtedly the backbone of the album.
If you’re looking for outstanding songs, you should listen to the waylonesque “Prison In My Mind“, perfectly written and full of strong pedal steel. Released as a single at the end of 2023, it’s a true gem.
“Patrón and Lime“, with wonderful pedal steel and keyboards, is another fantastic country song, as is “It Ain’t Easy Needing Green“, a very catchy tune with perfect instrumentation, including wonderful harmonica.
“Happy Sad” and the splendid ballad “Hopeless Waltz (Gina Walker)” are some of the songs where you’ll most appreciate the impressive quality of pedal steel. Both enhance perfectly Bullard’s powerful voice.
You’ll also enjoy the high quality of the instrumentation listening to the brilliant “What’s A Man To Do“, the wonderful “Lucky You, Lucky Me, My Unlucky Ways“, the brilliant “Young, Wild And Free” and the excellent “Cocaine Money“.
“Honky Tonk Ain’t Noise Pollution” is a splendid record that strengthens Ellis Bullard’s position as a prominent artist and storyteller. Bullard embodies honky tonk and real country music, and his new album is a treasure for all those who love the genre. His 2024 tour will include France, with a gig at the festival Country Craponne on July 27th, very awaited by French fans of country music.
Nicolas Davelu
Country Music France 