The legendary band from Oklahoma Red Dirt Rangers released their new album, “Red Dirt Town“, on October 10th, produced by Jared Tyler, seven years after their last record, “Blue Door Nights“.
This is the 11th album of a band that has been spreading red dirt music since 1988. And after 37 years of existence, their music is more catchy and soulful than ever.
We can start talking about the title track. This song, cowritten by Brad Piccolo and John Cooper with Brandon Jenkins, was part of the Red Dirt Legend’s 2005 album “Down In Flames“. The new version of this red dirt classic ode to the small towns and to the importance of our roots, sung with Turnpike Troubadours’ lead singer Evan Felker, who also plays harmonica, is one of the gems that you’ll listen to on this album. But it’s not the only one.
While “This Island Tonight” brings us back to our summer nights, the wonderful “Bad Decisions“, also with great accordion, is a wonderful tune about the mistakes that we can make all along our life. Both songs have amazing Tex-Mex vibes. It’s not a surprise, when we know that Doug Sahm and the Texas Tornados have always been a big influence for the band.
The fiddle-driven “Oklahoma State Fair” and the catchy “Miracles Happen Every Day” are also outstanding songs, as is the beautifully written “Tell Her You Love Her“.
“Lighten Up“, released as a single in August, “Hole In My Heart“, with great fiddle and piano, and the catchy “Light The Fire“, are brilliant songs with wonderful instrumentation and excellent songwriting.
The album also includes a great version of Steve Ripley’s “Oklahoma Blues“, a song initially released for his 2002 solo album. Steve Ripley, who played a key role for red dirt music, produced several earlier records of the band.
“Red Dirt Town” is a brilliant album that will be greatly appreciated by all those who love red dirt music, but beyond the genre, first and foremost, it’s a high quality music record with excellent songwriting.
Nicolas Davelu
Country Music France 