Leon Majcen released his new album, “Making a Livin’ (not a killin’)” on October 17th, via Cloverdale records, some months after “Better Days“, released earlier this year, and one year after his self-titled album, that was reviewed here on this blog.
With this new record, brilliantly produced by Patrick Lyons, Leon Majcen keeps on increasing his skills as a singer and as a songwriter, adding masterful storytelling and beautiful songs to his yet impressive work.
“Don’t Leave The Light On” is an authentic masterpiece. This song is absolutely beautiful, with wonderful pedal steel, masterful lyrics and Leon Majcen’s tremendous voice that makes us immerse in his poetic universe and deeply stirs our emotions. With such a fantastic song, that reminds us of John Prine’s poetry, Leon Majcen embodies classic country music.
When you start listening to the harmonica, you know that “Thinking ‘Bout Love” will be a beautiful song. But it’s much more than that: this tune is another masterpiece, wonderfully written and with perfect instrumentation.
“You came into my life and made me aware
That life’s about as a stable as a rockin’ chair
Now I’m
I’m only thinking ‘bout love”Thinking ‘Bout Love
“That’s What It Takes“, cowritten with Presley Drake, is also an outstanding song, beautifully written and wonderfully sung, with some subtle harmonica in its final part, that gives elegance and delicacy to this splendid tune.
The album includes excellent songs about life on the road, like “Sleeping in a car is fun until you gotta pee“, “Down the Road“, the excellent title track and the beautiful “Feet on the Ground“.
The funny “Tallahassee“, featuring Riley Downing, the catchy “Shot Myself in the Leg” and the beautifully written and poetic “Woman and Dog” are also outstanding songs.
In my opinion, there’s not any doubt that Leon Majcen is one of the best songwriters of our time, and that the way he sings them is absolutely unique. He’s a complete and brilliant artist who embodies country music genre. With “Making a Livin’ (not a killin’)“, he released a poetic and elegant album, full of relatable songs and wonderful storytelling. Undoubtedly one of the most brilliant records of 2025.
Nicolas Davelu
Country Music France 