Ben Jarrell is a key artist for traditional country music lovers. His debut album, “Troubled Times“, released seven years ago and reviewed here was a killer record and that put him instantly in a very strong position on the country music scene.
Recently, we could also appreciate his talent as a producer, particularly with the brilliant album of Anna Wescoat, “World Famous“, released in 2024, and more recently with the excellent album of Nick Sizemore, “Everything” and with the album of Hal Odell, “Pieces of the Truth“, released two weeks ago. He’s also very involved as a songwriter, as we could see recently listening to the excellent debut album of Preston McCabe, “Heading West“.
Those who love the style and the voice of this tireless artist from Alabama can listen to his wonderful new album, “Tennessee Turnaround“, released on April 24th, two years after his last studio album, “A Country Song“.
Coproduced by Ben Jarrell with Ryan Hartman and Peter Young, “Tennessee Turnaround” is a fascinating album, authentic, excellently written and with wonderful classic country vibes.
Among the singles released before the album, “Hopper’s Pond“, cowritten by Ben Jarrell with Zach Hanard, Hal Odell and Greg Wilson, is a true gem. We can listen to beautiful pedal steel, thanks to Steve Nelson, who has been playing with Ben Jarrell since a long time, and Neil Jones, who plays for American Aquarium. This traditional country song has been on repeat for me since the beginning of the year.
When you’re listening to a song like the beautiful “Burlag Bag Drapes“, a wonderful piece of storytelling, you can close your eyes, forget our actual world, and feel that you’re part of these times that witnessed the very beginning of country music history. Such a gem !
There are two waylonesque songs on this album: the brilliant “Dreamers“, a true masterpiece with excellent instrumentation, and the fantastic “King of Letting Go“, with wonderful pedal steel. When you listen to these two gems, it’s impossible not thinking immediately about Waylon Jennings.
“What Love Ain’t“, cowritten with Hal Odell and Zach Hanard, is another beautiful song, with wonderful songwriting and brilliant pedal steel.
“Tennessee Turnaround” is a splendid album that will be highly appreciated by all those who love traditional country music, authenticity and quality songwriting. His music carries us away and his voice transports us to waylonesque territories. Ben Jarrell is the real deal.
Nicolas Davelu
Country Music France 
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