BY LESLEY HASTINGS
We seem to have had our fair share of country divorce albums in recent years and while I am definitely not averse to a good old heartbreak ballad it’s refreshing to find an album inspired by a relationship which is actually working….call me an old romantic.
Anyway this is exactly what Jackson Dean has given us with his third studio album “Magnolia Sage“, available now via Blue Highway Records. The eleven tracks inspired by his muse (and now fiancé) Shannon, are described by Jackson as being about having everything he wants in the palm of his hand, as he explores themes of love and longing on this most personal and intimate release, called “sexy” by label boss Scott Borchetta .
No clue what he means….
An album that transports the listener across the States through its lyrics which frequently reference Jackson’s troubadour lifestyle, aided in no small way by the dreamy arrangements and expansive backing vocals, its title refers to the two different camps into which the tracks loosely fall. “Magnolia is soulful. Magnolia is the soft touch of someone else’s hand on yours. Magnolia is a Maryland beach. Magnolia is something easy,” says Jackson, while he describes Sage as “western. Sage is the wild in Wyoming. Sage is rust and a crow on a fence post. Sage is the wind in your face”.
Working closely alongside Luke Dick once more (as both co-writer and producer) Jackson has already established himself as an exciting artist who draws inspiration from many different genres which he is not afraid to incorporate into his own music, approaching each song individually to bring what it best needs to fruition. He is a true creative who isn’t bound by constraints as this album further demonstrates.
Its stunning lead single, the dreamy, bluesy love song “Be Your Man“, which remains one of my favourites not only on this project but from his entire catalogue, let us know from the start that this album would see him continue to explore new sonic territory. There’s generally a much more laid back vibe going on than we have been given before, with the explosive single “Wildfire” probably being the track most akin to his earlier music
As you may know, as it’s something I frequently mention in album reviews, track order intrigues me and Jackson kicks this one off with the relatively uptempo “Blacktop Blues”, a really catchy, funky track with back porch vibes which describes Jackson’s simple needs for happiness. Who doesn’t love the notion of “a shotgun baby with a dog in the back” ?
It’s the ideal introduction to the songs which follow, a celebration of having found exactly that contentment. Indeed the first three songs are in themselves a bit of a relationship timeline I feel, the flirty “Make A Liar” sees him trying to resist (albeit a bit of tongue in cheek!) before he succumbs and falls head first in love which he leaves us in no doubt about in the aforementioned “Be Your Man”, his rich baritone vocals sending shivers down the spine.
Fast forward to the closing track, “Heart On The Range”, another perfectly placed song in which Jackson laments being parted from his love. The melancholy in this waltz is tangible as he wrestles with the push and pull of life as a touring artist and it’s a perfect example of the sheer emotion which is a common thread throughout this project. Sonically, Jackson described the track as being “about as country and western as it gets” at a recent album listening event….yep, I get that….while in contrast the preceding track “Dust On A Dirt Road” is what he told us is as modern as I’ve ever been, flow and phrasing-wise”.
I noticed more female co-writer on the credits this time around, with Jackson telling me in our most recent interview how important their perspective was when it came to writing love songs and this is particularly evident in a run of three tracks mid-album which form what I’d describe as its emotional centrepiece. I must give a particular shout out to Juan Solorzano on pedal steel which features on all three. “Over and Over“, ” Hey Mississippi” and ” Something Easy” (co-penned by Jackson and Luke with Laura Veltz, Jessie Jo Dillon and Natalie Hemby respectively) are all stunning declarations of love in their own way.
The first two I found beautifully hypnotic, while I love the concept of how Jackson and Shannon’s relationship was always meant to be (and why can’t other things in life be that simple?) is explored in “Something Easy”. Have I always been the secret? Have you always been the key?” he asks. It’s a theme expanded further on the penultimate track, the aforementioned and haunting “Dust on a Dirt Road” .
Do yourselves a favour, kick off your boots , pour yourself a glass of whatever does it for you, relax and immerse yourself in this truly beautiful celebration of life and love.
Magnolia Sage Track List:
1. “Blacktop Blues” (Jackson Dean, Tucker Beathard, Jimi Bell, Luke Dick)
2. “Make A Liar” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Randy Montana)
3. “Be Your Man” (Jackson Dean, Rodney Clawson, Luke Dick)
4. “5th Of July” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick)
5. “Tennessee Moon” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
6. “Over And Over” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Laura Veltz)
7. “Hey Mississippi” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jessie Jo Dillon)
8. “Something Easy” (Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby)
9. “Wildfire”(Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Josh Miller, Josh Thompson, Chris Tompkins)
10. “Dust On A Dirt Road”(Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jon Decious)
11. “Heart On The Range”(Jackson Dean, Casey Beathard, Jonathan Smith, Dan Isbell)