Country singer-songwriter Logan Mize is an artist who is very much forging his own path in the genre. Since making his debut with his self-titled album in 2009, Mize has been constantly on the road, working to build his fanbase not only in the US but across Europe too. Since signing with Big Yellow Dog Music, Mize has released three studio albums and two EPs, with his most recent album ‘Still That Kid’ arriving earlier this year in January. Less than 9 months on from the release of that record, Mize has another new album ready to go with the release of ‘Welcome to Prarieville’ today.
‘Welcome to Prairieville’ started off as a concept album several years ago with Mize having written and completed most of the songs before ‘Still That Kid’ came out. He says this is the album he’s always wanted to make and put out, and after spending 12 years earning his stripes in the industry, he’s finally able to do that. The first thing you notice about ‘Welcome to Prairieville’ is that sonically it’s different from what Mize has released before. Leaning into a more traditional Country sound, whilst retaining that rockier element he’s always had, this album is focused on telling compelling stories rather than trying to sound like something Country radio is going to embrace.
It’s important to point out, as Mize has stated, that Prairieville isn’t a real place but it does reflect the small town he grew up in and the ethos of those who lived there. Capturing what it’s like to grow up in the Midwest, Mize gives the listener an insight into a part of America that isn’t often captured in modern Country music. One listen to the foot-stomping ‘Wine at the Church, Beer at the Bar’ is evidence enough of how Mize can draw you into his world as he sings about small town people living their authentic lives and just being themselves.
The 80s-influenced ‘Follow Your Heart’, one of my favourites on the record, features a driving beat as Mize implores a lover to follow their instincts (and their heart) to get back to him. It’s a romantic moment with a nice story that just hits in all the right places. ‘If You Get Lucky’, one of the songs released ahead of the record, is geared up towards being played live as Mize encourages the listener to embrace life’s pitfalls rather than feel down about them.
‘River Road’ looks fondly back to yesteryear while ‘I Need Mike’ emphasises the importance, especially for men, to have friends that they can rely on when they’re going through difficult times. On the punchy ‘We Ain’t Broke’, Mize ups the tempo for a honkytonk gem that will get your foot tapping and lodge in your brain. The album’s final two songs find the singer-songwriter in a more reflective mode. ‘I Still Miss You’ captures longing as you try to move on with your life while album closer ‘It’s About Time’ is a celebration of self-discovery, which is fitting giving this album feels the first time we’re really hearing the true Mize.
Honestly, ‘Welcome to Prairieville’ is the best body of work Mize has recorded and released to date. I’ve always enjoyed his output but this album feels like his most authentic and it represents him better than the material that has come before. With Mize already working on new music, and looking to the next project, I hope he explores the sound he’s created here more because it suits him down to the ground.
Track listing: 1. George Strait Songs 2. Welcome to Prarieville 3. River Road 4. Wine at the Church, Beer at the Bar 5. Follow Your Heart 6. I Need Mike 7. If You Get Lucky 8. Tell the Truth 9. We Ain’t Broke 10. I Still Miss You 11. It’s About Time Record label: Big Yellow Dog Music Release date: 1st October 2021 Buy ‘Welcome to Prairieville’ now
[rwp-reviewer-rating-stars id=”0″]
