Nashville’s formidable Country Fuzz trio, The Cadillac Three, returns with their highly anticipated sixth studio album, ‘The Years Go Fast.’ Embarking on a musical journey that delves into the depths of change, friendship, love, and resilience, this album is a poignant exploration of life’s twists and turns. The band’s lead single, ‘Young & Hungry,’ a heartfelt reimagining of The Jane Shermans’ classic, sets the stage for a record that is as vulnerable as it is powerful.
In the wake of both gradual shifts and jarring upheavals, the trio—comprising of frontman Jaren Johnston, drummer Neil Mason, and multi-instrumentalist Kelby Ray—presents an album shaped by experience, loss, and the unyielding strength of their bond. ‘The Years Go Fast’ emerges as a testament to their growth, both as individuals and musicians, reflecting the raw emotions of a band that has weathered storms and emerged stronger.
The inspirations behind this album were many. “We put out 31 songs in one year. It was like, let’s give people a breather. Let’s give us a breather,” Johnston says. “We were coming off COVID and then my dad passed away. It’s a whole different life now. Talk about having some shit to write about.” “This record does have a lot of growth, a lot of hurt and heartbreak,” says Mason, the group’s drummer. “We are a little more grown up now, but we’re still doing the same thing we were doing in the beginning.”
The journey begins with ‘Young and Hungry,’ a high-energy anthem of young love propelled by almost punkish guitars and a raw, indie-leaning sensibility. The urgency in the song sets the tone for what follows, leading into ‘Double Wide Grave,’ a swampy Southern monster boasting bombastic drums and heavy guitars. Clocking in at just 2 minutes and 44 seconds, it packs a punch with its dynamic shifts and intense energy reminiscent of Black Stone Cherry’s style. That urgency and almost Punk-leaning attitude can also be found on ‘Comin Down From You’ which blends an aggressive attitude with backwoods rock, creating a unique fusion that feels like a collaboration between the Charlie Daniels Band and The Ramones. Jaren Johnston’s heartfelt screams add depth here too, making this track a standout.
Elsewhere the focus is very much on tasteful, southern-leaning arena rock. Imagine Kip Moore jamming with The Killers and you’d be somewhere in an intriguing ballpark. ‘Love Like War,’ the album’s longest track, masterfully combines atmospheric vibes with intricate guitar work. The song, reminiscent of something from The Killers’ ‘Sam’s Town’ album, showcases the band’s versatility and artistry whilst ‘The Torch,’ a mid-tempo Southern-leaning country rock piece, features harmonies and a sing-song cadence, making it an arena-ready classic. ‘This heart of mine has got a mind of itsown’ Johnston sings, unable to move on from a love now consigned to the past. The album culminates in ‘Pistols on the Levee,’ a mid-tempo anthem also reminiscent of Kip Moore’s style. The repeating guitar riff, accompanied by U2-style backing vocals, creates a restrained yet powerful atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression as the album fades away into silence.
Jaren Johston and The Cadillac Three are certainly not afraid to experiment on ‘The Years Go By’ either and the album is all the better for it. ‘The Worst’ takes a funky turn, building to a bombastic chorus with hints of soul, reminiscent of 80s funk rockers the Dan Reed Network. The niggly, funky guitar riff and Johnston’s powerful vocals make this song a real highlight and an elongated guitar solo only adds to the intrigue on a track that finds Johnston screaming in places like Lemmy from Motörhead!
‘Dressed Up to Die’, meanwhile, delves into darker themes, incorporating western vibes and a Blake Shelton ‘God’s Country’-esque chorus whilst ‘Hillbilly,’ featuring Elvie Shane and Ketch Secor, embraces southern rock with fiddles and a hypnotic rhythm. The song builds to a bombastic climax, showcasing the band’s prowess in crafting anthemic yet darker pieces.
Johnston and Mason frequently write songs for other artists, and Johnson has notched 10 Country number ones outside the band. He notes that it never works for the band to think about what might work on radio. “Anytime we’ve tried to chase anything, we have ultimately failed,” he says. “It’s the times when we step out and put our hearts on the road so people can drive over them, that’s where we win.” Objectively, the two most commercial songs on the album are ‘This Town is a Ghost’ and ‘Go to Bed Lonely’. The former channels classic Americana with an 80s twist, blending rock sensibilities with a touch of Southern Country whilst ‘Go to Bed Lonely,’ perhaps the most commercial track on ‘The Years Go Fast,’ draws on rockier Country influences akin to writers like HARDY, delivering a catchy, rock-leaning chorus about finding solace in another’s arms. Whether these two songs would work at radio, however, is another matter and anyone’s guess! ‘Love Like War’ might also be a radio curveball too but it’s clear that commercial success is not what drives this band.
‘The Years Go Fast’ is a sonic odyssey that showcases The Cadillac Three’s musical growth and willingness to push boundaries. With its diverse influences, raw energy, and emotive storytelling, this album is a testament to the band’s creativity and passion. Each track on this album is like a little world of its own, demonstrating the bands’ unique ability to blend genres seamlessly. It’s an album that captures the essence of Southern Rock while embracing the spirit of experimentation, making it a must-listen for existing fans and a great jumping-off point for newcomers also.
Tracklist: 1. Young & Hungry 2. Double Wide Grave 3. Comin’ Down From You 4. The Worst 5. Love Like War 6. The Wost 7. Dressed up to Die 8. Hillbilly 9. This Town is a Ghost 10. Go to Bed Lonely 11. 4 Chords & the Proof 12. Pistols on the Levee Release Date: 27th October Record Label: Big Machine Buy ‘The Years Go Fast’ now
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