Charles Esten, born in Pittsburgh, PA, and raised in Alexandria, VA, is a versatile American actor, singer, and songwriter. Best recognised for his impactful roles as Deacon Claybourne on CMT’s ‘Nashville’ and Ward Cameron on Netflix’s ‘Outer Banks,’ Esten’s career spans various dimensions although new album, ‘Love Ain’t Pretty’ is, amazingly, his debut solo full length musical release despite the fact that he holds the Guinness world record for “Most consecutive weeks to release an original digital single by a music act” after delivering 54 original songs once a week for 54 straight weeks back in 2018.
A graduate in economics from The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, he initially gained attention as the lead singer/songwriter of a popular local band. Esten made his theatrical debut in London, portraying Buddy Holly in the West End musical ‘Buddy,’ performing even for dignitaries like Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip, and President George H.W. Bush. Beyond acting, he showcased his comedic talents on ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ and later as a recurring cast member on the ABC version. Esten’s television credits include roles in ‘Big Love,’ ‘Enlightened,’ ‘The Office,’ and ‘ER,’ while his film repertoire includes notable works like ‘Swing Vote,’ ‘Thirteen Days,’ ’61*,’ and ‘The Postman.’ His diverse career reflects his ability to seamlessly transition between acting, singing, and songwriting, making him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Charles Esten’s long-awaited debut album, ‘Love Ain’t Pretty,’ is a rich and tender exploration of love’s intricacies, showcasing Esten’s mature and thoughtful approach to rock music. The album’s lead track, ‘Love Ain’t Pretty,’ is a melodic reflection on the ups and downs of love, featuring wistful melodies and Esten’s vocals that create an intimate connection with the listener. The song exudes a mature, grown-up rock vibe with hints of the 60s and 70s especially evident in the soulful guitar solo. Elsewhere the vagaries of love, in all its warts-and-all guises are explored in some depth across a varied and diverse set of songs. The enduring theme of long-term love takes centre stage in ‘One Good Move,’ a piano-driven ballad full of chugging guitars and heartfelt lyrics, paying tribute to the endurance of love whilst ‘In a Bar Somewhere’, meanwhile, is a tender ballad capturing the excitement and regret of finding and losing love, with poignant lyrics and a compelling melody. Lovely imagery and powerful lyrics abound here. ‘God knows I’ve tried, I can’t put it behind me but something will always remind me,’ Esten sings, ‘we’re still drinking & laughing not thinking about what’s going to happen.’
Elsewhere, ‘I Ain’t’ introduces funky vibes with B52s influences and a touch of Elvis style too, creating a groovy rocker about staying true to oneself. ‘Make You Happy’ also carries a touch of Elvis as Esten declares that he wants to make his love ‘weak in the knees for a little while!’ on a playful 1950s do-wop meets rock song about love and lust. ‘Another Song About You,’ meanwhile, is an uptempo, breezy rock song with funky guitar lines that showcases Esten’s ability to deliver catchy melodies and relatable lyrics in a breezy, 3 minute sermon!
On ‘Willing to Try’ Esten brings the Jimmy Bufffett meets Zac Brown vibes with a simple, Hawaiian influenced beach song. ‘I don’t know if I can sit and drink tequila for the rest of my life….but I’m willing to try’’ he sings on this gentle, wistful song full of sunshine, salt and siestas whilst on ‘Maybe I’m Alright’ Esten channels the Blues as he sings about wasting time and tears on worries and anxieties. It’s a hopeful, positive song about accepting life for what it is and you for who you are that is dripping in late night hotel bar feels as the tasteful Blues guitar licks and organ carry us home in all their glory.
Perhaps the two best songs on ‘Love Ain’t Pretty’ are also the two most diverse? The 80s-inspired ‘When Love Ain’t Love’ features iconic keyboards and a drum beat reminiscent of the era, providing a melodic exploration of love’s changes that channels artists as diverse as Billy Idol, Eddie Money, The Human League and Wham whilst the haunting ‘Candlelight,’ co-written with songwriter Eric Paslay and Kenny Alphin from Big & Rich, delivers a catchy, melodic ballad with soaring lead vocals and atmospheric backing ones too. It stands out as a cell phone-in-the-air anthem, building to a crescendo in its final third that will live in your memory long after the song is done.
The album’s big rock song, ‘Down the Road,’ echoes 80s Springsteen vibes, featuring co-writer Eric Paslay again. With big guitars, thumping drums, and catchy vocals, it encourages listeners not to give up in a bombastic, chest-thumping style that really suits Esten’s voice. Closing the album down in fine style is ‘Somewhere in the Sunshine’: a big, impactful ballad from the viewpoint of a guy who has passed on and is singing about paradise. The song is full of huge, weighty lyrics and meaningful messages about being somewhere better. It is the perfect mix of meaning and melody: grown up music for grown up people as Charles Esten brings this album to a powerful crescendo.
In ‘Love Ain’t Pretty,’ Charles Esten successfully navigates the wide spectrum of love, delivering a diverse and captivating collection of songs that showcase his songwriting prowess and musical versatility. The album’s melodies, lyrics, and Esten’s emotive vocals create a resonant experience for listeners, making it a standout addition to his catalogue on a debut album a long time in the making that will resonate with you for a long time after you’ve finished listening to it.
Tracklist: 1. Love Ain’t Pretty 2. A Little Right Now 3. One Good Move 4. In a Bar Somewhere 5. I Ain’t 6. Another Song About You 7. When Love Ain’t Love 8. Candlelight 9. Back in My Life Again 10. Make You Happy 11. Willing to Try 12. Maybe I’m Alright 13. Down the Road 14. Somewhere in the Sunshine Release Date: 26th January 2024 Record Label: Independent Buy ‘Love Ain’t Pretty’ now
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