We’ve been fans of Heartland country rocker Matt Jordan since we came across his music in 2021. Our review of his previous album ‘The Gamble’ can be found right here if you missed it the first time around but our thoughts are now focused on new album, ‘Low Lights,’ which is released this Friday, February 23rd.
Jordan’s upbringing heavily influenced his musical style, blending elements of rock, country, and americana to create a sound uniquely his own that seems more akin to the music and sounds of the 80s than it does with any other era or decade. Originally from St. Louis, MO, the songwriter splits time between his hometown and Nashville. Drawing inspiration from the vast landscapes and rich storytelling traditions of the Midwest, Jordan’s songs often reflect themes of love, loss, and the timeless pursuit of the American Dream. With his gravelly vocals and evocative songwriting, he has garnered a devoted following and critical acclaim, earning comparisons to legends like Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp and more modern artists like Kip Moore.
Speaking on ‘Low Lights’, Jordan says, “The Low Lights album is more sonically driven
than my first album. Without sacrificing the lyrical quality, we found ourselves writing the
songs more around the music and the overall feel. A lot of that came from more time on the
road, and playing shows between the two albums.”
‘Low Lights’ is a captivating journey through the heartland of rock and nostalgia, showcasing the artist’s adept storytelling and penchant for crafting infectious melodies. From the anthemic energy of ‘Anyone But Me’ to the haunting balladry of ‘Last Cigarette,’ each track offers a glimpse into Jordan’s world of love, loss, and resilience. There’s references to misfits and outsiders scattered throughout but the endings are largely happy and in Jordan’s world, loyalty pays off and hard times don’t always last forever.
Songs like ‘Don’t Mean’ and ‘Outcasts, Misfits and Me’ echo influences of artists like Kip Moore and Bob Seger, with driving guitars and anthemic choruses that are sure to resonate with listeners. The former is a trademark Matt Jordan song in which the quieter verses give way to a bigger chorus. ‘I watched you drive away but that don’t mean I let you go,’ is the vibe as Jordan laments his decisions and can’t move on in that post-relationship space whilst ‘Outcasts, Misfits and Me,’ is a loud, bombastic rock song designed to encourage inclusivity as Jordan sings about being one of his kind! Big guitars, rhythmic drums and a rabble rousing chorus straight out of the Bob Seger / Rick Springfield playbook are the order of the day. Throw in some gang vocals and searing guitars and you’ve got a classic live song! The time change and guitar outro in the final third will also give fans a good reason to jump up and down at Jordan’s concerts too!
In ‘Always a Girl,’ an obvious choice for radio single, Jordan delivers a catchy country-rock anthem reminiscent of 80s Springsteen jamming with artists like Don Henley and Eddie Money, while ‘Greatest Story,’ featuring The Voice contestant Kayley Bishop, transports listeners back to the same decade with its nostalgic sound and evocative lyrics as both singers lament missed opportunities and what-could-have-beens. “We were two hearts falling……..we started strong but we fell apart right at the good part,” they bemoan as the book and literary analogies come thick and fast, tying in with the song’s title.
The album’s production pays homage to the classic rock era, with tasteful guitar licks and atmospheric landscapes that add depth to Jordan’s emotive vocals. Tracks like ‘Steering Wheel’ and ‘Steal Away the Night’ evoke the vibrancy and innocence of youth. The former sees Jordan state, “This town feels like a prison cell,” as he yearns to leave and create something new. There’s typical ‘freedom is a highway’ tropes at play here as Jordan equates leaving with rebirth and freedom whilst on ‘Steal Away the Night,’ the album’s most obvious nod to the influence of ‘Born to Run’ meets ‘The River’ era Springsteen on Jordan’s work, we get a catchy chorus dripping in teenage urgency and the Jersey Boardwalk. Think late 70s early 80s vibrancy and that kind of innocence that the pop & rock artists of the time tried to tap into. It’s all ‘headlights in the window, late nights and young love’: no matter how old you are.
The title track brings the album to a triumphant close with its inclusive, all-encompassing rock vibes. There’s more references to misfits and being on the outside as Jordan takes us on another ride through the Springsteen, Don Henley and Kip Moore playbook, encouraging people to ‘come on down’ and dance through the heat of the night. This song, alongside something like ‘Losing Team,’ a song about ‘growing up in the shadows of Friday night letdowns,’ is where the beating heart of this record is. Cinematic songs about the innocence of youth – about love, loyalty, resilience and perseverance – all wrapped up in that warm, rich production sound of the 80s replete with chugging guitars, driving drums and choruses that soar.
Overall, ‘Low Lights’ is a testament to Matt Jordan’s artistry and his ability to capture the essence of life’s highs and lows in each heartfelt composition. There’s a timeless quality at play here and whether he’s belting out anthems of small-town resilience or crooning ballads of longing and redemption, Matt Jordan continues to captivate and engage with his raw authenticity and with his heart firmly out on the sleeve of his denim jacket. This is what heartland Americana is – Friday nights, ‘Back to the Future,’ Springsteen, outsiders, young love and aspirational dreams of what might be. ‘Low Lights’ captures that time, that mood and that mindset perfectly. It doesn’t matter whether you are 17 or 47 – the evocative nature of the songs on offer here will speak to that heartland desire within us all and take us all back to our own particular small town or maybe even give us the drive to escape the one we’ve always wanted to leave.
Tracklist: 1. Anyone But Me 2. Don’t Mean 3. Always a Girl 4. Greatest Story 5. Outcasts, Misfits and Me 6. Run Tonight 7. Losing Team 8. Steering Wheel 9. Last Cigarette 10. Steal Away the Night 11. Low Lights Release Date: February 23rd Buy ‘Low Lights’ right here.
