If you've been a regular visitor to these pages over the past three years you'll be aware of the admiration we have had for Jackson Dean during his debut album, ‘Greenbroke' phase but does he have it in him to impress us all over again? OF COURSE HE DOES!
Jackson Dean's sophomore album ‘On The Back of My Dreams' is a rich and immersive collection of songs, each born from a fleeting spark of inspiration. The album offers a deep dive into Dean's artistry, inviting listeners to reflect on the layers of meaning woven throughout his music. Known for his gravelly voice, free-spirited nature, and intentional songwriting, Dean continues to establish himself as one of Nashville’s most intriguing talents. This album marks a bold and impressive new chapter, showcasing a vocal performance that is both captivating and distinctive, balancing swagger with intellect.
Each of the 13 tracks contributes to a larger narrative, painting a vivid picture of Dean’s life experiences, both past and present. The songs reflect a man determined to fully embrace everything life has to offer, meeting each moment with unwavering curiosity. The album's thematic range is anchored by ‘Real Real' and ‘Another Century,' which represent its positive and negative poles. At the heart of the album is the lead single ‘Heavens To Betsy' which offers a gritty perspective on life's complexities from the other side. Together, these songs form a cohesive and thought-provoking exploration of existence, filled with sonic surprises and layered meanings.
The album opens with ‘Big Blue Sky,' a mid-tempo, hypnotic track that perfectly sets the tone for the journey ahead. Its expansive sound and optimistic lyrics capture Dean’s search for contentment and meaning, creating an inviting entry point into the album's thematic journey. This track feels weighty, yet uplifting, as it encapsulates the elusive quest for peace that resonates throughout the album.
‘Duct Tape Heart' follows with its drum-driven rhythms and lashings of harmonica, giving the song a troubadour's swagger. The track barrels forward with a swampy, catchy chorus, as Dean reflects on the temporary fixes that life often offers. The song’s personal yet relatable narrative continues the album's exploration of searching for peace and belonging, making it one of the standout moments.
The restless spirit that defines much of Dean's work is evident in ‘Talking to Backroads.' This track mixes acoustic and electric guitars with a western flair, echoing the open roads and travels that the lyrics describe. The clever imagery and evocative sounds create a sense of journeying, both physically and emotionally, as Dean sings of letting go and finding solace in the simplicity of the open road.
‘Daddy Raised' shifts the tone to a rockier, more intense vibe. This song, with its funky, drum-driven beat and wailing electric guitars, delves into the nature versus nurture debate. Dean’s lyrics about the wild streak inherited from his father are delivered with a Nickelback-esque muscle, making this track a bona fide future live classic and a standout on the album.
The southern rock vibes of ‘Long Goodbye' offer a lighter, more playful side to Dean's music and a palette cleanser after the intense ‘Daddy Raised.' With a ZZ Top-style guitar riff, the track is a cheeky and fun number about the pleasures of a lingering farewell, providing a needed break from the album's heavier moments.
‘Real Real' returns to the album's core theme of searching for authenticity in a world full of falsities. The acoustic campfire vibes and thumping drums create an earthy, organic sound, while the time change in the chorus adds a dynamic touch to this folk-rock number, making it a perfect fit for Dean's live performances.
‘Heavens to Betsy,' the heart of the album both literally and figuratively, delivers on the promise of a long-awaited studio version of this fan favourite. The emotional depth and musical soul of the track are undeniable as Dean sings from the perspective of a father looking down from heaven with guilt and remorse. It's a powerful song that weaves a heavy emotional spell, while still inviting listeners to sing along and play air guitar. Similarly, ‘Train' is another live favourite brought to the studio, showcasing Dean's talent for creating swampy, hypnotic sounds. The track's evocative lyrics and Dean’s vocal mimicry of a steam train add to its intensity, making it a memorable journey towards the album's climax.
That journey towards the final third of ‘On the Back of My Dreams' is cleverly started by ‘Free,' a clever, commercial song that builds to one of the album's best choruses. Dean explores the cost and complexities of freedom against a backdrop of searing guitars, posing the deep question of whether true freedom even exists. The song's depth and musical excellence make it a standout. Elsewhere, ‘Sweet Appalachia' and ‘Jane' bring a rural folk-rock flavour to the album. The former is a hypnotic, pounding tribute to the region, full of big imagery and a rhythmic drive that promises to work excellently live. The latter, a darker, grunge-influenced track, complements ‘Sweet Appalachia' with its evocative storytelling and 90s leaning Grungy, Pearl Jam-esque vibes.
The album closes with the impactful and powerful ‘Another Century,' a quiet, Springsteen-esque reflection on life and mortality. Here we find Jackson Dean and his acoustic guitar ruminating on all the things he’s seen in his life so far and how he won’t live to see ‘another century in this cage.’ Use of the word ‘cage’ suggest a religious or spiritual belief that our bodies are just cages and there’s something more to come. Dean’s acoustic guitar and introspective lyrics give way to a powerful, extended guitar solo in the final third of the song, providing a fitting and explosive end to the album.
‘On the Back of My Dreams' is a tremendously deep and often introspective work that marks a significant step forward for Jackson Dean. It’s heavier in both sound and meaning than his debut ‘Greenbroke' and it suits him well. With radio-friendly tracks like ‘Heavens to Betsy,' ‘Free,' and ‘Daddy Raised,' Dean is poised for commercial success, yet the album remains a cohesive, meaningful body of work that stands as an album in the truest sense of the word—46 minutes of thoughtfully crafted music that says something real, meaningful and important.
Track list: 1. Big Blue Sky 2. Duct Tape Heart 3. Talking to Backroads 4. Daddy Raised 5. Long Goodbye 6. Real Real 7. Heavens to Betsy 8. Train 9. Free 10. Sweet Appalachia 11. Jane 12. Heaven 13. Another Century Record Label: Big Machine Records Release Date: September 6th Buy ‘On the Back of My Dreams' right here
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