Shawn Jones - Struggle Makes You Stronger
Artist: Shawn Jones
Album: Struggle Makes You Stronger
Label: High Driver Records
OUT NOW
Rating: 5/5
IT was back in 2011 that Shawn Jones last delivered an album but he is now back with his terrific new record Struggle Makes You Stronger.
This album shows off Jones at his very best as he brings a great mix of sounds from Americana, rock, Blues as well as a tinge of folk - putting his own spin on these genres to deliver a sound that is unique to him.
Life Is For The Living kicks off the album and it a really upbeat way to start to the record as it is a song about appreciating life.
The guitars give the track it’s rock sound but there is a real blues feel to the vocals - not to mention the hooky melody gives the track a real vibe that you can’t help but get swept along with.
There is a real southern feel to Runnin’ Water and it is a sound that fits Jones’ rich voice incredible well. There are also some terrifically slick guitars on this track that just gives this song that extra bit of something.
Like most of the tracks on the album Runnin’ Water has a powerful message of just rolling with the punches when it comes to life as you can’t always control what happens.
Jones switches his sound again with Lonesome Road as there is more of a rockabilly feel to the track - it is great to see an artist move so effortlessly between such a wide range of sounds and genres.
Lonesome Road is a track that you just can’t help but tap your foot along to as it has an infectious beat and the mix of guitars sounds on it is just fantastic.
There isn’t a single weak track on this record and this isn’t just an album packed with upbeat messages but he also tackles love and relationships with songs such as Sweet Victoria and Day Without Rain.
Jones keeps his songs very straightforward but he always tells a compelling story with every song - usually a story that everyone can relate to.
Shawn Jones is an artist who knows exactly who he is and the music that he likes to record and that is a great strength of this album - you can tell this is a collection of tracks that has been put together with a lot of care and attention.
Struggle Makes You Stronger is a great album from start to finish that not only shows Jones as a great singer but also a great songwriter.
This is an album with a real upbeat message to it - just take life as it comes and live every minute to the full; wise words indeed.
Shawn Jones - Struggle Makes You Stronger is out now