John Anderson: Years
Forty years ago, John Anderson’s first single, “I’ve Got a Feelin’,” helped kick of the New Traditionalist movement and brought some grit back into country music. He’s been a prolific recording artist ever since, although he’s slowed down in the last decade, due to serious health issues. Musically and lyrically, the subject of mortality figures heavily on the first four tracks of Years. Anderson’s fragile vocals and Russ Pahl’s restrained pedal steel sprinkle shards of light onto the subtle gospel vibe of “I’m Still Hangin’ On” and the title track, a song that blends the realities of Anderson’s aging with his blessings for the coming generation. Billy Sanford’s dobro brings another layer of poignancy to “Celebrate,” an uptempo reminder that every moment is precious. The mood picks up a bit on the love songs that make up the rest of the album. Anderson’s vocals are stronger and the production by Dan Auberach and David Ferguson (John Prine, U2) adds some rock-and-roll sheen to the recording. Mike Rojas plays organ on “Slow Down,” a ballad that glorifies the overwhelming feelings of infatuation, with Anderson’s jazzy phrasing increasing the track’s powerful intensity. “What’s a Man Got to Do” brings banjo and acoustic guitar into the mix for a country stomper that describes the tribulations of a troubled love affair, while the album-closer, “You’re Nearly Nothing,” describes the heartache that follows the end of a relationship. The long instrumental fade at the end of the tune brings the album full circle, mirroring the implications of everlasting loss and loneliness. J. Poet
