We’re pleased to listen to Long Way Back to Memphis by the JT Hayden Band. This new album is pure southern rock with not only country twang but elements of alt-rock and blues that really stand out. We think it will appeal to many people. One of the cool things about Josh is that although he’s from St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Toledo, Ohio in 2018, he hasn’t lost his accent.
The album’s namesake, “Long Way Back to Memphis,” is one of those songs that can perfectly describe the feeling you have while you’re away from home. It’s about Memphis because that’s it’s famous for its music, barbecue, and nightlife. “I’m traveling on/The only road I’ve ever known/I’ve got a gypsy soul to blame […]” describes how that’s just how the singer is, an independent spirit. He can’t stay in one place and has the urge to explore and go on adventures using the one reliable route that takes him to where the action is. “This old road keeps rollin’ on/I’ve been rollin’ way too long…” When he gets tired of the same path, he feels a calling to go on a detour. And maybe “home” is wherever you make it.
Later on, “Dancing in the Moonlight” comes as a pleasant surprise. It’s written by JT and Jon Hardenand and produced by Kevin Hamilton, who has also produced songs for the Dixie Chicks. Although there’s a song with the same title that’s been covered many times, this one is completely original. It’s a fun, romantic country melody that sets the scene for flirting and dancing outside at night. “I plan on stayin’ all night/With you and me just dancin’ in the moonlight/The bonfire’s burnin’ so bright…” leads to a second vocalist acting as his wingman, saying, “I see you givin’ eyes and I know how you women do/Don’t lead him on ‘cause he’s really really into you/I could see us all hangin’ out, bein’ friends…” When you have a friend to vouch for you, you can have the emotional support you need to help you make a real connection that lasts.
“Like Bonnie and Clyde” comes right afterward. It opens with sudden stops after each picking, giving the impression of traveling in a hurry. It could be by foot, horseback, or car because of the beat, and you find out exactly what it’s describing. “With a tank full o’ gas and a lot of white lies/She was gone, gone baby/No brakes, no maybe/Tearin’ up down a gravel dirt road…” It’s about a woman who gyps her lover and breaks his heart by taking everything and suddenly fleeing to leave him alone and with nothing. She’s a mystery because there are no clues as to where she’s gone. She’s like the wild criminals Bonnie and Clyde, who committed robberies. The difference is that she’s a criminal of the heart as well as the wallet, making this an emotional tale.
Electric guitar features here on Long Way Back to Memphis, a solid album that’s mostly about themes of romance, freedom, and loneliness. Electric is a great choice with specific amp settings to get an undeniable southern rock, a bit of blues, and even an alt-rock sound in this album. Josh is on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, while Luke Billingsley is on lead guitar, Mike Harshman is on bass guitar, and Tim Currier is on drums. So while having 3 guitars is pretty normal, they all require different playing techniques and tones. The band members make sure they are in tune with each other while showing off their skills. It’s easy to keep rhythm with the songs, which makes for fun dancing or following along if you’re into singing or playing music.
Reviewed by Camille Perkins