Released around 2022, Lainey Wilson’s ‘Bell Bottom Country’ is a collection of country songs. As one of the more recent names in current country music, she would endure some commercial success. Like many of her contemporaries, Wilson’s career would begin in Nashville, Tennessee. After a few ups and downs, she would finally find her grove, leading us to one of her stronger efforts with ‘Bell Bottom Country’. Lainey’s thirdly effort is a country album worth your time, even if you are unfamiliar with the genre.
Like previously mentioned, ‘Bell Bottom Country’ is a definite country album. This means the usual acoustic and electric driven instrumentals backed up by American, southern inspired vocals with lyrical themes such as rural life, heartache, and other typical country music topics presented within the segment. From a lyrical, and musical standpoint, this is not a revolutionary record that impacts the genre massively. However, its not an offensive stain on country music either. Lainey creates a positively certified impression on her third record, despite some minor setbacks.
‘Bell Bottom Country’ is the prime definition of a mixed bag. There are highlights, and some lowlights in this fourteen track affair. Lainey is at her best when the exuberance is amplified. Songs such as “Grease”, and especially “Road Runner”, showcase the album at its absolute peak with its high energy and catchiness. The slower, ballad-type songs hold their own. But outside of the more well known tracks off the album such as “Watermelon Moonshine”, and “Heart Like a Truck”, some results don’t seem to stand out, leading to some forgettable moments scattered throughout the record.
‘Bell Bottom Country’ suffers from a somewhat forgettable second half. More specifically, certain filler tracks off of ‘Bell Bottom Country’ show its weak links. For example, “Hold my Halo” doesn’t seem to make an impression compared to the former mentioned tracks, regardless of its interesting use of the banjo in the beginning of the track. In general, the first half of ‘Bell Bottom Country’ is definitely more memorable, and more impactful compared to the rest of the album.
In conclusion, ‘Bell Bottom Country’ is a great contribution to the American country music genre. Lainey Wilson’s third studio record has its fair share of hits and misses. When the strong tracks present themselves, their strength is difficult to ignore, enhancing the album experience. Despite the album’s highlights, ‘Bell Bottom Country’ suffers from a small number of filler tracks in the latter portion of its work, dragging the record down from its potential. Overall, the strengths of the album reveal themselves brightly, but the weaknesses are just as glaring. Lainey’s later albums would prove to be an improvement from this one. Regardless, ‘Bell Bottom Country’ features some of her most popular hits, providing a good launch pad that would place Lainey on the country music map. Her career would eventually spring toward bigger and better aspirations. Wilson’s third studio record is a majorly effort, despite its imperfections.
