Review Summary: Country’s Cool Again
Tennessee is a beautiful region in the southwestern part of the United States, known for having many redeeming qualities. Traits such as gracious, unpretentious, and laid back are common impressions of the people from the appropriately nicknamed Volunteer State. Scenic, nature-driven, and provincial are common traits of the state itself. These previously discussed qualities are also representative of their music as well. With Tennessee being a major breeding ground for country music, it’s easy to see where the patriotic ethos of country music originated from. As cliché as it is, you really are a product of your environment.
Admittedly, the country genre is a segment fairly new to myself, as I’ve been skeptical about this genre before, and just recently discovered what makes this kind of music redeemable. But in everyone’s “music journey”, you discover certain albums and musicians unexpectedly, and your perspective on certain styles of the music itself, and even the culture surrounding it, changes drastically. Lainey Wilson’s latest creation, ‘Whirlwind’, is one of those compellingly persuasive albums that anyone can enjoy, even to the non-country enthusiasts.
Recorded around 2024, Wilson’s latest release is an assortment of country hits featuring the normal characteristics of its music category. Stringed instrumentals, folk harmonies, and influences from other genres such as blues and bluegrass, along with sincere lyrics with a vocal twang are the norm. Expect a multitude of these attributes going into this recording.
‘Whirlwind’ continues where the previous album left off. But unlike her last effort, this record is an improvement in every way imaginable. The positives Wilson’s known for remain. More importantly, the shortcomings that bamboozle her previous works are less prevalent. This means that ‘Whirlwind’ is a more complete, memorable record with added substance overall compared to the last few albums. From front to back; from top to bottom, ‘Whirlwind’ takes everything great about herself, and the country genre, and builds upon it like a rapid cyclone.
Record number four of Lainey Wilson’s career has it all. Ranging from soulful, introspective power ballads, to borderline rockers, ‘Whirlwind’ is successful, and diverse, featuring not only country influences, but also some small elements of pop and rock. Unlike previous albums, no filler tracks drag the music experience down. It grabs your attention as strongly as a wild horse. Almost every song here is representative of high quality, meaningful, and purposeful country. For instance, previously described borderline rockers such as the opening two tracks showcase charismatic, cowboy swagger that one can’t help but feel energized in some way. From the start, “Keep Up With Jones” introduces the album with its frantic, uptempo pace. After that, “Country’s Cool Again” follows a similar formula with its assuring country riff boldness. Regarding the soulful ballads, the albums latter half shows-off this aspect the best. The title track, and “Middle of It” are examples of the previously mentioned portrayals of how to write a thoughtful, gentle tune.
On paper, the term whirlwind is defined as the rapid, circular movement of air within a column or funnel. In Lainey’s terms, this is also an accurate description of ‘Whirlwind’. Like the whirlwinds found in tornados, one small aspect leads to another, building up extremely powerful momentum from her constant improvement as a music artist. This uprise has resulted in Wilson at her absolute peak, brewing up her best recording yet.
Lainey Wilson’s fourth studio record is an extraordinary representation of what country music stands for, and what makes this type of music so special. It’s humble and soulful. It’s an album that’s heartfelt, down-to-earth, and genuine, yet equally spirited and entertaining at the same time. ‘Whirlwind’ is the musical version of southern hospitality. ‘Whirlwind’ is a special piece of composition that is profoundly symbolic of not only of its genre, but also the culture it proudly represents, solidifying Wilson as one of the major driving forces of the modern country music renaissance. But perhaps country was always distinguished, and some of us were simply oblivious. Lainey Wilson has created one of the more noteworthy country albums in recent memory. After having her own separate section in the Country Music Hall of Fame, after numerous awards, and after a couple of gigs at the highly acclaimed Opry Center, whirlwind is a worthy name for Wilson’s fourth record, and it’s a fitting narrative towards her absolute rise to stardom. Thank you Lainey. Thanks for making country cool again.
