Review by Ritchie Birnie for MPM
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend three months in a bunker in a desert? I do not expect many with a sane mentality will have ever had it cross your mind but for those of you with a penchant for some very specific mushrooms Jay Buchanon, the lead singer of Rival Sons is here with his first solo album to answer all your deepest and twisted questions.
Firstly, take note that this is no Rival Sons album. This is a deeply personal album that skates thin ice between Gospel, Country and sheer poetry. It may not be Rival Sons but that soulful voice resonates throughout the album and delivers 10 stunning, beautiful and very emotional songs that need to be heard and to be honest I suspect the best way to listen to this is in a desert after darkness with just yourself, a fire and the best speakers you can afford.
The album opens with “Caroline” and instantly you hear the emotion in Jay’s voice. You are captured by the tone and the lyrics draw you in with the pristine elocution. The song wisps like the smoke from a fire as it dissipates above you as we are taken back through Jay’s past.
“High and Lonesome” was inspired as he sat in front of a fire with coyote eyes flickering in the distance. Out of a moment musical magic is woven. As a native of Scotland and one who lives a stone throw away from Loch Lomond some of the most amazing times have been on an Island, alone with just a fire, music and some beer. This song instantly took me there and this album is going to be my soundtrack the next time I turn my back on daily life.
The gospel is front and centre on “True Black” as Jay takes on the roll of preacher and give me a hallelujah people as this is truly inspiring. Jay is offering you redemption but are you honest enough to accept it and free enough to follow the path?
The song “Tumbleweeds” is basically Jay. His journey from Nashville to California. This is a song that is made for a car, the windows open, wind in your hair and you singing at the top of your voice. This is freedom, this is joy and this is beautiful.
On “Shower of Roses” you will feel emotion bubbling up from places hidden for many a year as Jay’s voice drags love out of your very soul. I have never heard his vocals so demanding of your attention before. This is another of Jay’s journeys, his musical ventures, his fears and his perceived failings. This is straight from his heart to yours.
“Deep Swimming” is Jay’s childhood. Memories tinged with positive nostalgia and sung with a youthful enthusiasm that made me think of an early U2. The lyrics will hit home with everyone and you may miss half the song with glazed eyes as you float back in time to your own memories and think of the journey you have taken yourself. These songs are raised much higher than 10 tracks on a piece of plastic or something accessed via an app. These are physical, they are emotional and they are going to be timeless.
“Sway” is written for Jay’s wife and you almost feel like a voyeur due to the intimacy wrapped up in this stunning song. Jay carries this song with wonder and the vocals are almost angelic. This is a truly memorable number that will haunt you long after it has stopped.
The easy listening of “The Great Divide” will take you back to 70s Fleetwood Mac. The title may be about the mountains but the content is that relationship we have all had that just does not work. This song would not have been off the radio in the 70s and with this being Jay’s first solo outing it would have sent him stratospheric back then. As a lover of The Eagles and Mac this song instantly became my favourite.
With “Dance Me To the end of love” we have two of Jay’s loves combined with Van Morrison and Cohen.He paid tribute to both with style, grace and aplomb.
The title track is the final number and what a song to bow out with. The beautiful piano intro becomes the backbone to Jays majestic voice. He stated if music was his God this would be his prayer and this song is unsurpassed and quite possibly the most powerful track I have ever heard from the man. This would draw emotion from the most bereft, despairing and shut down soul.
Jay Buchanon has stepped out of the shadow of Rival Sons with one of the most personal albums I have ever encountered. Weapons of Beauty is a masterpiece. It is an album from a bygone era that screams its relevance from your speakers. This is an album Jay made for himself and I feel truly honoured to just be able to let his journey seep through my skin and I somehow feel a different person on the other side. Truly magnificent.
Pre-order HERE: https://30tgrs.ffm.to/weaponsofbeauty
Formats:
- CD – 4-panel Digipak with 8-panel poster
- Standard Vinyl – Black LP, Gatefold Jacket with Gold Foil + Printed Inner Sleeve
- D2C Exclusive (Sacred Tongue / Second Sun) –
- Limited autographed photo included with D2C colored vinyl and CD while supplies last.
- LP in “Mojave” Marble Vinyl, Gatefold Jacket with Gold Foil, plus exclusive merch
Follow Jay Buchanan
Instagram / TikTok: @jaythebirdthatsings
X: @jaythebirdsings
Facebook: facebook.com/jaybuchananrivalsons
Website: weaponsofbeauty.com
