Wesley Dean explores edgy Americana sounds and the allure of the Southern aesthetic in his new album Music From Crazy Hearts, which greeted the world April 26th.
The Australian artist shifted more towards the country and roots rock scene in 2021 upon his arrival to Nashville, and his latest album is influenced by his RV road trip traveling from Music City to L.A. and recording his performances on tour.
The nostalgia and simplicity of Music From Crazy Hearts comes after a long and celebrated career, including winning Australian Idol in 2008 with his platinum single, “You.” And on the latest album, Dean showcases his developing musical maturity.
Music From Crazy Hearts opens with the swampy J.J. Cale-esque groovin’ track “Mercy,” a true tone setter featuring a lengthy intro full of juke-joint energy. A quick, mischievous beat is accompanied by arching strings, making way for Dean’s rugged vocals as he launches into the catchy chorus, calling out for mercy in this life of sin from on high.
The third track and final single, “Blood Brothers,” features a more optimistic sound, featuring light, dancing guitar that allows Dean’s vocals to shine. “Still young and naive / To believe anything they told each other,” he sings. “One liked to dream / The other his protector / They were Blood Brothers.”
The chorus’s vocals stand out as being tender with echoes of desperation, conjuring similar feelings to the song’s music video, which features nostalgic camcorder video clips as well as Dean singing with heartfelt emotion into the camera.
Another notable number and near-title track, “Crazy Hearts,” slows down the album’s passionate pace with a gentle, dreamy melody that conjures images of walking down an empty Southern road. “We were carefree creatures / Of the night / I would survive / On you,” Dean says, half-singing, half wistfully speaking.
Coming in at track seven is “Tennessee Road,” which adds an ethereal flair to the album with its echoey sound and prominent use of a choir. The song becomes more upbeat as the track perseveres, turning into a worship song paying homage to the Tennessee road.
Music From Crazy Hearts concludes with song of sorrow and hope “Tomorrow,” ending on a gentler but no less passionate note than it began. Tender, faint guitar is uplifted by rising strings, sending the sound straight to the heart. “Tomorrow I will pray for the day / That luck comes my way,” Dean sings. “I’ll keep dreaming on / Cause dreams are all I’ve got.”
A dreamy blend of country, Americana, and rock, Wesley Dean’s latest album celebrates the beauty of sadness when felt on the country roads.
