The definition of a classic country storyteller, Jared Bill is back with his new album Mystery Man. The South County Records artist first found success with his single “The Jared Bill,” creating this persona of a mysterious outlaw – hence the title of the new record.
The album picks up where the listener left off with “The Jared Bill, Part 2,” continues the adventure of a man on the run. The lyrics are fun, really telling the tale of a chase between a rebel and a sheriff. The smooth, rich vocals of Bill shine as he has a softer production of bright electric guitars, and soft piano keys.
Another stand out track is, “Corgi On The 2nd Floor,” if not for the title alone the song is a harder song with a strong contrast between the verse and the chorus. The verse is softer while the chorus has a sharper memorable rhythm singing about “the sight of licking his chops that will be blemished by his bite.” Seeing a crime scene in the making.
Jared Bill offers some advice in his track, “Avoid Ferries.” It is tongue and cheek with a woman joining on the track saying the seats are uncomfortable and you might see your ex on it. “Even horses can swim, and they just might,” she sings, the humor and exaggeration of the track is very fun and lighthearted compared to some of the more outlaw tracks on the record. The track ends with one of the background singers getting hit by a ferry, which was interesting, but it was meant to add to the absurdity of the overall track. The vocals and lyrics take a front seat on this song with guitars and drums accompanying behind the singers.
Overall, Jared Bill is a unique artist, really pulling the listener into his music and giving them a front row seat to his show. Every song felt like another episode of an old school crime show. The country western vibe also added to it, with the listener wanting to root for the outlaw character like Jared Bill built. Bill has proved he was not just a one hit wonder with his previous single track “The Jared Bill” but instead adding to the world and giving more of a backstory. It will be exciting to see if Bill continues with this narrative or introduces us to a new world on his next record.
Written by Katie Power
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