Lifehouse going country style with new record Alméria

In a couple of days Lifehouse will release their long awaited sixth album. As you can tell from the cover this record has a clear country theme. No, you will not stop reading this because you think country is boring and cliché. You know you want to know more about a rock band trying out a new path, don’t you?

Overall “Almería” has a different vibe than the other records of the band. They are trying something new with a good amount of country, southern rock and even a hint of blues that are added to their rock sound.

„We just felt like some sounds needed to evolve. We knew we had to shake things up creatively and go back to the drawing board, try something new,“ says lead singer Jason Wade. „It was a liberating experience; I feel like we can take all our different musical influences and they can kind of coalesce together and live in the same space without any rules or guidelines. This album was just very in-the-moment, or should I say letting moments happen instead of forcing something and trying to manipulate it.“

Credit: Interscope

Opening the album is the catchy “Gotta Be Tonight” which introduces you slowly to the new genre Lifehouse is about to conquer. You immediately find yourself stomping your feet or clapping your hands along to the beat as the chorus offers a pop theme with a little twist. The cherry on top is a sample that sounds just a little bit like blues.

The first single „Between The Raindrops“ features Natasha Bedingfield. This collaboration of two amazing voices is yet another step into the fields of country music. The powerful and catchy track brightens your day and will put a smile on your face when you listen to it – especially when standing in the rain. I suggest Lifehouse do a holiday version of this song called „Between The Snowflakes“.

One of my favorites is “Moveonday” which is also the rockiest song with heavy guitars and an in-your-face attitude. The track reminds me of 80’s rock and hairbands like Bon Jovi. I wonder what Jason, Ben, Bryce and especially drummer Ricky would look like with a perm and spandex.

Let me predict that “Only You’re The One” will be the song off of Almería that will become a fan favorite for years to come. It is the Lifehouse sound we love, that gives us chills every time we listen to it with smooth verses and a strong powerful chorus that lets your heart skip a bit.

A stroke of genius is what I call “Right Back Home”. Jason Wade, Southern blues singer Charles Jones and (the) Peter Frampton take turns with the verses and jam as if there was no tomorrow. It is surprising how short the recording is though. I would love to hear an extended version of this 4 minute track.

With “Aftermath” Lifehouse go back to their musical roots. Jason Wade proves once more that a perfect song doesn’t need a huge arrangement or even autotune. Simply his voice that makes him seem very fragile at some points is enough to give chills to every listener. There is only one word for this ballad: beautiful.

Cover of the deluxe version of Almería

On the deluxe version of “Almería” we find three additional tracks. It is a shame that these songs are only available in the US (yet?). “Pins & Needles” starts a bit odd but soon shows off its incredibly catchy Beatles vibe. “Rolling Off The Stone” just leaves me speechless. A contagious beat leads you through this mysterious and sexy song. The attempt to add Blues and Jazz to this album that already offers so many styles works surprisingly well.

Lifehouse’s sixth studio record Almería shows a whole different side of the band. Some of the tracks seem a little bit forced and some long-time fans might be surprised by the cowboy style at first. The band managed to bring their sound to a new level and surely grew in the process. The album will definitely grow on fans if they don’t love it already. I doubt that Lifehouse will turn into straw-chewing, cattle driving hillbillies anytime soon. The band itself hasn’t changed. They are still the same inspiring, talented, fun bunch of people making great music.