Description
Alex Williams – Waging Peace – Clear Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me, Please
Pressed on clear vinyl
Limited to 300 copies worldwide
Individually Numbered and autographed
The first new album in 5 years
Featuring the new single ‘No Reservations’
‘Alex Williams is your new saving grace’ – Whiskey Riff
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Alex Williams’ Waging Peace (2022) is the second studio album from the Indiana-born country artist, known for his outlaw country style and his devotion to traditional country music roots. The album showcases Williams’ ability to craft deeply personal songs that reflect on life’s struggles, political unrest, and personal growth, all while maintaining a hard-edged, rebellious spirit. With Waging Peace, Williams firmly establishes himself as a torchbearer for honky-tonk, outlaw country, and Americana, offering a sound that feels timeless yet relevant.
Waging Peace reflects Alex Williams’ dedication to outlaw country and classic honky-tonk, drawing influences from country legends like Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard, and Willie Nelson. The album is built around twangy guitars, fiddle, and pedal steel, staying true to the gritty, no-frills sound of traditional country.
Williams’ sound is also influenced by Southern rock and Americana, with some tracks featuring heavier guitar riffs and a raw, rugged energy. This fusion of country and rock gives the album a rebellious edge, while the stripped-back production allows the focus to remain on Williams’ vocals and lyrics.
Key Tracks
‘No Reservations’: This track sets the tone for the album with its driving rhythm and honky-tonk swagger. It captures the restless spirit of a drifter with lyrics about embracing the open road and rejecting the constraints of modern life. The song’s upbeat tempo and gritty guitars make it an instant standout.
‘Waging Peace’: The title track is a contemplative, mid-tempo song that reflects on the internal and external conflicts of modern life. Williams sings about finding balance in a world that often feels divided, and the song’s introspective lyrics are paired with a laid-back, reflective arrangement featuring acoustic guitars and pedal steel.
‘Old Before My Time’: One of the more introspective tracks on the album, this song delves into the weariness of life on the road and the emotional toll of living fast. Williams’ vocal delivery is heartfelt and raw, making the song’s themes of aging and wisdom resonate deeply.
‘Fire’: A fiery Southern rock-infused track, “Fire” has a grittier edge than some of the other songs on the album. With its punchy guitar riffs and rebellious energy, the song explores themes of resilience and defiance in the face of personal and societal challenges.
‘Confession’: This track has a more traditional country feel, with Williams delivering a vulnerable performance about redemption and self-reflection. The song’s slower tempo and plaintive lyrics give it an emotional weight, making it one of the most poignant moments on the album.
The lyrics on Waging Peace explore themes of inner conflict, personal growth, and struggles with the modern world. The album’s title itself suggests the tension between striving for peace and dealing with the harsh realities of life. Williams tackles themes like alienation, resilience, and the quest for meaning in a complex world.
Many of the songs reflect on the tension between freedom and responsibility, particularly in tracks like ‘No Reservations’ and ‘Old Before My Time.’ There’s also a sense of rebellion throughout the album, with Williams challenging societal expectations and embracing his own path. In contrast to the more hard-edged songs, tracks like ‘Confession’ and ‘Waging Peace’ offer a more introspective side, focusing on the personal struggles of self-reflection and finding inner peace.
The production on Waging Peace is organic and raw, capturing the essence of traditional country music without over-polishing or sanitizing the sound. The album was produced with a focus on live instrumentation, including prominent fiddle, pedal steel, and electric guitar. The album strikes a balance between the gritty outlaw sound and heartfelt ballads, allowing Williams to showcase both his rugged and introspective sides. The use of traditional country instruments like the steel guitar gives the album an authentic honky-tonk feel, while the rock influences add a modern, rebellious twist.
Waging Peace has been well-received by both fans of outlaw country and Americana. Critics have praised Williams’ ability to stay true to the roots of country music while bringing a contemporary edge to his songs. His lyrical honesty and raw vocal delivery have been highlighted as key strengths, as well as his ability to tackle serious themes without losing the sense of fun and freedom that comes with honky-tonk music. The album has solidified Williams’ reputation as a key figure in the modern outlaw country movement, standing alongside artists like Sturgill Simpson, Cody Jinks, and Tyler Childers in bringing authenticity and grit back to country music.
Waging Peace represents Alex Williams’ dedication to preserving the outlaw country tradition while making it relevant for a new generation of listeners. His willingness to tackle tough, introspective topics in his lyrics, combined with his deep love for traditional country sounds, makes him a standout in the modern country landscape. With Waging Peace, Williams continues to carve out his own path, distinguishing himself from mainstream country’s more polished sound and commercial trends. The album’s blend of rebellious energy, classic country instrumentation, and honest songwriting ensures that it will resonate with fans of traditional and outlaw country for years to come.
Waging Peace is a standout album that cements Alex Williams’ place in the outlaw country and Americana scenes. By combining traditional honky-tonk and outlaw country sounds with introspective lyrics and a rebellious edge, Williams offers a refreshing take on classic country music. The album’s mix of gritty anthems and heartfelt ballads showcases his depth as both a songwriter and performer, making Waging Peace an essential listen for fans of authentic country music.
Track Listing
No Reservations
Old Before My Time
Rock Bottom
Fire
Higher Road
Waging Peace
Conspiracy
The Best Thing
Double Nickel
Confession
The Struggle
The Vice
