Description
Brothers Osborne – Skeletons – Vinyl Record
Brothers Osborne’s Skeletons, released on October 9, 2020, is a bold, swaggering third studio album that pushes the duo’s signature blend of Southern rock, country, and modern Americana into louder, riskier, and more anthemic territory. Comprised of T.J. Osborne (vocals) and John Osborne (lead guitar), the brothers deliver their most electrified and sonically confident album to date, showing a willingness to explore darker lyrical themes, lean into fuzzed-out guitars, and stretch the boundaries of what mainstream country music can sound like.
Coming off the critical success of Port Saint Joe (2018), which leaned into a looser, more live-sounding groove, Skeletons is tighter and more hard-hitting, without losing the depth and personality that have made Brothers Osborne a standout act in modern country. Working again with longtime producer Jay Joyce (known for his work with Eric Church and Little Big Town), the album pulses with gritty, dynamic arrangements that emphasize John Osborne’s blistering guitar work and T.J.’s deep baritone vocals.
Skeletons is about uncovering truths, both personal and societal. The title metaphor—skeletons in the closet—speaks to the idea of confronting discomfort rather than hiding it. This idea is woven into tracks like the bluesy opener “Lighten Up”, which encourages letting go of self-seriousness, and the title track “Skeletons”, a barn-burning anthem that directly addresses the consequences of secrets and lies.
Highlights include:
“All Night” – A high-energy, radio-ready single with a party vibe and slick guitar licks. It’s fun and hooky without feeling shallow.
“I’m Not for Everyone” – A self-aware standout that embraces individualism and being out of place in the mainstream—a subtle nod to their status as country outsiders.
“Back on the Bottle” – A classic drinking song tinged with melancholy, blending old-school honky-tonk with modern grit.
“Dead Man’s Curve” – A cinematic, moody deep cut that shows the duo’s storytelling chops and appetite for darker musical territory.
One of the album’s most significant strengths is the chemistry between the brothers, particularly the interplay between T.J.’s steady vocal delivery and John’s virtuosic guitar tone, which adds rock ‘n’ roll grit to every track. There’s an edge here that many contemporary country records lack—one that aligns them more with acts like Chris Stapleton or Jason Isbell than typical Nashville radio fare.
Skeletons was praised for its musical risk-taking, lyrical honesty, and sonic range. It didn’t shy away from heavier sounds or themes, and it marked a period of personal growth and public evolution for the band—especially in the context of T.J. Osborne coming out publicly in 2021, a historic moment for country music.
Skeletons is a loud, polished, and emotionally resonant statement from a duo that continues to challenge country music’s boundaries. It’s not just a great country album—it’s a great rock album that happens to be country, filled with guts, grit, and heart.
Free vinyl slip mat inside
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic sealed
Track Listing
Lighten Up
All Night
All The Good Ones Are
I’m Not For Everyone
Skeletons
Back On The Bottle
High Note
Muskrat Greene
Dead Man’s Curve
Make It A Good One
Hatin’ Somebody
Old Man’s Boot
