Description
Joshua Hedley – Neon Blue – Blue and White Marbled Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me, Please
Classic \’90\’s country from Nashville
Exclusive blue & white marble vinyl
Limited to 500 foil-stamped & numbered copies
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Joshua Hedley’s Neon Blue (2022) is the second studio album from the Nashville-based singer-songwriter, known for his commitment to classic country music and his mastery of fiddle and guitar. Hedley’s music draws heavily from the honky-tonk and traditional country sounds of the 1990s, offering a nostalgic yet fresh take on the genre. With Neon Blue, Hedley delves deeper into the era of \’90s country, paying tribute to the sounds and themes that defined the genre while infusing his own contemporary flair.
Neon Blue is a love letter to the neo-traditional country sound of the early 1990s, drawing inspiration from artists like Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Dwight Yoakam. Hedley seamlessly blends twangy honky-tonk with dancehall rhythms, fiddle solos, and steel guitar, capturing the essence of the era while avoiding pastiche.
The album stands out for its rich instrumentation and authentic production, eschewing modern country-pop influences in favor of a more grounded, traditional sound. Hedley’s clear, soulful voice and deft musicianship are central to the album, with his mastery of the fiddle adding depth and texture to many of the tracks.
Key Tracks
\”Neon Blue\”: The title track is a standout, blending classic honky-tonk with a bright, catchy chorus. It captures the heart of the album’s sound, with twangy guitars, an infectious rhythm, and lyrics that evoke the neon-lit dancehalls of country’s past.
\”Broke Again\”: A fiddle-driven, up-tempo track that’s both fun and relatable, “Broke Again” is a celebration of life’s ups and downs, embracing the traditional themes of heartache and resilience that are hallmarks of classic country music.
\”Old Heartbroke Blues\”: With its shuffling rhythm and melodic fiddle lines, this track nods to the classic country tradition of songs about heartbreak. Hedley’s smooth, emotive vocal delivery gives the song a timeless feel.
\”Country & Western\”: One of the album’s most reflective tracks, this song leans heavily into the neo-traditional country sound with its emphasis on storytelling, highlighting Hedley’s deep connection to the roots of country music. It’s a celebration of the genre, with lyrics that pay homage to the greats of country and western history.
\”Down to My Last Lie\”: This song embodies the playful spirit of honky-tonk, combining clever wordplay with a driving rhythm and lively instrumentation. Hedley’s delivery is both humorous and heartfelt, striking a balance between melancholy and humor.
Lyrically, Neon Blue touches on classic country themes such as heartbreak, lost love, resilience, and drinking your troubles away, all wrapped up in Hedley’s own sense of humor and charm. The title track, for example, deals with the familiar feeling of heartache, but the delivery is upbeat and vibrant, much like the neon lights it references. Hedley also explores the ebb and flow of life’s struggles, particularly in tracks like “Broke Again,” where he embraces the unpredictability of life while maintaining an optimistic, fun-loving outlook. Songs like “Country & Western” reflect Hedley’s love for the genre itself, with lyrics that both celebrate and defend the purity of traditional country music in a time when the genre is increasingly influenced by pop elements.
The album is produced with a clear focus on authenticity, mirroring the production styles of early ‘90s country records. The use of instruments like fiddle, pedal steel, telecaster guitars, and piano evoke the sound of classic honky-tonk and dancehall country. The production is crisp and warm, allowing Hedley’s voice and the instrumental arrangements to shine. There’s a sense of space in the recordings, giving each instrument room to breathe, while still maintaining the energy and punch that makes traditional country music so engaging.
Neon Blue has been praised for its authenticity and Hedley’s dedication to traditional country music. Critics have noted the album’s ability to transport listeners back to the early 1990s while still feeling fresh and relevant in today’s country scene. Many have highlighted Hedley’s deep love for the genre and his refusal to compromise on his sound, which sets him apart in an era where mainstream country has increasingly incorporated pop and rock influences. His vocals, musicianship, and storytelling have all been lauded as essential components of the album’s success.
With Neon Blue, Joshua Hedley positions himself as a torchbearer for traditional country music, blending his love for the genre with his own distinct style and modern sensibility. He has become a vital voice for fans of country who long for the days of barroom ballads and fiddle solos, and the album helps establish him as one of the leading figures in the modern neo-traditional country movement.
The album reflects Hedley’s commitment to the honky-tonk tradition, while still showcasing his own personality, humor, and creativity. As mainstream country continues to evolve, Neon Blue stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic country music.
Neon Blue is a vibrant, joyful album that showcases Joshua Hedley’s deep love for traditional country music, with a particular focus on the neo-traditional country sound of the early 1990s. Through its authentic instrumentation, clever lyricism, and Hedley’s warm, emotive voice, the album strikes a perfect balance between nostalgia and modernity. It’s a must-listen for fans of honky-tonk, traditional country, and anyone looking for a refreshing take on a classic sound in today’s country landscape.
Track Listing
Broke Again
Country & Western
Old Heartbroken Blues
The Last Thing In The World
Down To My Last Lie
Free
Neon Blue
Bury Me With My Boots On
Found In A Bar
Let\’s Make A Memory
Wonder If You Wonder
River In The Rain
