Description
Nikki Lane – Denim & Diamonds – Seaglass Vinyl Record
Vinyl Me Please
Produced by Joshua Homme
Pressed on seaglass vinyl
Numbered and foiled-stamped
Limited to 1000 units
VMP Essentials
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Denim & Diamonds is the fourth studio album by American singer-songwriter Nikki Lane, released on September 23, 2022. Known for blending outlaw country, rock, and Americana, Lane’s music often features themes of independence, rebellion, and self-discovery. With “Denim & Diamonds,” Lane steps further into the rock-influenced side of her sound, creating a bold, confident album that combines her country roots with a gritty, rock-and-roll edge. Produced by Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age, the album reflects Lane’s evolution as an artist, balancing raw, emotional songwriting with a tough, rebellious attitude.
Nikki Lane has been an influential figure in the Americana and outlaw country scene since her debut album, “Walk of Shame” (2011), and further cemented her reputation with albums like “All or Nothin'” (2014) and “Highway Queen” (2017). Known for her tough, independent persona, Lane’s music often draws from personal experiences, including love, heartbreak, and life on the road.
Denim & Diamonds was highly anticipated after a five-year gap following the release of “Highway Queen.” For this album, Lane collaborated with producer Josh Homme, whose rock background brought a harder, more energetic edge to her sound. The result is a blend of country, rock, and Americana that showcases Lane’s evolution as an artist while maintaining her signature style.
“Denim & Diamonds” features a mix of country-tinged rock anthems and introspective ballads, with Lane’s distinctive voice and songwriting at the forefront. The album’s themes include self-empowerment, resilience, and reflection on life’s ups and downs.
“First High” – The album opens with this high-energy, nostalgic track that looks back at the excitement of youth and the rush of first experiences. The song’s driving rhythm and Lane’s wistful yet defiant vocals set the tone for the album’s mix of rock and country influences.
“Denim & Diamonds” – The title track captures the essence of Lane’s style, blending tough, rebellious lyrics with a sense of glamour. The song explores the balance between strength and vulnerability, reflecting Lane’s own journey as an artist and individual.
“Black Widow” – A darker, bluesy track, “Black Widow” highlights Lane’s ability to delve into grittier, moodier themes. With its heavy guitar riffs and sultry vocals, the song brings a rock edge to the album, showcasing the influence of producer Josh Homme.
“Good Enough” – A more introspective ballad, “Good Enough” reflects on self-worth and the struggles of trying to meet expectations. Lane’s heartfelt lyrics and the song’s stripped-down arrangement create a raw, emotional moment on the album.
“Born Tough” – This song is a celebration of resilience and survival, with Lane declaring her strength in the face of life’s challenges. The track’s driving beat and rebellious energy capture Lane’s outlaw country spirit.
“Faded” – A slower, reflective song about love and loss, “Faded” showcases Lane’s more vulnerable side. The song’s gentle melody and melancholic lyrics contrast with the album’s rock-driven tracks, adding depth to the overall sound.
“Try Harder” – With its upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, “Try Harder” has a playful, carefree feel. The song’s lyrics speak to the frustrations of life and relationships, with Lane delivering them with a sense of humor and defiance.
“Live/Love” – A gritty, rock-infused track that reflects Lane’s no-nonsense approach to life and love. The song’s raw energy and powerful vocals make it one of the standout tracks on the album.
“Pass It Down” – A more contemplative song that looks at the passage of time and the lessons passed down through generations. Lane’s thoughtful lyrics and the song’s laid-back groove add a reflective tone to the album.
“Chimayo” – Closing the album, “Chimayo” is a haunting, atmospheric track that blends country storytelling with dark, cinematic elements. The song’s mystical quality leaves a lasting impression, rounding out the album’s themes of self-discovery and resilience.
Denim & Diamonds explores themes of self-empowerment, resilience, and the complexity of love and life. Lane balances a tough, rebellious attitude with moments of vulnerability and introspection, creating an album that feels both personal and universal. Many of the songs reflect Lane’s journey through life and her determination to stay true to herself, even in the face of challenges.
Musically, the album is a fusion of outlaw country, rock, and Americana, with producer Josh Homme’s influence adding a gritty, hard-hitting edge. While Lane’s country roots are still present, the rock influences give the album a bolder, more dynamic sound. The use of heavy guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and raw production gives the album an authentic, no-frills feel, while Lane’s distinct voice and storytelling remain at the heart of the music.
Denim & Diamonds was well-received by critics and fans, who praised Lane’s ability to evolve her sound while staying true to her outlaw country roots. The collaboration with Josh Homme brought a fresh energy to her music, appealing to both country and rock audiences. Critics highlighted the album’s balance of toughness and vulnerability, with Lane’s songwriting and vocal performance standing out as its strengths.
The album’s blend of country and rock influences has helped solidify Lane’s reputation as a key figure in the modern outlaw country and Americana scenes. “Denim & Diamonds” stands as a testament to Lane’s growth as an artist and her ability to push the boundaries of genre while maintaining her unique voice.
Denim & Diamonds is seen as a defining moment in Nikki Lane’s career, marking her evolution from a rising star in the outlaw country scene to a more fully realized artist blending rock, country, and Americana. The album’s mix of gritty rock anthems and introspective ballads showcases Lane’s versatility and reinforces her reputation as a fearless, authentic voice in modern country music.
For fans of boundary-pushing country music and those who appreciate a mix of toughness and heart, Denim & Diamonds is an essential listen that captures the essence of Nikki Lane’s artistry. It’s an album that reflects her journey and establishes her as one of the standout voices in today’s Americana and country rock scenes.
Track Listing
First High
Denim & Diamonds
Faded
Born Tough
Try Harder
Good Enough
Live/Love
Black Widow
Pass It Down
CHIMAYO
