Description
Ryan Adams – Wednesdays – Vinyl Record with Bonus 7″
First album in three years. Includes exclusive 7″ with bonus tracks
Ryan Adams’ Wednesdays (2020) is an intimate, melancholic album that marks the singer-songwriter’s first release after a tumultuous period in his life. Known for his prolific output and ability to shift between genres such as alt-country, folk rock, and rock, Ryan Adams returns to a deeply introspective and reflective style on Wednesdays. This album, his 17th studio effort, is characterized by its stripped-down arrangements, emotional depth, and themes of loss, regret, and longing.
Originally part of a planned trilogy, Wednesdays stands out for its raw vulnerability and simplicity, favoring acoustic guitars, piano, and minimal production. After the album was delayed and Adams faced public scrutiny, Wednesdays emerged as a quiet yet powerful statement, showing his ability to confront difficult emotions through music.
Wednesdays leans heavily into a sparse, acoustic folk sound, with many of the songs featuring little more than acoustic guitar or piano alongside Adams’ emotionally charged vocals. This minimalist approach creates an intimate, confessional atmosphere, drawing attention to the lyrics and mood of each song.
The overall tone of the album is somber and reflective, with slow tempos, soft instrumentation, and melancholic melodies. The subdued arrangements give the album a timeless, almost meditative quality, allowing Adams to explore themes of grief, forgiveness, and emotional healing.
While the album doesn’t fully dive into the alt-country style that Adams helped pioneer with Whiskeytown and early solo albums like Heartbreaker, Wednesdays retains elements of Americana. The use of slide guitar, harmonica, and subtle country-tinged melodies evokes the alt-country roots that have long been a part of his sound.
Key Tracks
“I’m Sorry and I Love You”: One of the standout tracks, this song is a simple, poignant ballad centered around Adams’ delicate vocals and acoustic guitar. The lyrics convey themes of regret and apology, capturing the album’s overall sense of emotional vulnerability. Its simplicity and heartfelt delivery make it one of the most memorable songs on the record.
“Wednesdays”: The title track is a reflective, melancholic piece that highlights Adams’ introspective songwriting. The song feels like an emotional centerpiece for the album, with its mournful piano chords and somber lyrics that explore the passage of time, memory, and loss.
“When You Cross Over”: A moving tribute to Adams’ late brother, this song is one of the more emotionally charged tracks on the album. The lyrics grapple with grief and the pain of losing someone, while the gentle acoustic arrangement gives the song a meditative, almost spiritual quality.
“Poison & Pain”: Another deeply personal track, “Poison & Pain” blends a folk-leaning acoustic guitar melody with a confessional lyrical tone. The song addresses themes of self-destruction, emotional turmoil, and redemption, and is one of the most direct and raw expressions of the inner conflict that runs through the album.
“Birmingham”: One of the more atmospheric tracks, “Birmingham” features soft electric guitar, subtle percussion, and haunting vocals. The song’s reflective lyrics and haunting melodies make it a standout, capturing the quiet intensity that defines much of Wednesdays.
One of the dominant themes on Wednesdays is regret, particularly in the context of relationships. Songs like “I’m Sorry and I Love You” and “Poison & Pain” reflect on past mistakes, broken connections, and the emotional weight of trying to make amends. Grief, especially the pain of losing a loved one, plays a significant role on the album, particularly in “When You Cross Over,” where Adams reflects on the death of his brother. The lyrics often explore how grief lingers and shapes memory, adding a sense of heaviness to the album’s emotional tone. Throughout the album, Adams grapples with personal demons and the desire for redemption. Many of the songs feel like confessions, with Adams confronting his own flaws and searching for some kind of emotional resolution or healing.
Adams’ voice is at the heart of the album, delivering each song with a quiet intensity that matches the melancholic tone of the music. His vocals are delicate, often fragile-sounding, as if he’s on the verge of breaking down, which adds emotional depth to the lyrics. His ability to convey both vulnerability and strength in his voice is a key element of the album’s power. The instrumentation on Wednesdays is notably sparse and minimalist, with most of the songs built around simple acoustic guitar or piano melodies. This stripped-back approach highlights the emotional weight of the lyrics and gives the album a stark, confessional feel. While some tracks feature additional elements like slide guitar or harmonica, the production is intentionally understated, allowing the focus to remain on Adams’ voice and the core melodies. The raw, unpolished feel of the album contributes to its intimate atmosphere.
Wednesdays was Ryan Adams’ first release following a period of controversy and public scrutiny, and it was released quietly with little fanfare. The album’s introspective tone and subdued promotion reflect Adams’ focus on personal reflection and healing, rather than seeking the spotlight.
While Wednesdays received generally positive reviews for its emotional depth and songwriting, it was also seen as a departure from the more expansive, genre-hopping albums of Adams’ past. Critics praised the album’s vulnerability and its focus on stripped-back, confessional songwriting, though some noted its somber tone could feel repetitive at times.
For fans of Adams’ earlier work, especially albums like Heartbreaker and Love Is Hell, Wednesdays felt like a return to his roots, emphasizing the stripped-down, emotional core of his music. The album’s rawness and introspective lyrics resonated with those who appreciate his ability to write deeply personal, soul-baring songs.
Wednesdays by Ryan Adams is a deeply personal and introspective album, marked by its sparse arrangements and melancholic tone. The album explores themes of regret, loss, and emotional healing, with Adams using his music as a means of self-reflection. With its stripped-down acoustic sound and intimate lyrics, Wednesdays feels like a return to Adams’ roots as a songwriter, offering a quiet, emotional journey through his inner world. For fans of his more introspective and folk-influenced work, Wednesdays stands as a powerful statement of vulnerability and resilience.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Track Listing
I’m Sorry And I Love You
Who Is Going To Love Me Now, If Not Yo
When You Cross Over
Walk In The Dark
Poison & Pain
Wednesdays
Birmingham
So, Anyways
Mamma
Lost In Time
Dreaming You Backwards
