If you live under a rock, the master wordsmith, Ryan Adams, dropped five albums. Previously only available on vinyl, Ryan unleashed 1985, Heatwave, Star Sign, Sword & Stone, and Prisoners (Live) to streaming services.
I don’t recall if Ryan suggested a listening order for the five albums or not, but diving into them alphabetically has proven to be an ideal sequence thus far. While 1985 has a distinct punk angst vibe and Heatwave resonates with Ryan’s rock side. Those familiar with Ryan’s work know he’s a chameleon. Sometimes a crooner, sometimes a rocker, and sometimes crafting witty improvisation tunes about boogers like “Mr. Booger Man” from Life After Deaf (2012).
No matter the side Ryan shows, he wears his heart and frustrations on his sleeves. I think that’s why he is able to connect to so many through his music. The emotions, from hurt to happiness, possess a genuine feel and are not manufactured propaganda from a corporate machine..
Heatwave clocks in at around forty minutes with fourteen songs that capture Ryan’s signature rock-n-roll vibe. Among these, the closing track “5th Avenue” stands out as the quintessential Ryan rocker. The song is lush from beginning to end. Reverberating guitars and bass, time ticking away on the drums, and Ryan’s heartfelt vocals end Heatwave on a high.
But let’s jump back shall we to the opening track, “Lies”. The song has the punk vibes of 1985 but less angst and it’s easy to see why it wasn’t on the album and it makes sense to kick off Heatwave.
The bass in “Mercy”, “Heatwave”, “I’m Sorry”, “Too Late” are clutch. It brings such a beautiful element to each song that enhances the depth and soul of each melody.
Be still my bass loving heart, “Supernatural” is perfect. From vocals to lyrics to guitar, bass, and drums there is nothing wrong with this song. The addition of keys lends a nostalgic 70s aura where organs and pianos tethered an audience to an aural experience and they are absolute magic in “Supernatural”.
The disco funk of the guitars and the sliding bass are absolute stand out gems in “Walls”. They steal the spotlight and run away with it. It’s one of the best songs on Heatwave.
Meanwhile, “The Blue Canoe” flaunts a surfy 50s vibe, showcasing Ryan’s storytelling prowess with an intriguing narrative and infectious, fun melodies.
Fans of Ryan will understand that all I need to say about “I’m Insane (Again)” is that the harmonica wins.
Ryan’s rock side has always been underrated. Not rock enough for rock radio and too much rock for alternative radio. He’s always been on the fringe of music and before his time, and Heatwave is proof that Ryan’s rock side is a perfect balance that allows him creative freedom without the constraints of genre norms.
If 1985 was a cathartic purge of negativity and inner turmoil, then Heatwave is an acknowledgement of the hurt, pain, and loss.
Heatwave is a raw and versatile rock revelation, a soul-baring odyssey that transcends genres and emotions.
Read our review of 1985. Get Heatwave on vinyl.
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “I’m Sorry”, “Supernatural”, “True Love”, “Too Late”, “Walls”, “The Blue Canoe”, “I’m Insane (Again)”, “5th Avenue”
