In the grand old US of A, there are always artists and musicians lurking in the shadows, and in every state for that matter. With the evolution of the internet, the world has been given the chance to see the artists that would otherwise go unnoticed to the masses. Nathaniel Rateliff definitely fits this bill, and his sound is one that deserves to be heard. Although and with that said, it’s not like people don’t know Rateliff is. He has had the chance to show his talent, once going on tour with The Fray which expanded his audience, and even getting to play on Jimmy Fallon’s show in 2015. In fact; In Denver, Colorado he’s become something of a local hero as far as his folk music is concerned. It’s because of this that he’s been able to find his audience, and with the best of wishes, that audience will continue to grow worldwide. His latest album And It’s Still Alright is currently available for purchase and also streaming on Spotify.
And It’s Still Alright however is Rateliff’s solo endeavour and this album is a folk record in every sense.
With at least forty-five minutes to spare, listeners can move through the ten track record with relative ease. It’s worth mentioning also that Rateliff has somewhat of a blues/R&B group called the Night Sweats. And It’s Still Alright however is Rateliff’s solo endeavour and this album is a folk record in every sense. The production of the songs consists with the simplest of instruments, namely and most notably standing out is the sound of the acoustic guitar, equipped with Rateliff’s soulful vocals for an even blend. There is hint of ‘blues’ in this as well, as the album seems to be a reflection of pain and loss. Many of the tracks indicate that Rateliff is in a place of suffering potentially due to recent events in his life. He has said this is a tribute album to his producer and friend Richard Swift, who recently passed away. This, though a sad thing, is the strength of the album, as this makes for a more personal project that he’s chosen to share in his first solo album since 2013. If anyone is to exploit these hardships, it should be him.
The songs that stand out most are those where he really seems to bear his soul and unburden himself. Time Stands is a strong representation of his current state of mind, and he gives listeners a chance to hear the full range of his vocals as he belts out the chorus. Rush On is the albums conclusion and as much is true for this song in that aspect, as it sounds to be a man in pain with this being the only outlet to let it all out. The opening track What a Drag really sets the tone for what the listener is to be in store for, as the title practically says it all. Though a more upbeat song than the before mentioned, it’s more an ode to accepting negative things that have happened but yet also knowing that what is done is done, then being left with a depressing realization of that.
And It’s Still Alright is a record about pain, but it’s delivered in a way that makes dealing with it easier. Rateliff was clearly hurting when he penned many of these songs, and likely more so when he recorded them, but this is what makes him worth the listen. When a man can get into the booth and invite the world into the depths of his most intimate of mindsets, that’s what makes him an artist, and not just a musician. Give it a listen, and prepare to be unburdened.
