The Cadillac Three – The Years Go Fast

Big Machine Label Group (October 27^th 2023)

Reviewer: Chris O’Connor

Wow. This album is so not what I was expecting. Is that a good or bad thing? That (I guess) depends on what point of view you take about the band’s shifting direction. Make no mistake, The Cadillac Three are evolving, and as is always the way with such things, the band will lose some old fans, yet conversely gain some new ones as a result.

What is the change? Well, in just a few words (and rather like a growing snake), the band are shedding their skin, to reveal a newer ‘beast’ underneath. In a funny way, they remind me of ZZ Top around the time they started ‘losing’ their southern roots and instead embraced ‘pop’ sensibilities. No, they are not embracing technology, just finding a different ‘groove’ to follow – and it simply takes some adjusting to.

Jaren Johnston (lead vocals, guitar), Kelby Ray (bass guitar/lap steel guitar/vocals), and Neil Mason (drums/vocals) are now six albums into their career, and in many respects are gently moving their ‘good ol’ boy/hell-raising side aside (if you follow my drift), and their song-writing is taking on a more reflective and lyrically mature nature. This does NOT mean they no longer rock, don’t think that for a second, it’s just that the sound and feel is more nuanced and balanced than before.

The album begins with ‘Young & Hungry’, and the change is instantly there to see. It’s not a full-blooded rocker, more ‘modern’, almost Pop Punk, something you might here on an “American Pie” soundtrack, with a wistful lyric, jangling guitars, and glistening production, it’s definitely a new approach for the Nashville trio.

‘Double Wide Grave’ is more the classic stomp ‘n’ roll sound we know and love, and will doubtless become a staple of the band’s live set, it moves and grooves effortlessly – and was written with the death of Taylor Hawkins in mind. ‘Comin’ Down From You’ is another up-tempo hip-shakin’ rocker with an infectious chorus, and is simply joyous in its gleeful abandon.

‘Worst’ is another rocker, but it’s definitely more ‘modern’ and arena friendly in outlook and execution, imagine ZZ Top jamming with Mother’s Finest and Monster Magnet, and you won’t be far from where it’s at. ‘Love Like War’ is achingly beautiful, an emotional rollercoaster, built over a lovely riff with a plaintive, from the heart vocal. When combined with the passionate and haunting ‘The Torch’ – they might well be described as ‘bookends’ to each other. The latter also features some lovely guitarwork from Charlie Worsham.

‘Dressed Up to Die’ is something of a swamp-fuelled crawl, with a huge sullen riff, and a howled chorus vocal – another sure-fire ‘live’ hit, while ‘Hillbilly’ is a foot-stamping riff-fest with some boot-crunching rhythm work and even some creepy fiddle work. ‘This Town Is A Ghost’ is a passionate lament to Jaren’s father, who died before the album could be recorded, and is another beautifully crafted number. Songs like this show how much the band has matured both as musicians, but also as lyricists – being incredibly personal and vulnerable.

‘Go To Bed Lonely’ seems to be about finding love in the arms of someone new after a relationship breakup, and is definitely very radio friendly, conceivably a big hit in the making. ‘4 Chords & The Proof’ is the band yet again a surprisingly open and inward-looking song, which the band now does incredibly well. Finally, album coda ‘Pistols On The Levee’ is a very cool, country infused track, with a subtle riff, some sweet fiddling mixed in, and a lovely autobiographical lyric, it’s an inspired way to end the album.

‘The Years Go Fast’ is a really inspirational and powerful new album, granted, it is NOT just ‘another’ album from the trio, rather almost a careful re-invention, that deftly weaves the Southern rock roots of the ‘old’ band, to the more considered and elegant beat of the ‘new’. It took me a while to appreciate the full beauty of this latest outing, but actually, with repeated spins, you are forced to concede that in all actuality – The Cadillac Three has created a legitimate Magnum Opus! So, take a chance and dive on in … the water’s lovely. Simply marvellous!

Tracklisting:

1. Young & Hungry
2. Double Wide Grave
3. Comin’ Down From You
4. The Worst
5. Love Like War
6. The Torch
7. Dressed Up To Die
8. Hillbilly (Feat. Elvie Shane & Ketch Secor)
9. This Town Is A Ghost
10. Go To Bed Lonely
11. 4 Chords & The Proof
12. Pistols On The Levee