The act of discovering bands is something I enjoy. You see, I’m a little older and I come from a time of word of mouth and just going to shows. I can’t count the times I’ve gone to a concert and fell in love with an act on the bill that I didn’t go to see, but word of mouth is by far my favorite way to discover a new band. A few years back, a friend that runs a booking agency mentioned a band he thought I’d enjoy. Sure enough I did, and that band was A Story Told.
Over the past few years, the West Virginia four-piece have done a great job of coming into their own, mainly due to regional touring and good ole fashion word of mouth. While A Story Told have always been a pop-rock act, with the release of American Made, due out Friday July 16, 2021, they’ve found their place within the genre — A place I see them building on with this effort.
A Story Told doesn’t waste any time getting to the fun stuff — the second track, “Better than Heaven,” is such an upbeat song that will have you dancing in no time. It’s one of those songs that will bring a smile to your face. As I’m writing this, I can’t help but smile. The chorus will stay with you long after listening with lyrics, “So I called you up to tell you, it was better than heaven, A spiritual moment, intoxicating. I took the back way home to see you. We spent a lot of time in euphoria. So take it away, straight ahead. Back to a place better than heaven.” Now that’s how you write a love song.
Another standout track, “I Don’t Mind” is a lively Twenty One Pilot-esque song and will be in your head for days — It’s so catchy. This song, and many others, prove that A Story Told have mastered the craft of creating a memorable track.
My favorite song from the album is “Home for the Summer.” In my college days, and even after, that was the best thing about summer: seeing all my friends for a few months. Those were always the best times, and now with the world starting to get better, I have that feeling again. I just returned from a vacation — I went to my hometown and it was so great to see family and friends that I haven’t in 20 months. I listened to American Made a lot while I was there, and now that I’m back “home” where I live now, I’m excited to hang out with my friends for the rest of the summer and make some new memories, and “Home for the Summer” will be my soundtrack for a lot of those experiences. Speaking of summer: The closing track, “Pilot,” is perfect for ending your night. It’s the calmest of all twelve songs, with excellent placement to conclude the record.
Overall, American Made is such a good album. If you’re looking for that perfect summer record, this is it. I know I’m going to blast it while hanging with friends and on road trips. It’s going to be a great summer after all.
TAGS: A Story Told
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Spinning Thoughts 