Ole 60 - Songs About You
Ole 60 is a band based in Hawesville, Kentucky. The band gets its name from a US highway between the hometowns of two of their original and founding members; essentially, they're "not your father's country band." Their debut EP "Three Twenty Four," released in 2022, was the No. 1 country album on Apple Music and iTunes charts, and the song "Smoke & A Light" was recently No. 1 on Spotify's Viral 50 in the United States! Their release of "Songs About You" brought us here.
WDYWMTS
Our opening track, "WDYWMTS," gives us an idea of what’s to be. As Jacob Young’s voice makes its way in, it’s telling a story of a relationship with no point in sight. “Everything is telling we're chasing something fading into gray,” and "Hell, I hear it in your voice, if it's past the point of pointless anyway,” effectively gives us a glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of the people—or at least the person presenting their version of it all.
When there's really nothing to say, they repeatedly ask, "What do you want me to say?" despite knowing that the relationship is about to cease but doubting it and refusing to let go. The sound and essence of a guitar and the distinct waning sound behind it dissipate out, allowing Jacob’s voice to shine through at its full value and potential. Ole 60 is able to incorporate a laid-back, folk-like sound with a forward and sophisticated approach, creating a unique blend that appeals to a wide range of listeners and showcases their versatility as artists.
Memphis (Outta My Way)
Following WDYWMTS, Memphis (Outta My Way) is an upbeat and meaningful song that communicates themes of self-deprecation and the painful realization that their partner is holding them back from growth. Even with their genuine attempts to assist and support them, it becomes clear that it's a cycle of negativity and frustration that they just can't seem to break free from.
“And oh, I can't dry your tears if you don't quit cryin',” and “Honey I want to, but I can't love you; If you won't get the hell outta my way.” Take the time to make those thoughts and meanings clear, concise, and well communicated to the listeners and audience themselves. With its steady and often drum beat, along with the low-laying, resonant guitar, which is frequently enhanced by the sound of a lap-steel guitar—or a guitar played with a slide—the vocals fade into the background. This thought out arrangement showcases a bold and loud guitar solo that triumphantly ceases the song.
Thoughts Of You
“Thoughts Of You” is a track that I find essential to this EP, just the raw and real emotion, sound, and lyrics themselves. Taking time to listen to this track, it feels as though you’re gazing at the sun as it disappears behind the tree lines while a gentle wind flows through. A spacious and resonant guitar fills our ears, strumming, and a slide makes its way in too. “Well it's easier if you don't remember the way we always said forever,” to “Then again you never really meant to fall.” Tells us of regret, and thoughts from a past relationship. Thinking it was pointless and a waste of time. It takes you through every stage and moment of feelings that relationships can bring along.
Rose
Our journey is met with a door to close by “Rose.” A guitar-forward song, features a sound that is both broad and constant, allowing it to take the wheel and guide us in the right direction. A faint lap-steel-like sound lingers in the background, shining through at just the right moment to enhance the atmosphere and depth of the track. The forward and strong drum beat accompanies the rest of the band well, providing a foundation for the music. However, it soon fades a bit as a captivating guitar solo takes the lead, filling our ears. This solo makes you want to nod your head in rhythm and encourages you to re-listen to appreciate and take it all in, savoring every note and nuance!
“She wants to be wanted, but no one cares,” with “And the petals hit the ground with a hollow sound of loves last goodbye;” is depiction of a tale of being desired for materialistic and appearance based things, rather than intellectual, even relationship-wise things. This person in the center of the story rather with an abrupt manner making decisions that will make them feel good for a brief amount of time, as our other character watches them change, and make these rash decisions and regretting them.
With a resonant strum on the guitar reverberating through, and Jacob’s vocals coming to a halt, that’s where we find ourselves left off.
Ole 60 has a sole direction: through and upward. Their work is without flaw and unforgettable due to its details and attention, along with their sound itself being pleasing to the ear. You can listen to "Songs About You" on any site that streams, and I suggest that you take a moment to listen.