Reviewed! Everlast - Songs of the Ungrateful Living
Everlast
Songs of the
Ungrateful Living
Martyr Inc. Records
On Songs of the
Ungrateful Living, Everlast’s sixth studio release, the former House of
Pain frontman is a little older and a little wiser, which certainly shines
throughout the record as Whitey Ford has moved away from a lot of the hip-hop
from his last full length, 2008’s Love,
War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford, and toward more an alt-country, acoustic
feel, a sound right in Everlast’s wheelhouse.
This calmer, more laid back approach is evident right
from the get-go, as the opening track of Songs
of the Ungrateful Living, “Long At All,” a plodding ballad that explores
the mysteries of life and death, serves as an apt introduction as to what to
expect on Songs of the Ungrateful Living.
A number of other mellow, alt-country outing loom on Songs of the Ungrateful Living’s horizon (“Little Miss America,”
“the Crown”), though Everlast doesn’t entirely abandon his hip-hop roots (“My
House,” “I Get By”). He does spend some time on Songs of the Ungrateful Living exploring more upbeat ventures,
traveling down some light-hearted avenue’s, showcasing the fact that yes, on Songs of the Ungrateful Living, there is
something for everyone (“Gone for Good,” “Friday the 13th”).
Everlast is a powerful songwriter and even better
storyteller, one capable of evoking an emotional response at each and every
turn. This is a real life record, one that reflects the trials and tribulations
we face daily. Plain and simple, these lyrics, these words, these thoughts, are
relatable.
Songs of the
Ungrateful Living might just be his best showcase as a solo artist yet, an
under-the-radar record that you’re much better off experiencing rather than
simply reading about. If you liked 1998’s Whitey
Ford Sings the Blues or 2004’s White
Trash Beautiful, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll like Songs of the Ungrateful Living ever
more.
Grade: B+
Listen to: “Little Miss America”
Comments