Over the past few years, Trent Dabbs‘ name has come up in conversation multiple times. In addition to his talent as a solo artist, the Nashville-based singer-songwriter has collaborated and co-written with many artists including Mat Kearney, Dave Barnes, and Matthew Perryman Jones, and tours frequently with Ten Out of Tenn, a compilation of Tennessee based artists who tour and record together.
His sixth full length record and latest release, Southerner, encompasses 10 standout tracks. Blending folk, rock and alt-country, the LP has much to offer listeners. Album opener, “Leave to See” kicks things off with soft acoustic guitar before Dabbs’ deep and soulful voice enters. He sings of leaving the world behind and his Website states that the track “describes the paradox of more clearly seeing your home from a different place, a different perspective.”
Ballad “Keep Me Young” follows suit and strikes a chord with soaring piano accompaniment and powerful backing vocals. A song detailing how his love keeps him young, he explains how being with her satisfies. “If I go out tonight to keep in touch with them/What am I giving up trading in for the rest of it/What am I looking for when it’s you that keeps me young,” he sings.
Standout track, “Don’t Blame Love” has a Roy Orbison feel with 60s inspired guitar licks and backing percussion while his ethereal vocals continue to set him apart. Next song, “Catch Me Up to Speed” further showcases his higher vocal range with atmospheric music accompaniment. Delicate strokes of the piano and soft guitar strumming flush out the track.
Many of the tracks embody striking musical influences. On the heavier “Neil Young” Dabbs laments, “A lot of things ain’t what they used to be/Can’t pick up the sound the ones before us leave/It won’t reach the heart if it ain’t in the blood/I want to be somebody’s Neil Young.” With soaring electric guitar and a quickened percussion beat, he gets his point across.
While certain tracks sound familiar, like “Follow Suit,” others have apparent originality. “Me & God” boasts emotional lyrics and deeper vocals from Dabbs. With light acoustic guitar finger-picking and his heartbreaking and honest lyrics, it is this track that showcases his vulnerability best.
For more on Trent Dabbs, visit his Web site and if you like what you hear, be sure to download a copy of Southerner below.