Bradley Gaskin is back to stay!

Bradley Gaskin hasn’t taken the typical route journeying toward musical prominence, but his talent has always put him on the radar. He has an effortless relationship with country music material that outstrips many more popular performers. Give Gaskin time though; his recent songwriting output suggests that wonderful things are in store.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thebradleygaskin/

The great ones always make it sound effortless. We can lump Gaskin in that company after hearing the song “Accidentally Drunk”. Going in, I wondered if he’d lambast me with a bonehead pseudo-honkytonk stomper about the joys of getting sloshed. He spares us such horrors. Instead, “Accidentally Drunk” gives him the platform to dig deep within and impress us with vocal interpretative powers that bring this ballad to life. It’s a cry from the heart, polished to a high shine, and develops in a dramatic way that Gaskin never rushes.

Adding slide guitar as the primary foil for Gaskin’s voice raises the emotional stakes. The elongated whine of the guitar phrases threads a second wordless dialogue through the arrangement that answers Gaskin’s vocal contributions. Touches such as this make “Accidentally Drunk” a complete songwriting experience. It’s tailored for mass appeal, without question, but Gaskin sacrifices none of his authenticity to achieve that end.

“30A Blonde” is arguably the most commercial tune I heard. It has a narrow audience, given that it is totally written from a male perspective, but the music definitely provides enough kick for anyone who appreciates music connecting with the body. It never tries getting fancy. It doesn’t commit itself in that direction, but I hear a honkytonk spirit running as an undercurrent through the track.

“Sunset and Wine” blends a modern and traditional vibe quite well. Gaskin’s songwriting is especially adept at portraying characters or scenarios with important details and an economy of language. This song is an excellent example of his gifts for this in-action. The balance between the music and lyrics is ideal and shares an unified mood. “Bumpin’ Buckles” shifts our attention toward his acoustic chops. Anyone searching for virtuosic displays of his guitar-playing prowess is lost, but admirers of his songwriting talents will thoroughly enjoy this. It’s headlong and full of energy that Gaskin complements with an irrepressible vocal.

“Without Her” will spellbind many listeners. It’s a jaw-dropping example of the emotional heft that Gaskin can bring to his material and oddly gains even more thanks to the spartan musical accompaniment. He’s forced to carry the song with his voice alone and pulls it off with seemingly effortless skill. These are a handful of standout tracks; there are scores more in the pipeline. Bradley Gaskin is back to stay, without question, and the Alabama native has enough talent to rise high in modern music circles. “Accidently Drunk” is an early claim to greatness, in my opinion, but the remaining tracks I’ve discussed make the case that he’s no flash in the pan.

Each of his songs has audible staying power as well as ongoing entertainment value. Let’s hope he catches lightning in a bottle and flies as high as possible.

Nicole Killian