A Few Stars Apart

ALTERNATIVE FOLK-ROCK / COUNTRY-ROCK

Another fine album by Willie’s son, Lukas Nelson, and his band (compare to 2019’s “Turn off the News” in KZSU’s library). Lukas has a clear, pleasant, and versatile singing voice, which he uses in different registers and style. He’s an accomplished artist in his own right and worthy of attention. Recorded during the pandemic & released in June 2021, the songs on this record seem to be about transitions: breaking up, leaving home, coming back home.

FCC clean Be Sharp (Dec 29, 2021)

1 ** Slow gentle waltz. Pretty love song. Sounds much like a Willie Nelson song. (5:02)
2 ** Mid-tempo country rock. The album’s first single. Uplifting optimistic lyrics. (3:17)
3 * Mid-tempo. Skillfully written tune about ruining a good thing, then regretting it. (3:11)
4 Very slow, rueful ballad. Post breakup. Piano, organ, steel gtr accompaniment. (3:09)
5 ** Mid-tempo, easy tune. I’m figuring myself out & we really ought to be together. (2:43)
6 Mid-slow. Acoustic and folkie. High, plaintive voice w/ banjo, fiddle, upright bass. (3:26)
7 ** Mid-fast country rock w Tom Petty-like twang. Remembering a great, past love. (2:50)
8 Slow, sad. Breakup is now a foregone conclusion; he’s coming to grips with that. (3:37)
9 Slow. Spare, down & out verses; big full choruses. Nice female harmony vocal. (3:36)
10 Mid-tempo. Hmm.. ok, following a disaster (a flood), they’re grateful for each other, the kids, and the dog. It’s sorta sweet, but sorta odd at the same time. (2:49)
11 Slow, contemplative, folkie ballad. Starts with just piano, adds drums & organ. (3:40)