I was first introduced to Brian Randle’s music through a friend’s suggestion on Twitter (Technology can actually be a great thing sometimes). They sent me a video link to Brian’s song “Good Drugs”. I was impressed and decided to check out his musical catalogue, which led me to iTunes and his new album 200 Proof. After sampling a few of the songs on the album, I immediately bought it. 200 Proof is straight up country that runs along the same vein as Hank Williams Jr., David Allan Coe, and Waylon Jennings.
Originally from Blue Springs, Mississippi just north of Tupelo, which is deeply rooted in Traditional Country, Delta Blues and populated by hard-working people, Randle caught the music bug at the tender age of 4 years old. Learning to play guitar by the time he was 14, Brian’s natural musical ability and love of the guitar led to learning the drums, bass and mandolin, helping him to become a well-rounded performer, reminiscent of the multi-instrumentalist Hank Williams Jr. Brian discovered early on that he could express himself best through song, the fact that he was at ease sharing his feelings and telling stories through written words further solidified his desire to pursue a career as a songwriter. Randle went to Nashville in his mid-twenties, where he had the opportunity to write alongside the late legendary songwriter, Hank Cochran. But, before giving life to his debut album, Randle’s hard living and addiction took hold of his life and took it down another path, away from country music, for a while.
During the dark days of addiction, which lead to a five year federal prison sentence, Randle rediscovered the saving grace of music. It was there, in prison at his lowest point that he believes God intervened through a cellmate who happened to be an old guitar picker, and his encouragement to put the bad experiences on paper, moving Brian back toward songwriting. With determination and faith, Brian set in motion a plan to immerse himself back into the Nashville music community after his release from prison. Though Brian travels to Nashville quite often, he is a resident of Acworth, GA, where he is making his mark on the Georgia market.
Randle has lived and experienced a life reminiscent of legends like Hank Williams Sr. and Jr., Merle Haggard, and Johnny Cash, which only further enriches his music. He’s real and honest. Randle is on track to be a powerful force on the country scene and to becoming this generation’s Hank Jr. or Waylon Jennings. He released his debut album, 200 Proof, in 2014, and is currently playing shows all over the south. So let’s get to this wonderful album, shall we?
200 Proof kicks off with the outlaw country goodness of “Heaven and Hank”. As soon as Randle starts singing you’re struck with the realization that “yeah, now THIS is country!” He possesses a true country voice, the perfect mixture of smooth southern drawl and southern rock grit. The song is exactly what should be playing on radio today, a great demonstration of the evolution of country. It’s fresh and original, all the while sticking to the outlaw country sound. The track spins a tale of walking the line between faith and rowdy fun, or in the words of the song, “between Heaven and Hank”. It paints an accurate picture of the line many people walk in life, between being a good believer and still raising a little hell. Verses like “We were raised on the Good Book, but straddled the fence/ We sang Amazing Grace and Whiskey Bent,” and “One step behind redemption/ One drink away from Grace” illustrates that line. It’s an age old theme, but pulled off in a fresh way. “Heaven and Hank” is definitely a standout on the album.
“200 Proof” is another standout on this record. With a little more of a southern rock flavor, the track still leans towards the countrier side. There’s just something really cool about Randle’s deep, southern vocals. The track boasts that “if being real was labeled like whiskey, I’d be 200 proof”, and goes on to explain that “I live my life just like I want to/ Somewhere between John Wayne and Bo Duke/ Be your friend and your worst enemy.” Can I just say thank you to Randle for using John Wayne respectfully in a song? Nothing annoys me more than hearing an artist use John Wayne in a truly horrible song or in a ridiculous way (I happen to be a huge fan of the legendary actor). So thank you for using him in a song that’s actually fitting! I love the overall message of “200 Proof”, it definitely speaks to those of us who truly do live the old fashioned values that Country Music used to stand for.
The first two songs mentioned above shows that Randle can rock songs that are more driven, production wise, but he also shows he can shine on the slower, softer ballads. “Love You Like You’re Leaving” is a beautiful love song, one that reminds us how country love songs are suppose to be done. There’s no sex, no sleaze, just a tender, sweet song from the heart. “Love You Like You’re Leaving” finds Randle admitting that sometimes, without realizing it, he deprives his lady of affection and attention, clearly sorry for that fact. He goes on to profess his love for her and explains just how much she means to him, and declares that he’s “gonna love you like you’re leaving”. Another slower song is the pure country “Lie For A Lie”. This song is, yet again, what modern country should sound like. It’s fresh, yet still holds on to the roots of country music. “Lie For A Lie” is a good old country love gone wrong song.
Randle’s vocals are on point throughout the whole record, as is the songwriting and production. 200 Proof is refreshing to the ears, especially after spending a day being subjected to listening to mainstream country radio. This record has stories with substance, production that doesn’t overpower or hurt the ears, and an artist whose vocals are extremely enjoyable to listen to. Brian Randle better become a major player on the country scene soon, he certainly has the talent and musical content for it. Country music needs more artists like him. I’m excited to see and hear what’s next from Randle, and I’m definitely looking forward to another album from him! Until then, 200 Proof will be on repeat!
Originally posted here.
