About a month ago the final soundtrack album of season 2 of Nashville hit shelves in the US, with it following a couple of weeks later in the UK. Initially what’s clear is that there are more tracks on this album than any of the three others (and I’m talking deluxe editions here); the first had 15 tracks, the second had 16 and the third had 17, making the 21 tracks available here a fair jump. Yet, one of my criticisms of the last record had to do with trying to include all the characters but not picking up some of the best songs or attributing enough slots to the more main characters, so perhaps they felt the same and that’s what they tried to do here.
The most notable change is the addition of far more Connie Britton (Rayna Jaymes) songs. Beginning the record with the Buddy Miller version of her catchy duet with Hayden Panettiere ‘He Ain’t Gonna Change’, she also sings alongside Chip Esten and Lennon and Maisy Stella on the fabulous ‘A Life That’s Good’, one of the big songs of the series. Another major track this time around is Hayden’s gutsy and edgy ‘Don’t Put Dirt On My Grave Just Yet’ and she sings the hell out of it, both on the standard version and the orchestral one, which closes the album and is full of thick string sections and a tinkling harp. The only thing I find odd is that it sounds distinctly like they’ve put a drum loop on it, which kind of ruins the big sound, but maybe it was an attempt to make it sound “pop” as per her storyline that includes this song. Hayden only has one other track on this collection, and it’s the upbeat folky, acoustic ‘Everything I’ll Ever Need’ with Jonathan Jackson. In the TV show, this song is sung when a disguised Juliette goes out to busk with Avery after her career plummets and she’s scared about losing it all, and it highlights a rather lovely moment that can be heard in the cheerfulness of its musical make-up.
There’s plenty of other really cheerful songs on the record too. Lennon & Maisy Stella’s ‘Joy Parade’ uses their trademark sisterly harmonies and a folky country sound that suits them really well, while I am afraid to ever play ‘I Ain’t Leaving Without Your Love’ (sung by Sam Palladio, Jonathan Jackson and Chaley Rose) because it is that catchy and feel-good. I once had it in my head for several days non-stop (for the record, it was written by the amazing Striking Matches). The trio have one other song on offer here and that’s the incredibly bluegrassy ‘Hennessee’, which provides a great contrast with some of the other tracks, but we get a moodier sound from Clare Bowen and the soulful ‘Come Find Me’. The same can be said of her recording of ‘Black Roses’, her delivery this time more aggressive and impassioned, and a far cry from some of the songs we know her for previously. Of course, fans of her performances with Sam Palladio need not fear, as ‘Lately’ gets a spot on the album (from their duet for Kelly Clarkson), and ‘Falling’ brings her back to the sweet piano ballad.
There are also plenty of more up-tempo, rockier tracks to choose from too. Chris Carmack’s ‘Hurtin’ On Me’ gets the adrenaline pumping near the beginning of this record and it’s clear he really could make a career as a country singer. ‘It’s On Tonight’, his performance with Will Chase and Chip Esten, also fits into this rock & roll vein and is great party music as well as being lots of fun live. Even Connie Britton’s ‘This Time’ shows the matriarch can produce music that’s just as rockin’, catchy and feisty as the guys, and Aubrey Peeples takes on Hayden Panettiere’s role as the resident country pop starlet with ‘It All Slows Down’.
But, as always, the show is known for its beautiful ballads and more stripped back arrangements, and Chris Carmack’s ‘Is That Who I Am’ is a perfect example of Nashville tapping into country music’s authenticity. The song is supposed to have been written for his character who is hiding his sexuality, and certainly Chris sings it with all the heart he has, making it a truly spine-chilling moment. Equally the context behind ‘Believing’ (sung by Chip Esten, Lennon & Maisy Stella) makes it a moment for goosebumps as it is written as a song penned between newfound father and daughter, a heartfelt love song that has been adapted for their special relationship. Speaking of relationships, the full band version of ‘Then I Was Loved By You’ is a lovely tribute by Chris Carmack to his TV fiancée Aubrey Peeples that again could be a real radio single… just a shame his character is lying!
The Season 2, Volume 2 version of the Nashville soundtrack is a lot of fun as much as it is emotional. It’s great for those who love the show but also those who don’t, as the collection is balanced nicely between sounds and styles as well as different voices. Out of the four releases so far, it’s definitely at least number two for me, and I highly recommend you go out and buy it, as it covers a wide range of country, rock, folk, pop and Americana influences. Their music department just get it right time and time again.
