Album Review: Zane Williams 'Texas Like That'

Courtesy Splash Publicity

Zane Williams is regarded for making albums that you can listen to straight through (and repeatedly), and Texas Like That, his fifth album, set for release April 14th, is no exception. The project, which Williams penned in its entirety, contains ten tracks that showcase his ability to write everything from emotionally wrenching ballads to songs made for dancin’. No matter the subject matter, his songs come straight from the heart and are sung in a way that is 100% genuine and relatable.

As Williams says at the opening of the record, “Here we go!” and he proceeds to take you on a fun journey through songs both honky tonk ready as well as straight up tearjerkers. The album kicks off with “Feelin' Free,” a driving, energetic song complete with banjo and mandolin that you can sing along to while the sun is on your face and you drive down the road. Texas Like That also captures sweet romance on songs like “She Is” which is an ode to the “best part of his life,” “Love Is On Our Side” about staying the course with the one you love even in difficult times and the sultry “Summer Rain.”

Perfect for the dance hall, “Here’s to You” is a tribute to the fans while “Throwback” and the rollicking “Just Gettin' Started” both bring a contemporary edge to the album. The former combines a gritty melody with spoken word while the latter brings a rock and roll crunch (and more spoken word) to a song about describing a love that’s “just getting started” yet will “stand the test of time.”

Standout track “Jayton and Jill” is a true country song: an emotionally stirring ballad with a story about two lost souls who find a connection; it’s a song that will make you feel, as does the moving “Kansas City Sunrise,” which finds him being inspired by said city, but instead of going to it for a love, he’s now leaving it (and the love) behind for something new.

Zane Williams is a singer songwriter who continues to make records with songs that delight the heart with emotion, the mind with thought and the toes with tappin’. Whether you’re from Texas, New York, California or somewhere in between, you’re sure to enjoy Texas Like That.

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