Dean Brody - "Gypsy Road"

[codyj100]

Artist: Dean Brody
Album: Gypsy Road
Label: Open Road Recordings
Release Date: April 21, 2015 (Canada) | April 28, 2015 (US)
Available Now:
Purchase | Stream

With as many Dean Brody (as well as Canadian) fans we have here on Pulse, I was surprised to not see a "Listening Party" thread for this album. Dean's fifth album was released in his home country of Canada on April 21st to stores and digital outlets. US fans were able to download the deluxe version of the album on iTunes starting on April 21st, with physical and digital copies reaching online retailers in the US on April 28th. 

So far the album has received positive reviews from music critics in Canada. (Winnipeg Free Press, The Vancouver Sun). Also, the album reached #7 on Billboard's Canadian Album's Chart - Dean's highest position on the chart thus far. The lead single, "Upside Down" is #9 this week on Canadian Country Songs - Billboard Chart. 

My track by track review:

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1. Upside Down - A different song, stylistically for Dean, IMO. However, it seems to have resonated with Canadian fans (I am not Canadian and it sure has with me as well). I was a bit concerned when I first heard "Upside Down" because it is different from most of Dean's previous material. This one has stuck to me, though. 
2. Hillbilly - Before hearing this, I thought it was a brand new song, however it is actually a remake of the song which Billy Currington cut for his 2005 album Doin' Somethin' Right. Currington's version is under the name "I Wanna Be A Hillbilly." Dean's version is different, and provides a much longer band instrumental towards the end of the song. The song uses a lot of banjo and is a nice addition to the album. Perfect actually for an album titled Gypsy Road. 
3. Monterrey - I LOVE this song. That would be enough for me. I just love the nostalgia factor and according to the "Track X Track" video that Dean did, that is what he was going for.
4. Bring Down The House - Another song which is "obscure" for Dean. He even calls it the "freak" on the album. However, with the blending of genres lately, it works quite well. I assume that if this were to go to country radio here in America that it would do relatively well...possibly redeeming his status here in the States. (Canadian fans may know more).
5. Sweet Lola - I love Dean's story songs. Dean's writing is absolutely incredible. He knows how to take the listener away from their troubles and narrate you into "storyland" (for lack of a better term). It is most definitely a "Bounty" part II. I would love to see this song released as a single. The video ought to be interesting. 
6. Love Would Be Enough - Another nice story song, but somehow this one is one which is not clicking for me. I do not get the production on this. I don't know why. I really don't but it's somewhat loud. If it was more of a mid-tempo track that didn't become so loud near the chorus it might work more for me. It may grow on me. We shall see.
7. Footprints of a Giant - A great GREAT song which many can relate to. I actually had no idea what the song was written about. (Dean explains more here). I love that Dean explains that he (being adopted...I hope I am entirely correct on this. I read an article which said he was, and "Trail In Life" kind of sheds light on that) he would not entirely understand what the kid is going through (loosing his father). Dean executes the song in such a great way, again, a song which is crafted to fit the masses.
8. Castaways - A love song. Simple, not complex and totally a Dean song. He writes some great ones. This song made me think of Sheryl Crow's "Easy" in that it talks about running away from the harsh realities of life to where no one would find you. (Sheryl's song is different, obviously but it comes to mind for me). 
9. Everything's Better - A good addition to the album, and even though Dean did not write it, it is sung greatly. 
10. Like I Know This Town - Another one that Dean didn't have a hand in writing, but it is a great way to end the album (if you have the standard version). It is upbeat and has a good time flare to it. 
Deluxe
11. As Country As She Gets - This one might sound misplaced at first listen (it did for me, at first). It is very traditional, which Dean is more or less a traditional leaning artist. For this album, it is vastly more traditional than the others. This one should have made the standard version. 
12. Old Friend (Demo) - My biggest complaint of the album (because it is a demo). First, why does this album not twelve tracks????? I mean the standard version. I hate ten track albums, they are just too short. 11 is short enough. I do wish that the studio version of this song would have been on this album. Such a good story song. The real meaning of the song is towards the end, it is definitely one you cannot just skip over.
13. Trail In Life (Acoustic) - I have to admit that prior to hearing this album, I had never heard the actual studio version of this song. (I only own Dirt, Crop Circles, and now, Gypsy Road). The song is beautiful. Lyrically a great song, and the simple instrumentation of the acoustic version is a perfect end to the album. 

Overall: 4.8/5 stars. 
Complaints, Only ten songs on the standard version (so I bought the Deluxe...and am VERY pleased), no title track, and "Love Would Be Enough" does not mix well with me. Hopefully it will down the road. 

Highly enjoy this album, hopefully it is another success for Dean. Hopefully I can see Dean live if I make a trip to Canada in the future. 

[sabre14]

I must admit, I sometimes forget about the listening party threads, lol. No matter, glad you made this thread codyj100.

Another fantastic offering from Dean. He definitely has experimented from time to time with some of his tracks on his albums but overall he's about as consistent as an artist can get these days. He also needs to keep Matt Rovey as his producer til the end of times because I love his production with most of his songs.

1. "Upside Down" - This one took a few listens to click with me but once that happened, it got really good. It's the definition of a grower. Clever lyrics and an easy going melody. A bit different but I think Dean pulled it off.
2. "Hillbilly" - Solid song that fits the album well. It's not the most imaginative thing in the world but it's a nice listen and easy to sing along to.
3. "Monterey" - Definitely one of the highlights (which is saying something) on this album. This song will most definitely be a single at some point.
4. "Bring Down The House" - This is probably the weakest track on the record. It's not that it's different because that doesn't bother me if the song's good. The instrumentation is good but the vocal progression is just a bit odd to me and is kinda all over the place. It will probably grow on me though.
5. "Sweet Lola" - I completely agree with codyj100. This is "Bounty" part II. I love these songs from Dean. I hope Dean's prepared to get his acting chops ready because this one's going to be released and the video should be great.
6. "Love Would Be Enough" - I actually really enjoy this song. It's just a great sing along song meant to put you in a good mood. I think Dean sings these songs excellent.
7. "Footprints Of A Giant" - This is the best song on the album. Anybody with a father can relate to this song and some of the cleverest lyrics I've heard in a song. I really hope this gets released.
8. "Castaways" - This could be a single to as it's the definition of radio-friendly. It's nothing special though. Good love song that takes on a common theme lately ('Lay Low").
9. "Everything's Better" - This song is another grower. Gets better with each listen. I don't think it'll be released but a good track to include on the record.
10. "Like I Know This Town" - This might get released. A great summery type of song that is upbeat. It's another one that needs a few listens.
11. "As Country As She Gets" - This one was first cut by Joe Nichols for his III album in 2005. I liked it then and I like it now. Not only is it on the deluxe edition but it's really traditional for today's standards so it won't be a single but I love that it made the album.
12. "Old Friend" - Another highlight of the album. I don't mind it being acoustic and the story is awesome.
13. "Trail In Life" - This song is just great. One of the best tracks Dean ever recorded and hey if it's this good, why not include it on two records? Lol

Grade: 9.0/10

I probably don't enjoy this as much as Crop Circles or perhaps Dirt but I've only listened a few times. It's still a stellar album and I so wish this man would make another run in the US.

[Deleted]

^ Wow, I don't think I've ever read an album review from you sabre14, nice work :)

[sabre14]

May 4, 2015 19:42:11 GMT -5 zack97 said:

^ Wow, I don't think I've ever read an album review from you sabre14, nice work :)

It might be the only thing in this forum I'm lazy about, lol. I decided to do one here though since I like Dean's music so much. :)