Country music artist Lainey Wilson tore up the music scene on Aug. 23, 2024 when her album “Whirlwind” dropped, taking listeners through a twister of songs and emotions. Wilson used “Whirlwind” to catapult off her success at the 2024 Grammy Awards, where she won the category of Best Country Album. Her newest project showcases her deep southern roots, untameable heart, powerful voice and thoughtful lyricism–the album is sure to be one of the shining examples of country music this year.
The best song on the album, “Call a Cowboy,” stirred up tumbleweeds in the chests of listeners. The slow pace of the music created a romantic sound to go with the country love storyline.
The lyrics describe a man that would satisfy any cowgirl’s dreams; Wilson created a protagonist that exemplifies long-forgotten values in modern relationships, such as chivalry, simplicity and unyielding dependability.
Wilson collaborated with country artist Miranda Lambert on the song “Good Horses,” and the duo produced one of the most successful tracks of the album. One of the overall themes of “Whirlwind” is Wilson balancing her desire for love with her need for freedom, and “Good Horses” expanded on this. The lyrics compare a woman to a horse, asserting that it is possible to have a liberated life while continuing a strong romantic relationship.
Lambert’s voice travels higher than Wilson’s, adding a mystical undertone to the song. Wilson grounds “Good Horses” with her deep, full voice and the simple background music highlights the women’s words.
“Country’s Cool Again” was the first single on the album to drop, and is one of “Whirlwinds” most upbeat songs that was made to be played in a honkey-tonk. The song’s melody goes back to an older country sound, only strengthened by the authentically southern lyrics. Wilson describes her delight in seeing the country lifestyle becoming popular once again with witty lyrics, nostalgic references and clever play-on-words.
The track with the most impactful message was “Whiskey Colored Crayon,” which takes listeners through the journey of a family affected by an alcoholic father. A little boy is tasked with drawing a picture of his family, but he explains to his teacher that he needs a whiskey colored crayon to complete the drawing of his father. This assignment leads the father to change his ways and become sober.
The hopeful, introspective sound of the song strengthens the message, and Wilson keeps her vocals simple, acting as a storyteller rather than a singer. A stripped-down guitar provides most of the background music, fitting with the overall production of “Whiskey Colored Crayon.”
The title track “Whirlwind” is a dramatic, fast-paced song that tells the story of two chaotic hearts meeting and matching each other’s wild ambitions. The stompable tune displays Wilson’s strong singing voice, and the background music resembles heavy winds with the prominent guitar lead.
There isn’t a song on “Whirlwind” that warrants a skip. Wilson produced an album far beyond anything she’s ever done before. Most of all, she proved to the music world that an authentic country sound is still achievable in modern times as long as artists stay true to their wild, turbulent hearts.
