Lucero, the unique country meets punk band from Memphis, Tennessee, has a brand-new album, Should’ve Learned By Now, out February 24.
Alternative country is a genre that is increasing in popularity and reaching a greater range of audiences than ever before. While some may say that Lucero is an alternative country band, it is easy to argue that they are more of a country-punk band with some alt-country songs. They have a punk and BMX scene history that leans them more in this direction. They started in 1998 and today’s lineup is still the original members consisting of Ben Nichols on vocals, Brian Venable on guitar, Roy Berry on drums, John C. Stubblefield on bass, and Rick Steff on piano. Their latest album, Should’ve Learned By Now, brings back the feelings of previous albums such as the 2013 EP Texas & Tennessee.
The opening track, “One Last F*ck You,” starts by giving the impression that this would be a great track to listen to while healing from a particularly hard breakup. The song’s intentions were meant to be about just wanting to be left alone at the bar to drink their drink; this is something that anyone who has been through a bad breakup can surely understand. The next track, “Macon If We Make It,” feels like an ode to weathering the storms of relationships and life in general all the while literally being about weathering a hurricane in middle Georgia. This song lyrically brings back feelings from their song “Sweet Little Thing.”
Up next is “She Leads Me” and this is everything that an alt-country song should be. The nice mix of keys on the song blends beautifully with the soulfulness of Ben’s voice. The next track, “At the Show,” provides nice memories of the song “Hearts on Fire.” This song has a more positive but nostalgic sound that is reminiscent of the live album Dreaming in America. Keeping with the theme of nostalgia, “Nothing’s Alright” feels like a throwback to their days of supporting and being supported by BMX crews on events such as the Props Rock and Roll Road Fools 2 trip as they have grown throughout the years.
Changing pace, “Raining for Weeks” is a cathartic mix of soulful yet punchy guitars blended harmoniously with the keys. This song feels like a good soulful cry without the exhaustion of it. “Buy A Little Time” gives you goosebumps as the song’s emotions are felt. There is a very catchy chorus that is easy to sing along with right away. There are some nice guitar riffs in the song, and it is easy to imagine a whole audience singing their hearts out to this song at a show. The title track “Should’ve Learned By Now” has unmistakable Tom Petty vibes that run deep. There are nice soulful lyrics with some nicely timed rock guitar and drum beats in this track that shows some true rock ‘n’ roll roots.
On “Drunken Moon,” Ben shows that he can not only write a ballad but pull it off with ease and expertise. It is a truly great way to start winding down the album. For the final track of the album, “Time to Go Home,” there is a surprisingly upbeat feel that would easily make this a great almost feel-good song after a long day of drinking. This song is a solid ending to an amazing heartfelt album that provides just enough emotions to feel like soft rolling hills in middle Tennessee. Overall, the album is easy to listen to and could be a great introduction to the genre for someone looking to branch out.
Should’ve Learned By Now is out tomorrow.
PHOTO BY: Jamie Harmon
