All aboard… The Wilder Blue bandwagon is filling up fast.
Now I’m not saying that they are the next Turnpike (because nobody is), but hear me out… The Wilder Blue is a huge step in the right direction for bands in country music.
Previously known as Hill Country, the Zane Williams-fronted band came out with their debut, self-titled album, Hill Country, mid-pandemic in May 2020. The band officially changed their name to The Wilder Blue this October due to complex trademark issues that we won’t get into right now.
And now, with a small but loyal community of followers, The Wilder Blue is ready to soar. They even received an endorsement from Luke Combs, who is arguably the biggest thing in country music right now.
Back in June, Luke tweeted a shoutout for their debut album Hill Country.
It’s no secret that mainstream country bands have been lacking in the past few years. Acts like Zac Brown Band and Little Big Town are steering away from their roots, and then you have Old Dominion, Lady A, and Rascal Flatts who are all too pop. You have Midland and Runaway June, but that’s about it.
So where do we go for a little country consistency? Texas.
Mike and The Moonpies, Whiskey Myers, Flatland Cavalry just to name a few, and of course artists like Josh Abbott Band and Randy Rogers Band… The Wilder Blue is yet another piece of evidence that Texas country is taking over right now. I promise you this: their combination of Texas country, bluegrass, and folk will draw you in immediately, just like it did for Luke Combs.
Here are some personal favorites of mine:
“Dixie Darlin” – a perfect melancholy cowboy song about the one that got away.
“Dixie Darlin’, did you find what you were after
A greener pasture
A wilder blue…
When I think about the things that really matter
I always wish that I had mattered more to you.”
“The Eagle” – a sweet take on feeling out of place and wondering what it would be like to up and leave
“I was born here
But I don’t belong here
Feels like I’m in the right place but the wrong year
When your hometown
Don’t feel like home now
You sit and watch the world roll by just feelin’ low down.”
“Janie Lynn” – a beautiful bluegrass tune that will fill your heart with banjo and harmonies
“And I said good to know you Janie darlin’
I’vе never seen a woman look so fine
I’d gladly rob and kill from here to Johnsonville
Just to win ten minutes of your time.”
