The Red Clay Strays highly anticipated sophomore album is finally here.
For over a year, the Moblie, Alabama band has been teasing their forthcoming album, Made By These Moments, which is finally here today. The Red Clay Strays have blown up since the release of their debut album in 2022, selling out a headlining tour, making their national TV debut, and appearing on the Billboard charts. It is an understatement to say their life has changed over the last two years.
Their latest project, produced by Dave Cobb, explores the complicated chaos of everyday life, including facing conflict, death, emotions, and chasing one’s aspirations. Brandon Coleman took to social media to share a few words on this project with fans before they dived into the tracklist.
“The hardships and uncertainties in life are something that can never be comprehended by any person. We will never fully understand why we choose to hurt each other or why bad things happen to good people day after day. This iniquitous reality paired with the unbearable weight of the world will quickly leave you feeling alone, powerless, and without hope…
There is always achievement after endurance. This album is a direct result of persevering through the many difficult times we ourselves have faced both personally and as a band. ‘Made By These Moments’ shines a light on overcoming the battles we face in life, like loneliness, depression, and hopelessness. We hope you listen and recognize that our pain has a purpose.”
Through previously released singles like “Wanna Be Loved,” “Devil In My Ear,” and “Drowning,” fans got a taste of the message of mental health on this album—but it’s more than that.
Sonically, the southern rock, soul, and blues-inspired melodies build on the sound the Red Clay Strays have defined since their debut album, but the messaging on this album is where they shine.
The record takes listeners on a journey of self-discovery and self-reflection. From the opening track of “Disaster,” you see the state of distress the narrator feeling like the world is slipping away and nothing is going their way. Then the listener moves to “No One Else Like Me,” where you start to recognize that although you might not be perfect, there are many qualities that make you, you. The closing track on the album “God Does” is a beyond-moving acoustic-based track highlighting that faith in a higher power or faith in yourself might not carry you through your battles but will aid you to the brighter side.
“When the temperature is rising and patience wearing thin
And I don’t have what it takes to cool back down again
But I know that God does
I know that God does…”
The album explores the human condition and takes a step back, looking at the bigger picture in life. The biggest takeaway from Made By These Moments is that no matter what battle you are facing, internal or external, if you take the time to work on yourself, surround yourself with good people, have strong faith, or open your heart to let healing in, the other side is sweet and filled with so much life. Life in a fallen world is messy, but Brandon and the boys offer a message of hope, even when it seems hopeless.
No doubt about it, Made By These Moments is in the conversation album of the year. Fire up some of my early favorites.
“Disaster”
“On My Knees”
“God Does”
