Michael Allen “Come Along For The Ride” (LP)

“Should’a Would’a Could’a” opens Michael Allen’s Come Along For The Ride album, as one of the prior singles from it, and this comes with a video that happens to garner a lot of views, so I am not alone in catching up with the artist as the album finally appears. In fact, two other videos precede this album’s release, and a fourth is on the way in early November, from this country artist with roots in the 60s and a strong faith-based Americana style.

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/p/De2BJrHoJTb/

The album comes with a few twists and turns, so it is one of peaks and valleys, but those peaks and valleys are all worth travelling, and it winds up vastly consistent in the process. “The Maker Of A Man” almost threatens to defy that, but it stands on its own strengths and Allen gets it out of the way with one of his delightful choruses surrounded by fantastic country melodies.

Allen has spent a lifelong career producing and writing music, with a string of recordings under his belt that Come Along For The Ride puts the icing on the cake of, with extremely well-crafted songs of faith, adventure and hope. “Life In The Slow Lane” is one example of the adventure to be found on this album, taking up more space in my ears than most of the nine songs. That is not to say it’s the biggest or smallest part of the album to rave about, but it does fight for the most attention a few of the songs are getting. “Come Along For The Ride” might come in second place itself, with one of the most jovial pieces on the album. This is a song that earns its name with the album title like no other.

“She Used To Laugh” is where Allen really starts to dig down deep between themes of faith and Americana tales, with a melancholy ballad for good measure before the album reaches a climax on the next track, once the nostalgia subsides. The Spanish tinged “Eyes For You Alone” could be the sleeper of the Come Along For The Ride album, as one of the singles surely sticks out as one of the many highlights, with the video also getting over 200,000 views at YouTube. “Set You Free” is also a sublime excursion, with more to it as it keeps on growing with every listen.

The album is a mature cross between mainstream country, rock and Americana and faith-driven attitude and a mixture of musically edible moods, of which songs like “Don’t Wanna Do This Anymore” embody with a spiritual essence. “Don’t Be Afraid Of The Future” is absolutely fabulous, and worth the price of admission alone, and don’t miss the soulful closer “I Don’t Feel At Home In My Heart” to round out an album in perfect time for the holidays. You’ll find all that and so much more on this album full of enormously enjoyable songs, with the balance of genres and moods making it a thing of pure beauty.

Mark Druery