Five Mile Road
Blue Elan, 2019
8/10
Though you may not recognize Gerry Beckley’s name, we’ve all heard as work as he’s a co-founder of the legendary outfit America. On Five Mile Road, Beckley reflects on his own journey, with shades of America’s classic approach, where harmonies, layering and timelessness are certainly in attendance.
“Life Lessons” gets the album off to a warm and melodic Americana fueled setting where Beckley’s voice sounds better than ever, and “Something To Remember” follows with keys in a more pensive setting of lush soft rock.
Further along, “So Long Marni” offers thoughtful picking in the hushed, folk spirit, while “Heart Of The Valley” recruits strategic keys in the emotive album highlight.
Near the end, “Calling” delivers soft horns to punctuate the graceful and wise atmosphere, and “Sudden Solider” picks up the pace and volume with a full roots rocker. “Two People At Once” exits the listen with piano balladry, as harmonicas help set the mood of cautious reflection.
Now approaching 50 years of songwriting, Beckley’s work is as emotive and stirring as it was in the ‘70s, and Five Mile Road proves that this legend has plenty of tunes left in him that we all want to hear.
Travels well with: Joe Walsh- Ordinary Average Guy; Robert Lamm- Living Proof