ALBUM REVIEW ~ THE NADAS ~ 'COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE'

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Folk Americana band The Nadas released their latest full-length album Come Along For The Ride on August 11th via Authentic Records. The band founded in the early 90s by guitarist/vocalist Mike Butterworth and guitarist/vocalist Jason Walsmith has had a longstanding career of sharing their folk tales in song along with bassist Brian Duffey, drummer Brandon Stone, and Perry Ross on keys, guitar and percussion.

The album kicks off with the high-energy Americana anthem “Other Side of the 45”. With its infectious chorus, the song is reminiscent of Tom Petty’s strong storytelling skills, and who the band lists as one of their influences.

Stand-out track “Recovering” has an uplifting message with a catchy chorus, “We have all been through some suffering. Don’t know what to do. While we’re recovering.” Walsmith explains the song’s meaning, “Maybe if we acknowledge that and offer each other some grace from time to time we can all help each other through it.”

“18th and Center Street” showcases the band’s gift of storytelling with an enchanting love story revolving around a neighborhood that Butterworth and Walsmith lived in. As Butterworth explains, “My chapter at 18th and Center Street ended very happily. The girl from the “different floor” and I just celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary.”

The album concludes with 90’s alt rock album single, “This Mess Is My Masterpiece.” The song is a profound song describing the process of songwriting. “Meter and rhyme, Phrase and tune. All these things strewn around the room; we’ll sort out where everything belongs.”

Come Along For The Ride is a beautifully told Americana story. The Nadas combines all the best elements of folk, Americana, Country, and ‘90’s alt-rock for a compelling and nostalgic listening adventure.

I’m Music Magazine Writer Meesha Walden