Album Review: Ray Lamontagne - 'Long Way Home'
Lamontagne’s ninth entry see’s him at his most reflective, positive and very best. His 70’s rock inspirations are crisp and clear, whilst staying true to his origins.
The Grammy award winner has returned with his ninth studio album ‘Long Way Home’ and right from the off you get this sense of pride and positivity within his work. Ray says “Thirty years later it occurs to me that every song on Long Way Home is in one way or another honoring the journey. The languorous days of youth and innocence. The countless battles of adulthood, some won, more often lost. It's been a long hard road, and I wouldn’t change a minute. It took me nine songs to express what Townes managed to say in one line. I guess I still got a lot to learn.”
Album opener ‘Step Into Your Power’ is a feel-good track that oozes positivity. It’s a track all about seizing the day, with a lovely call and response guitar lick that rings throughout the song. What also sets this single apart is the rich choral backing from The Secret Sisters, which enhances the song's uplifting message. Their harmonies intertwine beautifully with LaMontagne’s voice, creating a soundscape that feels both expansive and intimate. The interplay between the different vocal layers adds a soulful depth to the track, elevating it beyond a mere pop hit and grounding it in heartfelt authenticity.
Next track ‘I wouldn’t change a thing’ is a bit more back to Lamontagne’s roots but still carries on that theme of warmth and positivity from the first track with a song about having no regrets, no matter what happens in life. The song embodies a bittersweet sense of serenity, celebrating the beauty of life’s journey, with all its twists and turns. LaMontagne's signature raspy vocals are both comforting and poignant, infusing the lyrics with an authenticity that invites introspection. As he sings about having no regrets, the listener is enveloped in a gentle reminder that every experience - good or bad - shapes who we are. The message is universal and relatable, encouraging acceptance of life’s unpredictability.
In fact, this theme of positivity and reflection is evident throughout the album. ‘Yearning’ is a charming track. The opening lines, “watching that evening sun go down, within that darkness I will be found,” set a serene and contemplative tone. LaMontagne's ability to paint vivid imagery with his words is on full display here, transporting us to a moment of quiet reflection as day transitions into night. There's a certain tranquillity in this imagery, suggesting that even amidst uncertainty or darkness, there is a sense of comfort and familiarity. LaMontagne's acoustic guitar work shines, laying a gentle yet powerful foundation for this track. The instrumentation is perfectly balanced, allowing his vocal performance to take centre stage.
It’s also Lamontagne’s ability to make an album weave effortlessly through track to track is outstanding and really takes the listener on a journey. Second to last song “So Damned Blue” is a wonderful instrumental. From the moment the song begins, the listener is transported to a world of introspection. The gentle strumming of the acoustic guitar sets a reflective tone, while subtle piano undertones weave in and out, providing an added layer of complexity. LaMontagne’s ability to create a rich soundscape without overwhelming the listener is commendable. Each note resonates with emotion, evoking a sense of nostalgia that lingers long after the song has ended.
This leads the track nicely into one of the lead singles from this album, and final track ‘Long Way Home’ is about childhood, and elegantly encapsulates the essence of the entire album, by highlighting such a powerful theme about positivity, and reflection, making it not just a fitting conclusion, but a profound statement on the journey we all undertake from youth to adulthood.
Ray Lamontagne’s return is a joy to behold, with effortless excellence ringing true throughout the record. This is most definitely his most reflective, and honest work to date. But that makes this record a privilege to listen to, as the album as a whole is so positive to listen to. This album makes for a perfect end of summer listen.
Words by Doug Dewdney
