Album Review – Colter Wall’s “Little Songs”

Of all the improbable achievements and benchmarks set by independent country in the last few years, none has been as astounding as the ascension of Colter Wall and his specific version of authentic Western songs. There was no economy for this music for him to enter into, no sizable audience to inherit, no immediate forebearers to piggyback on like Tyler Childers had in Sturgill Simpson, and Zach Bryan had in Tyler Childers.
Western music has always had its appeal among certain people, but it’s been decidedly niche for some 60 years. Colter Wall might be the most popular Western singer since Marty Robbins, and he built it all out of whole cloth from the strength of his enrapturing voice capable of teleporting the listener to a time better suited for Louis L’Amour novel, and a place more similar to the setting of a Remington painting.
Colter Wall’s new album Little Songs is a continuation of the second phase of his career, which has been centered around reinterpreting classics from the Western music canon for a new and enthusiastic audience, while sliding in his original works in hopes they will eventually land alongside the old classics in the Western songbooks and recordings of the future.
Some have bemoaned and criticized how Colter started his career with more dirty and aggressive songs like “Sleeping on the Blacktop” and “Kate McCannon” that in many respects still remain his signature tunes. Some wish he would continue in that vein, while others say it certifies his inauthenticity as a cowboy singer. But when Colter released his debut EP in 2015, he wasn’t even of legal drinking age. He’s still only 28. Colter was still searching for himself. Where he found himself is in cowboy songs.
Simplicity and authenticity is what Colter Wall holds as paramount. You won’t be especially wowed by the cunning of his songcraft, or the compositional prowess of the songs. They’re Western songs that work from their plainspoken and folksy nature. Many of Colter’s original songs, including two new ones on Little Songs (“Honky Tonk Nighthawk” and “Cow/ Calf Blue Yodel”) employ a very simple blues progression.

But when you happen upon a song like “Corralling The Blues,” it’s hard to not fall for the appeal. “For A Long While” feels like a song that has been around for a century, even though Colter just placed it in the universe right now. Though mostly what you get is songs about being out on the plains or under the stars, Colter also includes a little night life in the town on Little Songs, giving the album just enough honky tonk moments and steel guitar to keep it interesting.
Then Colter places all of these songs beside old Cowboy and Western tunes such as “The Coyote & The Cowboy” by Ian Tyson, and “Evangelina” by Hoyt Axton. The song that might best describe the overall vibe and attitude of Colter Wall’s approach to life and music is “Standing Here.” It starts to say something prophetic, but then stops short. It wants to get political, but then doesn’t. It kind of doesn’t say anything, which says it all.
Where the magic comes into play for Colter Wall is the entire package. He’s committed to singing what he lives, and living what he sings. While he could be packing theaters coast to coast on tour, he instead is out there on horseback. As opposed to taking big media opportunities with guys like Joe Rogan, he’s going on little independent podcasts, if he engages with the press at all.
Though on paper this would significantly affect Colter Wall’s pocketbook, it hasn’t. His streaming numbers are rather incredible. His syncs in film and TV soundtracks are through the roof. And when Colter does perform live, he can command a high dollar.
But none of this is what Colter Wall is about. His most valuable asset is the mystique he’s built around himself. He’s a cowboy that writes and sings songs, sometimes. Not vice versa. And in an era of artificial intelligence and rampant untrust in every institution, this arcane but enthralling background narrative is what turns otherwise simple an understated songs into an egress out of the modern and ordinary, and into realm where the skies open up, the hills roll, and you’re free.
1 3/4 Guns Up (8/10)
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July 20, 2023 @ 9:01 am
This is the catchiest album he’s ever made. The songs aren’t reinventing the wheel but they’re charismatically and authentically performed, with lovely arrangements and a warm, welcoming production. My first listen I wondered it Wall’s voice sounded a little strained, and I thought the songs were too simple, too “little.” But on the second and subsequent listens everything clicked–this is a deceptively thoughtful album that sets a wonderful atmosphere with melodies that haven’t left my mind. My standout is “Corralling the Blues” which perfectly captures the feeling of lonesome, toiling despair.
July 21, 2023 @ 7:18 am
Couldn’t agree more. I liked this album on the first listen through, but with each subsequent listen (and I’ve probably had at least a half dozen), I find I like it more and more.
July 20, 2023 @ 9:01 am
I waited all the way until today to spin it, and I’m not even halfway though it yet, but I love the album! Discovered here on SCM!!
July 20, 2023 @ 9:04 am
I’m most decidedly a “Sleeping on the Blacktop” “Kate McCannon” Colter Wall fan.
That being said it’s interesting to follow this dude doing it his way.
July 20, 2023 @ 9:35 am
Brilliant album
July 20, 2023 @ 10:00 am
I am definitely one of the Kate McCannon, Devil Wears A Suit and Tie, “Brewery Sessions” Colter Wall fans so i wasn’t expecting to love this album, and i didn’t on first listen. However on multiple listens i’m starting to love it, to my own surprise. He doesn’t say anything particularly interesting, nor does it sound particularly unique, but the simplicity and his one-of-a-kind voice are just amazing music to throw on throughout the day. It doesn’t require some focused listen to follow a story or interpret a meaning, and i guess that’s the beauty of it. It makes my ears feel nice.
There’s another album I like a lot called “Goodbye LA” by Jeremy Pinnell. Even deaf people are sayin that shit be rippin.
July 21, 2023 @ 6:55 am
“It makes my ears feel nice” – So well said
July 20, 2023 @ 10:09 am
Man, a true rancher who sings cowboy songs. Nice album.
July 20, 2023 @ 10:13 am
OFF TOPIC-You never reviewed Tommy Prine’s album. I know there are too many albums to review but after him winning song of the year and all that just curious. Did you not like it? Or you just didn’t have much to say about it?
July 20, 2023 @ 11:18 am
I have not ruled out reviewing Tommy Prine’s album. I’m constantly listening to albums, and constantly working on reviews. I review as many as I can.
July 20, 2023 @ 10:37 am
The instrumentation is somewhere halfway between country and western. It’s a fascinating album.
July 20, 2023 @ 10:41 am
I got my bread all rationed, and my beans cut in two halves.
‘N I’ll be enjoying this album, while I await his next..
July 20, 2023 @ 10:46 am
It’s been a lot of Colter Wall and Gabe Lee for me this week. I particularly enjoy the ‘Cow/calf blue yodel’.
July 21, 2023 @ 11:13 am
Best song on the album
July 20, 2023 @ 10:48 am
Really enjoyed this record, especially the band. While the songs are simple there is always something interesting going on instrumentally. I feel like a reverse Colter fan since my first exposure to him was the Cowpoke video on Western AF and then “Western Swing and Waltzes.” When I went back and listened to his earlier, edgeyier material I didn’t like it nearly as much as Songs of the Plains forward. So, I’m just happy that he continues to move forward in this western space rather than the “dark hobo” style he used to play.
Still bummed that he cancelled that tour a few years back and I’ll probably never see him live without doing some heavy travel, but it’s also cool that he’s just up in Saskatchewan somewhere doing cowboy shit.
Other thoughts are that La Honda has gotta be one of the coolest labels out right now, and Colter making this record a joint venture between them and RCA speaks to his character.
July 20, 2023 @ 11:20 am
I thoroughly enjoyed this album, which makes a nice companion to my current “project” of going through all of Ian Tyson’s catalog. If I’m making a post-singing-cowboy era Mount Rushmore of western singers, it’s gonna contain Marty Robbins, Chris LeDoux, Ian Tyson, and Colter Wall.
July 20, 2023 @ 11:29 am
I like Colter Wall and this new album. I wonder why he has been able to blow up in a way Corb Lund never has. Is it the Yellowstone TV phenom or is there something I am missing?
July 20, 2023 @ 11:49 am
I wonder about that, too, especially given Corb’s close association with Ian Tyson.
July 20, 2023 @ 11:59 am
I think a lot of it has to do with his voice. But yes, the syncs in big movies and shows like “Hell of High Water,” “Yellowstone” and others has definitely helped his profile. Most artists have to tour not just to make money, but spread their name. Colter is just sitting back and reaping the rewards. Taylor Sheridan definitely deserves an assist for this.
July 20, 2023 @ 12:02 pm
Makes such little sense to me. I have brought folks that hate country music to Corb shows and they had a blast. He transcends for me.
July 23, 2023 @ 10:35 am
Colter for some reason, crosses genres. I love alot of Extreme Metal and I can tell you Colter has a huge fanbase within that type of music. Couldnt tell you why exactly, but he does. Can’t say I’ve heard anyone in that space mention Lund. Maybe just an exposure issue for ol’ Corb.
July 20, 2023 @ 1:01 pm
Growing up as the son of the premier (governor, in American) of Saskatchewan probably didn’t hurt.
July 20, 2023 @ 4:14 pm
Colter left home at the age of 19 to the USA to make his own way, and toured all over Europe and North America. He did this so any gains he made would be on his own and not related to his father in any way. So you are absolutely wrong here Mr. Decker.
Corb Lund is good, but timing for the popularity of this genre, management/exposure and other reasons may be key factors here.
July 21, 2023 @ 3:25 am
That’s slightly disingenuous though isn’t it. It’s far easier to take the risk at music/in the arts if you know you have wealth to fall back on. It’s why working class people are increasingly shut out.
July 21, 2023 @ 11:16 am
I’d rather judge Colter by his own deeds.
If anything, following the working man’s route when there’s wealth (not sure how wealthy a premier in Canada would be by the way)is more admirable in my opinion.
July 21, 2023 @ 12:01 pm
Wrong again. Also a premier makes the same wage as the principle of a school. Not the same as a governor. There was no riches here. Grew up in a 1965 1,100 sq.ft.bungalow on the south side of town. He did this all by himself. I wish people would stop spreading these rumours. I’m done here.
July 21, 2023 @ 12:07 pm
Wrong.a premier makes the same wage as a school principal, ( not the same as a governor ) there was no riches just middle class living in a 1966 1,100 sq.ft. Bungalow on the south side of town.
July 23, 2023 @ 8:06 am
Not sure how it breaks down in Sask but a quick search of Ontario’s sunshine list shows the premier made $209,000 last year while the high school principal in my town made $141,000. So, close but the premier still makes more.
July 20, 2023 @ 4:11 pm
Colter has a richer voice and doesn’t get into rock pop territory. Clearer branding. Corb is funnier and more wordsmithy ambitious.
There are many reasons to like both, among them being that they’re not radio-friendly.
July 21, 2023 @ 7:25 pm
One of the big things I like about Corb is that he doesn’t write love songs. Its all been said. In terms of content, he keeps it original. I don’t know if he is familiar with Al Stewart, but they seem to have the same standard in terms of writing.
July 21, 2023 @ 3:26 pm
A lot goes into an artist blowing up. Timing is huge and if you miss you’re window, it’ might be gone. Corb Lund is one of my favorites, and I like Colter too. The state of independent country was totally different when Corb started out. No podcasting. Imagine if Joe Rogan had Corb after his first album.
I’m convinced that Jason Boland would be a massive artist if he would have come along at the right time. He should be a modern day Waylon, but when he started out, the Red Dirt scene was dominated by rock-ish acts
July 22, 2023 @ 11:28 am
I met Jason Borland’s dad at a concert in Ardmore, Ok in the fall of 2002. He was talking about this song called 17 that was about to showcase Jason’s songwriting to the world. It did that on CMT, where I believe it made number 1, but that wasn’t enough.
Not sure if the other details, but JB was struggling with some issues back in those days, but I don’t remember him ever missing a performance. I’ve seen him hammered performing at the Eskimo Joes and once at the Tumbleweed. He still made it on stage and played his songs.
July 20, 2023 @ 11:41 am
He is the real deal. Simple and straightforward music well played.
July 20, 2023 @ 11:49 am
While I appreciate his earlier songs, I prefer this version of Colter Wall in his approach to songwriting and singing. It feels much more authentic to who he is. When I listen to his brewery sessions, it feels like he’s playing dress up and reminds me of being that age of 20ish trying to figure out who I wanted to be. I’m sure he’ll continue to evolve even beyond this version, as everyone hopefully does as they age, learn, and grow.
July 20, 2023 @ 12:17 pm
This is just a great singing cowboy record from a real cowboy, not a rodeo cowboy or a guy who keeps horses. I love it, but the cowboy is such a dying profession that it’s almost sad to listen to. Corb Lund sings for the modern rancher, not necessarily the actual cowboy (making a distinction between the person who owns cows and horses and the hired, minimum wage range cowboy). This is music from the perspective of a kind of person that in 50 years won’t exist. It’s almost like a folkways recording.
July 20, 2023 @ 2:39 pm
Look up a recent Hippies and Cowboys podcast where Colter is on. Great conversation.
July 20, 2023 @ 3:56 pm
I’ll look it up, but I’ve always been let down and frustrated by that podcast. They always seem so ill prepared and more fascinated with their own inside jokes and stories. They’ve been a real hard listen for me and often times I fell the artist’s annoyance.
July 21, 2023 @ 6:01 am
Agree with this completely.
I can really only stomach the episodes where I really love the artist being interviewed.
July 20, 2023 @ 3:41 pm
Initially I thought he was kind of a hipster, my wife begrudgingly dragged me to see him live. To this day one of the best concerts I’ve been to. I love his transition to more of a western sound. Keep it coming.
July 21, 2023 @ 11:20 am
Hearing him sing about I. P. A….’s should have relieved you of that notion.
July 21, 2023 @ 11:57 am
That’s a valid point
July 22, 2023 @ 6:09 am
Except that in my reading of that song the IPA Kid may represent a younger Colter.
July 22, 2023 @ 7:30 am
“He’s a Nashville kid with a cowboy hat”
Just doesn’t make sense especially since in the song he is meeting Colter and his band in a bar…
July 20, 2023 @ 4:00 pm
Deserves a future, and will get it.
July 20, 2023 @ 5:12 pm
I’ll take a listen…even if I’ve been off him after Jade Bird blew him off the damn stage when she was opening, haha.
Feel like singing mainly covers suits the vibe I got when seeing him live.
July 20, 2023 @ 5:59 pm
The second to last live music I saw before the pandemic shut shit down in 2020 was Colter Wall @ the Soul Kitchen in Mobile, AL. Fucking glad I did. Hope he saunters back down to the real LA again sometime soon.
July 21, 2023 @ 12:48 am
He’s on a 4 album run of brilliant records as far as I’m concerned. Wish he’d put the 2 singles he released last year out on 7 inch as well, they were beautiful.
On first listen this sounded quite inconsequential, but the more you listen you just sort it slip into it, and the moments where it peaks (Corralling the Blues, Evangeline) rise up out of the album beautifully.
July 21, 2023 @ 3:54 am
He’s the best artist in country music right now.
July 21, 2023 @ 2:39 pm
Hehe, he and Charley Crockett are the eternal eight-out-of-tenners on SCM.
July 21, 2023 @ 2:59 pm
I’ve had this album on repeat for the last two days. It’s been a very long time since a new album has given me so much pleasure as this does. It’s true that “You’ve got to fill the big empty with little songs”.