Album Review – Elijah Ocean’s “Born Blue”
What just a great little country record this is, with one solid song after another that’s well-written, well-performed, and delivered with heart. It proves that when it comes to actual country music, you don’t have to push the envelope or reinvent the wheel every time to turn in something worthy of hearing. Just write and sing songs of life with honesty, and the simple beauty of country music will do the rest.
Elijah Ocean is a journeyman country music artists if there ever was one. For years he played bass in touring bands for others, writing and performing his own songs when he could, unselfishly waiting for his time to shine. Though his compass has always pointed towards country, he’s dabbled in more folk and roots rock, and California country too as he’s quietly carved out his own little space and career in the music world.
But along with a recent permanent move to Nashville comes this album where Ocean doubles down on his country roots, taking lessons from the hundreds of country covers he’s played over the years in dive bars and casino lounges while based out of Los Angeles. Now he’s ready to lend his own words and music to the country music legacy in a purely honky tonk, neotraditional effort.
Born Blue was supposed to be produced by none other than multi-instrumentalist Brian Whelan who’s best known for playing behind Dwight Yoakam. That would be a big name to back up this project, but apparently during the recording process, Elijah wasn’t enjoying the direction things were headed and took the reins himself. That’s a pretty big decision. But however we got here, it’s hard to argue with the results.
Elijah assembled some thirty songs to start, eventually whittling them down to the 12 of Born Blue, with each reminding you of some timeless classic country tune, while also hitting the theme from an original angle. Love, heartbreak, divorce; you’ll cut a rug to “Honky Tonk Hole” and “Thirty-Five,” and weep over “In a Perfect World” and “Born Blue.” “The Ice Machine” has an intro indicative of “Neon Moon,” and will put you smack dab in a cheap motel room with shag brown carpet and fake wood paneling from 1990.
All phases and facets of classic country music are represented here, a rainbow of emotions are expressed, and it all sounds and feels just like the country music you love. The mood and music of each song is seamless with the story, and along with the other entertaining aspects of Born Blue, it’s a great time capsule to a better and more enviable time period in the country genre.
Not trying to reshape the paradigm of country music, and understanding that it doesn’t need to “evolve” to be resonant and relevant is what makes an album like Born Blue so remarkable. Elijah Ocean has spent years being the other guy on the stage. With Born Blue, he proves why he’s deserving of the spotlight himself.
1 3/4 Guns Up (8/10)
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Purchase Born Blue on Bandcamp
August 17, 2021 @ 8:44 am
Thanks, Trigger. I’ve liked some of his past records and I like the initial listen of this album. I got a sort of Dave Alvin/Blasters vibe on some of his older stuff, but this is definitively country. Good stuff.
Any word on what Ian Noe is up to?
August 17, 2021 @ 8:52 am
Have not heard much on Ian Noe. Did see he’s supposed to play Bristol Rhythm & Roots (if it happens), as well as Stagecoach next year. So, he is still around, but not really touring, and no word on new music.
August 17, 2021 @ 8:56 am
Thanks.
August 17, 2021 @ 10:11 am
He’s really a remarkably good songwriter. The records I’ve listened to don’t have a single dud in the bunch, and it sounds from your review like he’s not slowing down in that department. Not the greatest singer, but he gets the job done.
August 17, 2021 @ 10:35 am
truly enjoying this album, he’s not a super singer but his voice has something unique.
August 17, 2021 @ 11:46 am
Really love his stuff. Listen to it often. Born Blue is excellent. Also love Back to the Lander. It’s great.
August 17, 2021 @ 12:50 pm
“will put you smack dab in a cheap motel room with shag brown carpet and fake wood paneling from 1990″……….LOL Nice Trig! I’ve been there, those were the days………no wonder after one full listen this was just so easy for me to like. Straight up good tunes.
August 17, 2021 @ 2:17 pm
really dig this guy. i think his earlier output (back to the lander – is a terrific album) is a bit better to my ears, but this is great too.
August 17, 2021 @ 3:05 pm
Wow! Thanks Trigger. Never heard of him. Gonna buy this one and look at his earlier ones. Great lyrics, great music. Since I like to sing a song I like it really pisses me off when I cant understand what the singer is saying but not here. Every thing is distinct. I can write down every word. Also the voice stands out not like so many records where the music is louder than the vocal.
August 17, 2021 @ 4:28 pm
Just really solid. This is why we still need albums. It is a far greater feat to have solid album compared to a solid single of which most any artist is capable of putting out.
August 17, 2021 @ 6:07 pm
I am surprised that multiple people said his vocals were not the best, I put in on expecting maybe a weird voice or something but at first listen (above the noise of angle grinders and other machines) it was great! Definitely one of my favorite young artists this site has introduced me to! Can’t wait to listen in a setting where I can listen closer to the lyrics!
August 18, 2021 @ 2:41 am
I think people’s criticism of his vocals is related to his prior album “Blue Jeans & Barstools”. His vocals were noticeably strained on multiple occasions throughout, which was a surprise considering his other albums were fine voice-wise (maybe because of the transition to honky tonk music). Definitely an improvement on this album.
August 17, 2021 @ 7:41 pm
Love the “kickin’ ” Thirty Five.
This guys voice has a lot of substance.
The kind of voice that keeps getting richer, with age
August 17, 2021 @ 8:54 pm
I’m liking this album, but I’m on the side saying he needs to get a bit stronger on the vocals. Overall good stuff though.
August 18, 2021 @ 2:51 am
When even the Ghost can’t find a reason to complain about the voice, the song selection, too loud guitars, not loud enough fiddle…well…damn fine album.
On my list for AotY.
More Good Music:
William Beckmann – “In The Dark” – Single/Track – Released
After the classic country sounding & smooth as “Bourbon Whiskey” hit (Top 10 Texas) with a real good (& funny) video William Beckmann is back with the next outstanding track.
Pure, country, slow, sad, real, atmospheric…no nash-pop sugar coating & again with a great video. The perfect soundtrack for a rainy day in fall.
August 18, 2021 @ 8:21 am
“When even the Ghost can’t find a reason to complain about the voice, the song selection, too loud guitars, not loud enough fiddle…well…damn fine album.
On my list for AotY.”
^
August 24, 2021 @ 5:10 am
Great straight forward country album. Several cuts remind me of the music from the movie Crazy Heart.