Lamontagne’s ninth entry finds him at his most thoughtful, positive and at his best. His ’70s rock inspirations are clear and evident, but he stays true to his origins.
The Grammy winner is back with his ninth studio album, “Long Way Home,” and right from the start you can feel that sense of pride and positivity in his work. Ray says “Thirty years later, I realize that every song on Long Way Home honors the journey in one way or another. The languid 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 of it. It took me nine songs to express what Townes could say in one line. I think I still have a lot to learn.”
Album opener “Step Into Your Power” is a feel-good track that oozes positivity. This track is all about seizing the day, and a beautiful call-and-response guitar riff resonates throughout the song. What also sets this single apart is the rich choral accompaniment from the Secret Sisters, which reinforces the song’s uplifting message. Their harmonies intertwine beautifully with LaMontagne’s voice, creating a soundscape that feels both expansive and intimate. The interplay of the different vocal ranges gives the track a soulful depth, elevating it beyond a mere pop hit and grounding it in heartfelt authenticity.
The next track, “I wouldn’t change a thing,” returns a little more to Lamontagne’s roots, but still continues the first track’s theme of warmth and positivity, with a song about having no regrets, no matter what happens in life. The song embodies a bittersweet sense of serenity and celebrates the beauty of life’s journey with all its twists and turns. LaMontagne’s signature raspy vocals are both comforting and poignant, giving the lyrics an authenticity that invites introspection. As he sings about having no regrets, the listener is gently reminded that every experience – good and bad – makes us 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 an enchanting track. The opening lines, “Watching that evening sun go down, within that darkness I will be found,” set a serene and thoughtful tone. LaMontagne’s ability to paint vivid pictures with his words is on full display here, transporting us to a moment of quiet reflection as day fades into night. There is a certain calmness to these images that suggests that even in the midst of uncertainty or darkness, there is a sense of comfort and familiarity. LaMontagne’s acoustic guitar playing shines, laying a gentle yet powerful foundation for this track. The instrumentation is perfectly balanced, allowing his vocal performance to take center stage.
Lamontagne’s ability to effortlessly weave an album from track to track is outstanding and really takes the listener on a journey. The penultimate song, “So Damned Blue,” is a wonderful instrumental piece. From the moment the song begins, the listener is transported into a world of introspection. The gentle strumming of the acoustic guitar sets a thoughtful tone while subtle piano undertones drift in and out, creating an additional layer of complexity. LaMontagne’s ability to create a rich soundscape without overwhelming the listener is commendable. Each note is packed with emotion and evokes a sense of nostalgia that lingers long after the song ends.
This leads the track seamlessly into one of the first singles from this album, and the final track “Long Way Home” is about childhood and sums up the essence of the entire album elegantly, highlighting such a powerful theme about positivity and reflection that it is not only a fitting conclusion, but also a profound statement about the journey we all take from adolescence to adulthood.
Ray Lamontagne’s return is a real joy, and his effortless excellence is evident throughout the record. This is definitely his most thoughtful and honest work to date. But that’s what makes this record such a privilege, as the album as a whole is such a positive listen. This album is perfect for the end of summer.
Words from Doug Dewdney
