Album Review: Things by Buddy Alan (1972)
Alright, let’s talk about Things, Buddy Alan’s 1972 gem on Capitol Records. It’s one of those albums that sneaks up on you—quiet at first, but then it sticks around like an old friend who knows all your secrets. The genre is Folk, World, & Country, with a heavy lean into Country vibes, and man, does it feel like home.
I gotta start with “One Good Woman.” This track hits different, y’know? It’s not flashy or trying too hard; it just feels honest. The lyrics are simple yet so real—they remind me of sitting on a porch somewhere, sipping something cold and thinking about life. There’s this rawness in Buddy’s voice, like he’s lived every word he’s singing. I swear, the line about holding onto love like it’s the last thing you’ve got? That stayed with me for days. You don’t hear songs like this anymore—ones that make you stop scrolling through your phone and actually feel.
Then there’s the title track, “Things.” Oh boy, this one’s a slow burn. At first listen, it might seem kinda plain, but give it time. By the second verse, you’re hooked. The melody has this gentle sway to it, almost like it’s lulling you into a daydream. What gets me most is how relatable it is—everyone’s got their own “things,” right? Little worries, big regrets, stuff we can’t quite put into words. Buddy nails it here without overcomplicating anything.
This album came out in ’72, and honestly, it feels timeless. Like, if someone handed me this record today, I wouldn’t bat an eye—it’s still relevant, still touching hearts. Maybe that’s why Capitol Records took a chance on Buddy Alan back then. They must’ve known they had something special.
Here’s the thing though: listening to Things makes me wonder what happened to artists like Buddy Alan. Where did they go? Why do we have so much noise now and so little soul? Not saying modern music doesn’t have its moments, but albums like this? They’re rare treasures.
So yeah, check out Things if you haven’t already. And hey, maybe pour yourself a cup of coffee while you’re at it. Something tells me Buddy would approve.
