Album Review: Country Songs Volume Four by Cole Wilson And His Tumbleweeds
Alright, let’s talk about Country Songs Volume Four by Cole Wilson And His Tumbleweeds. This little gem hails from New Zealand, which might not be the first place you think of when it comes to country music, but hey, that’s part of its charm. Released under Viking Records back in the day (yeah, I’m avoiding exact dates here because who cares?), this album has a laid-back vibe that feels like sitting on a porch with a cold drink while life just kinda rolls by.
The genre is Folk, World, & Country, and the style leans heavily into classic country vibes—think twangy guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and enough yodeling to make your grandma smile. Speaking of yodeling, one track that stuck out for me was “Yodel Boogie.” Yeah, yeah, I know what you’re thinking—yodeling can sometimes feel gimmicky, right? But this one actually works. It’s upbeat, fun as heck, and makes you wanna tap your foot or maybe even attempt a yodel yourself (spoiler alert: don’t). There’s something about how Cole throws his voice around that feels raw and unpolished in all the best ways. You can tell he’s having a blast, and honestly, it’s infectious.
Another standout track is “Bury Me Under The Weeping Willow.” Now, if you’re into melancholy tunes with a side of drama, this one’s for you. The lyrics are simple yet haunting, painting this picture of love lost and regrets lingering under a weeping willow tree. It’s the kind of song that sneaks up on you after a few listens—you find yourself humming it at random moments, wondering why you’re suddenly emotional over a tree. Credit where it’s due, though; Cole wrote both these tracks himself, so props to him for crafting songs that stick with you.
Other tracks like “Highway Hobo” and “Faded Coat Of Blue” round out the album nicely, offering more tales of wanderlust and heartache. They’re solid, no doubt, but they didn’t grab me quite as hard as those two standouts did.
Here’s the thing: listening to this album feels like stepping into another time. Like, you could imagine cowboys riding off into sunsets somewhere while spinning this record on repeat. Weirdly enough, knowing it came from New Zealand adds an extra layer of intrigue. It’s proof that good storytelling through music doesn’t need borders or fancy production tricks—it just needs honesty.
Final thought? If you’re looking for polished perfection, this ain’t it. But if you dig genuine, heartfelt tunes with a dash of quirkiness, give Country Songs Volume Four a shot. Oh, and here’s a weird reflection: isn’t it kinda wild how yodeling somehow ties together mountains, cowboys, AND New Zealand? Food for thought.
