Jerry Wallace’s King of the Mountain: A Blast from the Past That Still Rocks (Kinda)
Alright, let’s talk about Jerry Wallace’s King of the Mountain, a 1960 gem that’s equal parts pop charm and rock ‘n’ roll swagger. Released on the Challenge label in good ol’ US of A, this album is like your grandpa’s cool leather jacket—dated but still got some swagger to it. It’s not perfect, but hey, neither was 1960. Let’s dive into why this slice of vintage vinyl deserves a spin—or at least a nod.
First off, you gotta hand it to Jerry for crafting tunes that stick in your head like gum under a diner table. Take “You’re Singing Our Love Song To Somebody Else” (yeah, they repeat the title twice in case you forgot what you were listening to). This track is pure soap opera gold. The lyrics are dramatic enough to make a rom-com screenwriter blush, but Wallace delivers them with such earnestness that you can’t help but root for him. It’s like watching someone trip over their words while trying to confess their feelings—it’s awkward, kinda sweet, and oddly memorable. Plus, the melody has this bouncy quality that makes you want to grab a milkshake and pretend you're in an old-school diner scene.
Then there’s the title track, “King of the Mountain.” If this song were a person, it’d strut around with its chest puffed out, demanding attention. It’s got that classic rock ‘n’ roll vibe—simple chords, a steady beat, and just enough bravado to keep things interesting. Listening to it feels like stepping into a time machine where leather jackets and greased-back hair were all the rage. Sure, it might not reinvent the wheel, but sometimes you don’t need reinvention—you just need something fun to tap your foot to. And boy, does this one deliver.
Now, let’s be real: King of the Mountain isn’t gonna compete with modern playlists or whatever TikTok algorithm decides is “cool” these days. But that’s okay! This album doesn’t try too hard to impress; instead, it leans into its quirks and lets its personality shine through. Jerry Wallace may not have been the actual king of anything back then, but he sure knew how to belt out a tune that sticks with you long after the needle lifts off the record.
So here’s the kicker: listening to this album made me realize something profound—well, as profound as thoughts get when you’re vibing to 60-year-old music. Sometimes life feels like one big game of musical chairs. Everyone’s scrambling for their spot, singing their own love songs—or somebody else’s—and trying to claim their little corner of the mountain. Jerry Wallace might not have conquered Everest, but he sure left his mark on this rocky peak called Rock & Roll. And honestly? That’s pretty dang cool.
(Oh, and if anyone asks, yes, I totally knew what "King of the Mountain" meant before writing this review... mostly.)
