Album Review: Supposed To Be by Jett's Creek
If you’re into bluegrass with a side of soul-stirring storytelling, then Supposed To Be by Jett’s Creek is worth your time. Released back in 2008, this folk-country gem from the US feels like sitting on a porch at sunset—simple, heartfelt, and kinda perfect. Adam McIntosh, the man behind most of the magic here, wears more hats than a dress-up box. Banjo? Check. Lead vocals? Yup. Mandolin, bass, guitar? All him too. It’s like he decided, “Why bother calling anyone else?” And honestly? He pulls it off.
Let’s talk tracks, because that’s where the fun is. One song that sticks in my head is "God Must Be A Cowboy At Heart." It’s got this easygoing charm, like a lazy afternoon ride through dusty plains. The lyrics paint pictures so vivid you can almost smell the saddle leather and hear the creak of boots on wooden floorboards. McIntosh’s voice has this warm, gravelly quality that makes you believe every word. You don’t just listen to this track—you live it for three minutes.
Then there’s "Highway 40 Blues," which hits different. This one feels raw, like a letter scribbled late at night when you’re feeling lost. The banjo work here is killer—it skips along but still carries weight, kind of like life itself. There’s something about how the rhythm guitar (courtesy of Jon McIntosh) locks in with the melody that makes it impossible not to tap your foot. By the second chorus, you’ll probably catch yourself humming along—even if you didn’t mean to.
Evan McGregor adds some extra flavor on fiddle for several tracks, including these two standouts. His playing doesn’t steal the spotlight; instead, it blends right in, adding texture without overpowering. Props to him for wearing dual hats as engineer on those same cuts—he clearly knows his stuff.
What strikes me most about Supposed To Be is its honesty. These aren’t flashy songs trying to impress anyone—they’re real, down-to-earth stories told with care. Even though Adam McIntosh did most of the heavy lifting, it never feels overproduced or forced. That DIY vibe works wonders here, giving the album an authentic edge you don’t always find in polished studio projects.
And hey, isn’t it wild how one guy can pull off so many instruments? Makes me wonder what he’d do if he had a full band backing him up. Maybe we’ll get lucky someday and find out.
So yeah, give Supposed To Be a spin. Whether you’re a die-hard bluegrass fan or just looking for something genuine to brighten your day, this album delivers. Just don’t blame me if you end up humming “God Must Be A Cowboy” all week—I warned ya!
