Wisdom Lies Beauty Bends by Keating Jones: A Forgotten Gem from '98
Alright, let’s talk about this under-the-radar rock album that deserves way more love than it gets. Wisdom Lies Beauty Bends by Keating Jones dropped in 1998, and honestly? It’s got that sweet AOR (Adult Oriented Rock) vibe that feels like a warm hug for your ears. The band hails from Canada, and while they didn’t have some big-label backing—this one’s self-released on “Not On Label”—they still managed to put out something pretty special.
First off, the tracklist is solid all the way through, but if I had to pick two songs that stuck with me, it’d be Brilliant Life and Both Ends Against The Middle.
Brilliant Life kicks things off with this catchy-as-hell guitar riff that just grabs you by the collar. You can tell right away these guys weren’t messing around when they wrote this thing. The lyrics are kinda reflective without being overly sappy, which is refreshing. Like, yeah, life isn’t always perfect, but there’s beauty in the chaos—and the chorus nails that message perfectly. Plus, the vocals? Super smooth, man. They remind me of those late-night drives where you’re not really going anywhere, just cruising and thinking about stuff.
Then there’s Both Ends Against The Middle, which is such a banger. This one’s got an edge to it, almost like they’re poking fun at how everyone tries to play both sides of the fence. The rhythm section is tight as heck, and the solo near the end? Chef’s kiss. It’s one of those tracks that sneaks up on you after a couple listens—it starts feeling like an old friend. And hey, who doesn’t love a good metaphorical title?
The rest of the album keeps the momentum going too. Tracks like Tomorrowland and Manifest Destiny bring some serious depth, while tunes like Bon Voyage and Retro keep things light and groovy. Honestly, it’s hard not to appreciate the variety here. Whether you’re into head-bobbing melodies or thoughtful lyrics, Keating Jones has got you covered.
One random thing I noticed? There’s a lot of existential pondering going on in this record. Songs like Feet Of Clay and I Already Know make you stop and think, like, “Damn, what am I even doing with my life?” But instead of bumming you out, it kinda motivates you to figure it out. Weird, right?
So yeah, Wisdom Lies Beauty Bends might not have blown up back in the day, but it’s the kind of album that grows on you over time. It’s like finding a twenty-dollar bill in an old jacket—you didn’t expect much, but suddenly you’re stoked. If you’re into rock with heart and soul, do yourself a favor and give this one a spin. Who knows? Maybe we’ll see a reunion tour someday… or maybe Keating Jones will stay one of those hidden treasures only true music nerds know about. Either way, count me in.
