Album Review: I Hope It Doesn’t Take 100 Years / I’m Not Absolutely Certain by Ted Vaux
Ted Vaux’s latest release under the Big Country label, I Hope It Doesn’t Take 100 Years / I’m Not Absolutely Certain, is a humble yet striking addition to the Folk, World, & Country genre. With its roots firmly planted in country traditions, this US-based artist delivers an album that feels both timeless and refreshingly unpolished. It’s not trying too hard to impress—it just does.
The standout track, “I Hope It Doesn’t Take 100 Years,” hits you with its raw honesty. The song’s lyrics are simple but carry weight, reflecting on patience and longing without over-explaining itself. What sticks with me is how the melody lingers—soft guitar strums paired with Ted’s weathered vocals create a sense of quiet resilience. You don’t need flashy production when the emotion speaks for itself. This tune feels like sitting on a porch at sunset, thinking about life’s big questions. And honestly? That’s kinda beautiful.
Another gem is the titular “I’m Not Absolutely Certain.” It’s one of those tracks where the title says it all. There’s a hesitancy in the delivery, as if Ted himself isn’t quite sure what he’s feeling—and that vulnerability makes it relatable. The instrumentation here is understated, letting the words take center stage. One line, in particular, keeps replaying in my head: “Maybe tomorrow will make more sense than today.” Sounds like something we’ve all muttered to ourselves after a rough week.
What sets this album apart isn’t perfection—it’s authenticity. These songs feel lived-in, like they’ve been carried around for years before being recorded. They’re not polished to a shine, and thank goodness for that. Sometimes music needs a few rough edges to remind us it’s human.
In the end, listening to I Hope It Doesn’t Take 100 Years / I’m Not Absolutely Certain feels less like hearing an album and more like eavesdropping on someone’s inner monologue. It’s comforting, even if it leaves you with more questions than answers. Oddly enough, I found myself wondering why there aren’t more albums out there that sound this real. Maybe Ted Vaux has figured out something the rest of us haven’t. Or maybe he’s just winging it. Either way, it works.
