Brothers Osborne released their third studio album Friday, titled ‘Skeletons’. Every song on this collection was written or co-written by at least one of the brothers. Preparation for the album began prior to the current global pandemic, and John & TJ went into it knowing that they wanted to make a full album of songs that could be heard in their live shows. So now that concerts have been put on hold for the foreseeable future, it’s nice that fans can put this album on and pretend they are rocking out at a show. The record has a decidedly more 70s rock vibe than their previous work and I’m not mad at it. There are no duds in this 12-song collection, though I may not rush back to listen to all of them equally.
Firstly, it’s worth noting that ‘Muskrat Greene’ is completely instrumental, and it was a smart choice to not note that on the track list. The title is intriguing enough to make people want to listen without skipping right over it. As I was listening, I was wondering when the vocals would come in and realized halfway through that there wasn’t going to be vocals. It draws people in, and the guitar riffs are so good that you don’t want to change the song. I can imagine this being plugged into a set right before an intermission or during a wardrobe change to buy time.
If I had to pick my favorite songs on this collection, they would be ‘I’m Not For Everyone’ and ‘Make It a Good One’. The former is exactly what you think it is, that everyone is different and some of his lifestyle choices may be a head-scratcher to some people. The vocals on this song are great, it sits more in the country lane while still veering rock, and the message is something we all need to hear right now. ‘Make It a Good One’, if released as a single, could stand to be one of their greatest songs. People need to live life without regrets, because as they say so eloquently, “you ain’t never gonna find a U-Haul getting pulled behind a hearse.” Even if it is never released to radio, because it sits low on the track list which never bodes well, this can definitely become a deep cut fan favorite song.
I never had a previous desire to see Brothers Osborne in concert, but this album has changed my opinion on that. I would buy a ticket, just to see what they would do with these songs in a live setting. Every album serves its purpose, and this one gives fans a live show experience in their home. To listen to ‘Skeletons’, click here.
