Morgan Wade “Reckless” Review

Admittedly, my hand was shaking as I clicked the link for the first time. I was about to listen to Morgan Wade’s long awaited solo debut, “Reckless”, and I was filled with both a sense of eagerness as well as hesitation. Although the anticipation for “Reckless” has been palpable, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t concerned about this batch of songs based solely upon a couple of the singles that I’d already heard. To be clear, I was worried about over-production. Thankfully, any fears I had were put to bed immediately upon hearing the record in its entirety. That’s not to say that “Reckless” is necessarily what fans are expecting, but I believe that’s the point.

             If you’re searching for an overriding theme to this record, after the first spin it will become obvious that love is Morgan Wade’s muse. She demonstrates this over the course of ten songs and expertly wields her prose to draw emotion out of her listeners. The subject matter may be consistent throughout “Reckless”, but what is impressive is the fact that she never describes the same aspect of her muse the same way more than once. It’s consistent without becoming repetitive. 

            “Reckless” was recorded at The Bakery in Nashville, Tennessee and produced/mixed by Sadler Vaden(The 400 unit) and Grammy award winning  producer/engineer Paul Ebersold.  The album receives help from an impressive list of contributors. There’s Jimbo Hart on bass guitar. Jaime Dick and Fred Eltringham on drums and percussion. Sadler Vaden handles electric guitar duties and lends a hand on keys and synthesizers along with Paul Ebersold and Derry deBorja. Without further ado, lets dig into these songs for some deeper insight. After which, I’ll render my personal opinion about “Reckless” as a whole.

            With “Wilder Days”, Wade eschews expectations from the onset. Fans of her earlier work with Morgan Wade and the Stepbrothers may be expecting more of a fuzzed out southern rock sound, so she starts this one off with a well-polished pop-rock strut that’s downright disarming. She’s letting us know right away that this is hers. Check your expectations at the door and enjoy the ride.

            “Matches and Metaphors” is both a yearnful plea for reciprocated love, and a testament to the stubbornness that can prevent just that. The instrumentation here is acoustic based, soft, and really shines a light on the sincerity of Wades lyricism. About halfway through this song, you’ll notice a trend developing… It’s the hooks. They’re incredible.

            “Other Side” speaks of young love, when perhaps we had more issues to overcome as individuals. It also speaks to the strength of this love, if it manages to survive those tribulations.

Bur even in the dark

You love my bitter heart

And we’ll make it to the other side

-“Other Side”

It was while listening to “Other Side" that I let go of any reservations I previously had concerning Sadler Vaden and Paul Ebersold’s production and engineering of this record. Not that they had anything to prove, but by now they’ve clearly demonstrated that Morgan Wade’s songs are in good hands.

            “Don’t Cry” is a dark, reflective, and self-conscious song that’s seems to convey the message that sometimes you must lose yourself entirely in order to gain control of your life. In fact, falling apart can be a beautiful process. It’s this type of vulnerability that built Wade a following, and it’s easy to see why. 

Don’t cry 

Don’t cry

Don’t cry

At some point your hero must die

To escape the hands of time

It’s okay to not be alright

-“Don’t Cry”

            “Mend” tackles the fear of loneliness as well as the fear of losing the love that cured that loneliness in the first place. It’s also the only song familiar to those uninitiated to Wade’s live act. This song was also featured on her record with Morgan Wade and the Stepbrothers in 2018. The first recording is more a southern rock style ballad, and it’s very good. But what Sadler Vaden and Paul Ebersold do here, truly take it to the next level. They wrap those lyrics around a melody fueled by a 1960’s style R&B riff and adjust the tempo ever so slightly. Wade bends her vocal chords just a bit about halfway through the chorus, and what used to be a very good song, has now become a great one. 

No words spoken

I’m so broken

I hope you can mend me

-“Mend”

            And just when you’re getting comfortable… Here comes “Last Cigarette” to keep you on your toes. A pop-infused joyride that you can’t get out of your head. This is where Morgan Wade’s mass appeal becomes not only evident, but undeniable.

Tell me the truth: Is it over for you?

It isn’t for me, but I’ll say what you want me to say

Addiction is strong, I know it’s wrong

But I need that high, I ain’t gonna lie

-“Last Cigarette”

            Personally, I believe “Last Cigarette” would be a welcome addition to country radio. Is it the most deserving of bunch? Perhaps not. But clocking in at 2 minutes and 49 seconds it does seem rather tailor made for it. And not one mention of moonlight, tailgates, or cold beer… I’m here for it.

            “Take Me Away” is a rock infused ballad that finds our narrator wanting to let go of her defense mechanisms in order to find the assurance that only love can provide. Sadler and Ebersold work some magic with this one by adding perfectly timed string arrangements to the mix. It’s a subtle move, but it really draws the listener in. Once again, the hook is absolutely addictive. Noticed the trend?

            The title track is up next, and it marks the beginning of a three-song run that caps the album off in a spectacular fashion. Here, Wade confronts the destructive tailspin that the loss of love can bring with it. It perfectly describes the confusion that comes along with losing yourself in someone else, only to watch it all fall apart. Although our narrator may be sullen, she hasn’t lost her resolve. 

I quit checking all the road signs

You don’t give a damn what you left behind

I guess I’ll keep moving on

Til’ the thought of you is gone

-“Reckless”

            “Northern Air” is an acoustic toe tapper that copes with the tortuous self- reflection, self-doubt and longing that physical distance can create whether it be in an active relationship, or one that has met its end. This song really resonates and Wade conveys these emotions with pinpoint accuracy.

I haven’t seen you in so long

But after all this time, these feelings…

They’re not gone

-“Northern Air”

            The album reaches its conclusion with “Met You”, by far the most stripped-down effort included on “Reckless”. Once again, love is on the agenda. The lyrics here focus on the quiet reflection and fond memories of meeting that special someone. But reflect is all our narrator can do. Alas, love has slipped through her fingertips. Saddled with nothing more than an acoustic guitar, Wade’s raspy, southern tinged vocals and overall range are on full display. Sadler Vaden and Paul Ebersold sprinkle in some organ and harp tones that really create a shimmering effect and compliment Wade perfectly.

            The verdict: I’m extremely impressed with what Wade has accomplished with this release. She compromised nothing lyrically, and the musical arrangements themselves are a funky blend of pop, southern rock, and no bones about it, country music. This is something that others have attempted with subpar results, and Morgan Wade is not only up to the task on this effort, but she may well be the future of country radio. This is not hyperbole. This will appeal to the masses, and I believe it will also satisfy the ardent fan base she has carefully collected over the past 4 years as well. I only hope that Morgan Wade is ready for the well-deserved attention and measure of fame she’s about to receive. To use her own words, “When it rains it pours, To hell with the metaphors”.