Heatwave

Released as part of a massive multi-album drop on New Year's Day 2024, Heatwave represents Ryan Adams' foray into a more aggressive, post-punk influenced sound. Moving away from the '80s stadium rock sheen of his self-titled era or the folk-leaning roots of his early career, this album prioritizes speed and grit. The tracklist is dominated by songs under three minutes, emphasizing a 'first thought, best thought' recording philosophy that leans heavily on tape saturation and lo-fi aesthetics. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the album's departure from his typical melodic structures in favor of a more abrasive, garage-rock texture. It serves as a companion piece to the other 2024 releases but stands out for its consistent tempo and lack of acoustic balladry. The record highlights Adams' ability to inhabit different rock subgenres while maintaining his signature lyrical focus on self-sabotage and urban loneliness.