The Wanted

Released in 2020, this self-titled effort by The Wanted (not to be confused with the 2010 British boy band debut of the same name) is a dedicated exploration of traditional American roots music. The album leans heavily into bluegrass, Americana, and acoustic folk, featuring a 14-track sequence that emphasizes storytelling and instrumental interplay. Tracks like 'Alberta Sky' and 'The Girl On The Greenbriar Shore' suggest a deep reverence for the Appalachian songbook and regional folk narratives. Sonically, the record is characterized by its lack of percussion, relying instead on the rhythmic drive of the acoustic guitar and upright bass. The recording context appears to favor a 'live-in-room' feel, capturing the natural bleed between microphones and the creak of wooden floors. It stands as a significant stylistic outlier, prioritizing heritage sounds and acoustic purity over any contemporary pop sensibilities.