Wednesdays

Released in late 2020, Wednesdays marked a significant tonal shift for Ryan Adams, arriving after a period of public controversy and professional hiatus. Sonically, it is his most minimalist work since the early 2000s, eschewing the 80s-influenced rock of his self-titled era for a return to stark Americana and chamber folk. The album was primarily produced by Adams alongside Don Was and Beatriz Artola, focusing on a 'live-in-the-room' feel that emphasizes the vulnerability of the performances. Critics noted the album's somber, almost funereal pace, with AllMusic highlighting its 'hushed, haunted' quality. While it lacks the radio-ready hooks of his mid-career work, it is regarded by fans as a return to his roots as a pure songwriter, focusing on the intersection of grief and memory. The inclusion of tracks like 'Birmingham' and 'Mamma' showcases a southern gothic influence that had been largely absent from his recent discography.