On the fringes of country music are some truly enjoyable artists. One of these artists is Randy Weeks. Probably best known to many country music fans as the writer of the oft-recorded rocker “Can’t Let Go,” Weeks has been writing and recording interesting music for many years now and released “Going My Way” on his own Certifiable Records label. After many years in his native California, Weeks moved to Austin, TX and immersed himself in the diverse music culture there and wrote the tunes that make up this record. With a jovial Elvis Costello-like sound, “I Couldn’t Make It” opens up the record on a high note while the follow-up track “Fine Way To Treat Me” is one of Weeks’ chestnuts from his days as a member of The 90s country rock band The Lonesome Cowboys. Here the song continues the jovial, fun affair that recalls the sunny hits of pop music’s past.
And that’s what is at the heart of “Going My Way,” the record is a pure pop album with roots music influences spread throughout the disc. The title track is a good example of this as Weeks’ poetic lyrics are backed by the kind of music that used to be a radio staple. The most ‘country’ song on the album as an all-out traditional country song “The One Who Wore My Ring,” a song that showcases Weeks’ wry humor and it also is a fine example of his Willie Nelson-like vocals. Both “I Think You Think” and “Black Coffee and Lifesavers” show off Weeks’ love of words. It’s not often that an artist is able to meld truly interesting lyrics with ear catching melodies. With producer Will Sexton, Randy Weeks has crafted one of the best albums I’ve heard in the past couple of years. It’s a record that I can’t help but play over and over again.
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