Today sees the release of Brian Fallon & The Painkillers‘ new album, Not Bad For New Jersey. Produced by Butch Walker and featuring guests including Brandon Flowers of The Killers, it’s Fallon’s first full solo album in several years.
If the name Brian Fallon doesn’t immediately ring a bell, chances are you’ve at least heard of Brian Fallon or his band, The Gaslight Anthem.
I’ve always felt Fallon is one of those songwriters who never quite gets the recognition he deserves outside rock circles. He writes songs that feel lived in. Relatable songs about getting older, making mistakes, heartbreaks, carrying scars and somehow finding a way forward anyway.
There’s a reason people often mention Bruce Springsteen when talking about him, but I’ve always thought Fallon sounds most like himself when he’s telling stories about ordinary people trying to navigate ordinary lives.
My personal favourite solo album remains Painkillers. On difficult days, there is something comforting about Fallon’s voice. It feels less like a performance and more like a conversation from someone who has been through a few things and survived them.
In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms, trends and thirty-second clips, Brian Fallon continues to make albums that reward sitting down and listening from start to finish.
That alone deserves some respect.
So if you’ve never given Brian Fallon a chance, today might be a good day to start. Sometimes the best songs come from the people who never seem interested in chasing the spotlight. Brian, I’ll set aside my work and you have all of my 38 minutes now.
Give the album a spin below.
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