Brad Tursi ‘Parallel Love’ – Debut Album Review

Brad Tursi’s debut album, Parallel Love is out now, July 19th on all streaming platforms. Take a listen and read our full review below.

While you may or may not be familiar with the name Brad Tursi, chances are you’re familiar with his work. For one, he’s a key member of Old Dominion, as a lead writer and guitarist. He’s also an acclaimed songwriter on his own, having penned mega hits for Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Cole Swindell, and many, many more.

Now, the Connecticut native is making a go of it as a solo artist, releasing his debut project, Parallel Love. While it’s not the bombastic country Old Dominion is known for, the music on the project is honest and relatable, allowing Tursi to show off the graveled rasp of a blue-eyed-soul-singer-songwriter. 

“This process was purely creative. I wasn’t even sure I’d release a project, but when I played it for my team, they all reacted really positively,” revealed Tursi in a statement. “It felt like everything aligned to finally share it.”

Additionally, the singer-songwriter took to Twitter to share that he has no plans to leave Old Dominion, but simply wanted to take his fans on a bit of a journey. “Some of these songs are more than 10 years old. This may be a little departure from what you are used to from me (don’t worry, I’m NOT leaving OD!!) but I hope you take the ride with me!”

The album opens and closes with snippets of a tune called “Oh Darlin,” which also serves as an interlude, expertly tying the chapters of the LP together. The song weaves its way through the album, providing a unique sort of cohesion as Tursi tells the tales of life on the road, missed connections, longtime friendship, finding love, and everything in-between.

As “Oh Darlin’” tells the tale of a music man, longing for love and dealing with the trappings of the road, it flows seamlessly into “Church Bells and Train Whistles,” melodically finding Tursi a man torn between running and settling down. Unsure if he wants to run or be tied down, the singer-songwriter effortlessly tells the tale of a man caught between both worlds.

With a voice that has shades of the rasp of Kip Moore and the soul of Andy Davis, Tursi truly invites listeners on a journey. “Question the Universe” is a piano-driven ballad, finding him struggling with the cruel fate of meeting “the right person, wrong time.” 

“Where You Been” is a celebratory ballad about the ease of an old friendship, while “Crazy Life” is a rootsy midtempo that has him grappling with the insanity of life as a touring musician.

“Night after lonesome night I chase this dream // But sometimes it feels like it’s chasing me // ‘Cause rock and roll will save your soul // And break your heart like highway lines // White spotlights and star-filled nights // Make dreams come true // And good girls cry // Alone at home by candlelight // But I’m still crazy for this crazy life”

The LP’s title track is a clear standout, a folksy guitar-driven jaunt that celebrates the kind of love that grows, changes, and endures. Featuring ethereal vocals from fellow songwriter Trannie Anderson, the song is a transcendent look at a special kind of love.

“We’re like two wildflowers // Growing toward the sun // You next to me, me next to you // Lord, I love to watch you bloom // Growing in a parallel love”

Love is a prominent theme in the second half of the collection, Tursi finding it and grabbing on tightly. On the bluesy “Lover and a Friend,” he knows he’s found something special in one who fills both roles, while the stunning “Afraid to Lose” has him realizing he can’t go on without her.

“It gets a little scary for sure // When I realize that you’re // Someone I’m afraid to lose // If you found another lover I don’t know what I’d do // You’re someone I’m afraid to lose, it’s true // And that’s how I know, I know I love you”

While it would’ve been easy for Brad Tursi to release an album full of songs that were surefire hits or Old Dominion castoffs, he took a different, parallel journey on Parallel Love. Instead, he channels his inner songwriter, crafting gorgeous stories over acoustic guitars and rootsy riffs that show a different side of the acclaimed artist.

Parallel Love Track List: