NYCS First Impression: Jon Pardi ‘Heartache Medication’

Jon Pardi’s third studio album Heartache Medication is finally here, and there is a reason why it was named one of Billboard’s Most Anticipated Albums. Cowritten and coproduced by the California native, the album is filled with fun upbeat songs about drinking, a few ballads, a fiddle, and Pardi’s old school twang. It is everything we could have wanted and more.

In a recent press release the artist shared his excitement for the album, “I’m really proud of this record. I’m really proud of all the session players, and the songwriters that delivered great songs. I wrote half the record and Nashville stepped in and wrote the other half, and I’m very proud of that.”

The album starts with the song “Old Hat.” Different from the other songs on the album, this shows what kind of gentleman the singer-songwriter is. He questions what happened to the traditions of holding the door open for a girl. While interesting to start slow on the album, it does raise a powerful question of what happened to chivalry? The album picks up a little bit of speed with the title track “Heartache Medication”. While songs about heartache are typically sad, this is far from it as it begins with a fiddle. The first of many tracks about drinking, it’s a song about alcohol being the perfect medication to move on after a breakup.

“Nobody Leaves a Girl Like That” talks about the girl that you never want to leave as she hits every checkbox. If you do leave her and break her heart of gold, it will be a big mistake. One of the more somber songs on the album, “Ain’t Always the Cowboy” shows a more vulnerable side of the artist.  The track shares the message that isn’t always the guys’ fault who ends the relationship. Women can choose to go their separate way too.

We all have a love/hate relationship with alcohol, and for Pardi, it’s no different. “Me and Jack” will have everyone up on their feet, especially with the fiddle solos throughout the song. It’s a comical track as it talks about Pardi’s relationship with Jack Daniels. How it turns him into a different person, as it had caused him to miss work, fight, curse, forget what happened the night before, and even landing him in jail.

“Don’t Blame it on the Whiskey” features Pardi’s friend and fellow country artist, Lauren Alaina. Cowritten by stars Eric Church and Miranda Lambert, the ballad shares the message that you can’t blame the issues of your relationship on a drunken fight. People usually tell their honest thoughts when drunk, so you get down to the bottom of what really caused the argument and decide if you should be together or not. In our most recent chat with Pardi, he told us all about this duet.  “I knew me and Lauren sang great together, we hosted the ACM Honors together and we sang a lot,” he says of the decision to add a female voice. “She’s got a really soulful voice on this track, she can belt it, Lauren Alaina’s got some vocal pipes but it’s a little softer and it’s really pretty”.

Named after an old-fashioned western term, meaning to get drunk, “Tied One On” continues to show Pardi’s appreciation for old school country music and continuing with the drinking theme, “Oughta Know That” is relatable to anyone who has stayed out later than expected on a work or school night and drank more than they were planning on.

“Tequila Little Time” brings out the California in Pardi. It’ starts with the playing of trumpets and overall has a laid back vibe, sharing the message is it’s ok to forget the past, have fun, and get to know someone over a drink of tequila. “Buy That Man a Beer” shows appreciation is for every hardworking guy out there. “Call Me Country” is a song honoring all of Pardi’s country music heroes and how the genre isn’t the same as it once was. During our interview, he said ““It’s more there are a lot of influences where I grew up on listening to Brooks and Dunn, Dwight Yoakam, George Strait, Mark Chestnutt, all kinds of sounds on there, that’s all blended together to where it’s me, it’s brand new sounding but it’s got a little remembrance of a different time.”

The album ends with the track “Starlight” which was the perfect choice. It’s a song honoring those who Pardi has lost in his life. While it’s sad that they are no longer with us, the artist knows that they are shining down on him and watching over him as his career continues to flourish. Overall, Heartache Medication shows how talented Pardi truly is as he mixes his love for old school country with the contemporary sound of today.

The album’s release party is right here in New York City at the historic Hammerstein Ballroom with special guest Tyler Rich. If you aren’t able to make it, Pardi will be heading out on the  Heartache Medication tour starting with two sold-out shows at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Find out if he is coming to a city near you here.

To keep up with Jon Pardi follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Heartache Medication is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

 

 

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