Country music is not what it used to be.  Looking at its progression over time, it might not feel the same way now as it did long ago.  However, Jake Bugg is one special young guy who brings a lot of heart, and brings modern day country that you can respect.
Right from the get-go, his first two songs really do pull at your heartstrings, no pun intended.  Two songs about love and the southern rain do no less than heartwarming.  The melodies are smooth, sunny, easy.  While the first song is more loving, and the second a bit sullener, you’ll still feel a strain in your heart.  A country love song has a very real, unmistakable emotion beneath.  It’s one of the main reasons to appreciate this genre.
The best song on the album, “Waiting” with Noah Cyrus is beautiful.  It’s true, Cyrus does most of the work, but a country duet always brings something special to the table, and the these two do sound incredibly smooth together.  A track about waiting for love with some surprising sax and horn integration gets a 5-star rating.
Following “Waiting”, the next two songs are hidden gems that get much more solemn.  This surprised me as Bugg showed the grandeur he is capable of.  “The Man on Stage” and the titular track begin to stray away from country in a more intense, powerful direction.  Bugg feels much older and weathered here.  Perhaps this represents the extent of his heartstrain.
Unfortunately, a small fear came true.  Instead of resorting to pop, Bugg gives off a folk – indie vibe.  5 tracks: “In the Event of My Demise”, “This Time”, “Burn Alone”, “Indigo Blue”, and “Bigger Lover” remind me of some small indie concert, a cute attempt of a little kid to sound like an emotional cool boy driving his truck into sunset.  He reaches a bit more of a vibrato tone, his lyrics get a little wishy washy, and the rhythms pick up.  It’s weak, and not his most successful route.  The songs are fine, but I don’t need more indie. 
Now, despite the few skippable indie tracks, Jake Bugg is still the man and still delivers solid songs.  It means a lot to be able to add 2017 music to my quality country playlist.
Mr. Soirée