Richard Lynch, a beacon of real-deal country music, once again delivers heartfelt honesty and a masterclass in classic country sound with his latest album, “Some Days Are Better Than Others.” Dropping this Friday, Lynch’s thirteen-track album, released under MTS/Fence Row Records, invites listeners to settle into a world of rich stories, timeless country warmth, and lyrics that hit like a conversation with an old friend.
The album’s title track, “Some Days Are Better Than Others,” captures the essence of Lynch’s music: a celebration of life’s simple, unpretentious moments. Based on a chance encounter in a local donut shop, this track pulls you in with its cozy sincerity, setting the tone for the album’s focus on family, friendship, and the trials of life. It’s a song that reminds us of the good days and how they sometimes shine just a little brighter, with Lynch’s voice lending each line a touch of tenderness and grit.
On tracks like “All Good Things Come Back Around,” Lynch’s tribute to his father’s musical legacy, you can practically hear the echoes of porch-side jam sessions and Sunday afternoon picking sessions, a throwback to the heart of Lynch’s Ohio roots. The song’s lyrics recall the days when “three chords and the truth” ruled the radio, and Lynch doesn’t shy away from lamenting today’s country scene, often too slick for his taste. Instead, he leans into the traditional sounds that built his career, finding new strength in classic forms. It’s a love letter to the country legends who came before him, as well as a reminder that timeless values in music are always worth fighting for.
One of the album’s most touching tracks, “Never Made Colorado,” digs deep into the pain of a relationship lost, weaving a powerful narrative that many will find painfully familiar. The song, co-written by V.L. Haywood, combines melancholy with the beauty of resilience, its lyrics capturing the heartache of parting from someone you once couldn’t imagine life without. “No, we never made Colorado, but we sure crossed that great divide,” Lynch sings, leaving listeners with a sense of loss that lingers long after the final note.
Then there’s “Jesus and Bocephus,” a heartfelt tribute to Lynch’s late friend and longtime bandmate, Tim Bennington. This one stands out for its intimate reflections on friendship and shared passion, celebrating a bond that transcends the ordinary. Here, Lynch’s vocals convey a beautiful vulnerability, and the steel guitar weaves around the lyrics like a comforting embrace.
Rounding out the album is “Right Where He Ought to Be,” a track that’s already gained attention as the theme song for Kim Kahana, The Man Who Changed Hollywood. Co-written with Kenny Day, it follows the life of Kahana, a stuntman who survived the Great Depression and the Korean War to carve out his place in Hollywood. It’s a song that reminds us of the power of resilience, reinforcing that every hardship has its purpose and every struggle its reward.
With its roots in bluegrass, Appalachian folk, and honky-tonk, “Some Days Are Better Than Others” showcases Lynch’s ability to keep the traditions of country music alive while adding his own perspective. This album is pure comfort food for the soul, perfect for anyone looking to step away from the noise and bask in a simpler, more genuine kind of storytelling.
–Bill Parsons
