Authenticity is key in working class music, from folk or country to good ol’ fashioned rock n’ roll, actually believing that the musician believes in their music. Long-lived artists like Bruce Springsteen can pull it off no matter how rich they get, while others like Jack White rely on sheer skill, but there’s many a ‘new country’ artist who feels like he or she was picked by a suit in Nashville and you’re being told that you should love them. Which is why a truly authentic, working class, country-rock act like Memphis’ Lucero hit so nicely on Should’ve Learned By Now.
While not expanding their sound like some of their prior albums, every song on Now feels true. That does mean that singer Ben Nichols sings a bunch about being in a band – but also being in bars. Opener “One Last F.U.” showcases his gritty smile in a killer kiss-off, while the following “Macon If We Make It” has real rock n’ roll heart. He speaks to every musician’s hope that the girl he likes will be “At the Show”, and even when he says in the subsequent song that he doesn’t think about her anymore, you know “Nothing’s Alright”.
Admittedly rather front-loaded in terms of quality, the back half is more straightforward on Should’ve Learned By Now. But this is authentic, high quality rock n’ roll.
