JD Clayton: Blue Sky Sundays Review

With JD Clayton’s release of his second studio album Blue Sky Sundays on February 28th, his place in the western blues rock world is solidified. The Arkansas native is stepping into the producer’s chair for the first time, bringing his vibrant, live-show energy into the studio. Vance Powell, a seven-time Grammy Award-winning producer and mixer, mixed the sound on Blue Sky Sundays, bringing his expertise with intricate sonic details that helped reshape the album’s free-flowing and organic sound. 

Starting Blue Sky Sundays’ “Let You Down” with a harmonic and soft intro only to slam into a darker smooth blues groove. Its soulful, southern-tinged sound is highlighted with a drum solo abruptly transitioning into an angelic piano heavy ending. It perfectly resonates with the tumultuous feeling of letting someone down. 

The album’s latest single, “Dirt Roads of Red,” brings a traditional southern swagger to the quintessential blues rock storytelling method that immediately draws in the listener. With its bluesy piano, funky grooves, and a slide guitar solo that cuts through the air like a hot knife, the track is a perfect taste of what’s to come from the rest of the album. 

“Madeline” is a broken heart song with a vibe fit for grabbing your partner and two-stepping in the moonlight. Clayton’s manner of delivering bad news with a smile is unmatched. The fourth song on the album, “Slow and Steady” is another song reminiscent of love lost, but with a more fitting melody. This deep and slow groove underlines the story Clayton unfolds like a movie with a bridge followed by a guitar solo that got stuck in my head for days. 

Getting personal on us, Clayton’s “Arkansas Kid” is a boot stompin’ theme song for a proper ass kicking. Pistol shooting, road trips, and warnings of fighting back to get his woman back is a complete soap opera told over three minutes. The bluesy guitar solo, catchy chorus, and entrancing notes are so good it would have had Bonnie and Clyde hollerin’ along into the wind. 

Sliding in a southern blues rock cover of Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason” for Blue Sky Sundays sixth song, Clayton honorably transforms the song into his own. I, personally, think this is the only way to cover a song, especially in a studio album as one could easily just switch to the original without a second thought. Clayton’s spin on this captures and keeps the listener’s attention for a well done new take on a beautiful classic.

“High Hopes and Low Expectations” is a captivating ballad that draws the listener in with its poignant, heartfelt storytelling, similar to the emotionally charged style Jamey Johnson uses. The song carries a raw sincerity that mirrors the struggles of life with a timeless tap into a classic country ballad while infusing it with a subtle groove. The smooth guitar work, slow percussion, and tender vocals creates a peaceful melancholy.

Following the peaceful tune into a quick intro of the eighth song, “Dance Another Dance” lives up to its name by quickly kicking into an upbeat and lively blues rock tune. It is perfect for a leaving the barstool on a Saturday night to hit the dance floor and celebrate life with a loved one and a huge smile.

The last song of the album, “Goodnight” is a slow lullabye-esque ballad bidding a farewell to his little girl before traveling for work. My dad is and has been an over-the-road trucker my whole life. He was brave enough to take me on the road with him when he could, but when he left again my world was crushed. Thinking of it from his perspective through Clayton’s gentle tone reminds me of Lonestar’s “Already There” but with a specific distinction that Clayton is singing to his daughter. It’s enough to make a grown girl cry the happiest tears, knowing he was working with all the love in his heart.

Overall, Blue Sky Sundays is a musical book taking the listener on a different journey with each melody as the stories evolve. It comes together with a western country blues rock vibe. JD Clayton’s new album is not one to miss.

The Review: 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Dirt Roads of Red
– Give Me One Reason
– Goodnight
– Arkansas Kid

The Big Hit

– Arkansas Kid