Joseph Turner & The Dudes of Hazard are back with a new single called “Missouri”, and I love what Joseph is doing here. Every release gives me another reason to enjoy his music and this one brings a change I wasn’t expecting.
The opening section had me picturing a drive along Missouri roads at 3 in the afternoon. It moves at a pace with a gentle rhythm, simple instrumentation and melodies that kept my attention the whole time. The lyrics draw you into the story and Joseph’s vocal delivery suits the song without pushing too hard. I enjoyed the songwriting here and the arrangement gives his voice so much space and room.
Then, a few seconds after the three minute mark, the track shifts gears. The energy lifts, the melodies take a different direction and the stronger instrumental backing gives Joseph so much to work with. I loved his delivery in this section, along with the songwriting and instruments behind him. It plays like two songs joined together, but the change works. There’s a personal story underneath it too, losing loved ones early in life can change how you see the world and that idea gives the song more to sit with.
I love this artist’s sound and the quality of his music. He keeps finding something different to bring to each release and I enjoy seeing where he’ll go next. “Missouri” gives me two sides of Joseph’s songwriting in one track and both left me wanting to hear it again. Enjoy the solo and make sure you follow him online.
