Award winning singer songwriter from La Crosse, WI, Andy Hughes has been drawing inspiration from greats Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and John Prine for the last 20 years, to create his classic country sound.
In 2017 Hughes released his debut album, Heartland and Heartache, which has had him compared with the classic sound of Johnny Cash and the contemporary folk sounds of Greg Brown, affording him the opportunity to share stages with Joe Diffie, Horseshoes and Handgrenades, Willie Watson, and more. With the release of his second album Songs for Sunday, this singer-songwriter has proved he’s right where he should be.
Although Songs for Sunday took a year to make, it’s the thought provoking lyrics focusing on experiences from heartache and happiness to everyday troubles listeners will relate to that made it worth the wait.
The album’s first track, “Little Miss America,” is creatively written, describing the decline in the values upon which we were raised on. With Hughes on vocals and accompanying acoustic guitar and steel, the instrumentation shows just as much importance as the lyrics.
“Tell My Darlin” is a fast paced, boot stomping number with tons of steel & fiddle, worthy of a night of square dancing.
Things slow down a bit for the more subdued tune titled “Band-Aid.” The song showcases Hughes vocals as well impressive harmonies while telling a tale of heartache, regret and healing through the visual symbol of a band-aid.
“Sunday Blues,” is as bluesy as you can get, with steel and steady drum beats. The song was written about depression, according to Hughes via the YouTube Behind the Songs series.
The 11 track album is a personal one for Hughes, and the fact that it took so long shows in each piece the dedication in getting just what he wanted. The sound of bluegrass and folk are as much in the forefront as the incredible storytelling that goes with it.
For more information on Andy Hughes, visit his website at http://andyhughesmusic.com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
Songs for Sunday Track listing
1. Little Miss America
2. Scheme of the Song
3. Tell My Darlin’
4. Friday Nights
5. Gold Wedding Ring
6. Dancin’ Down in Nashville
7. Band-Aid
8. Witoka Ridgeway
9. Stuck in Heaven
10. Old Shiny Thing
11. Sunday Blues