Nothings Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now

Justin Townes Earle’s got the blues. A serious undercurrent of unhappy thoughts courses through *Nothing’s Gonna Change*, the fourth full-length from the talented Nashville musician. In the place of gospel or rockabilly seasoning, Earle goes to the sound of Memphis soul, with horns, unhurried arrangements, and a voice that often sounds like he’s just taken a gut hit. There are signs that perhaps his struggle to stay outside the hard-partying life has taken a backseat. Lyrics like “I tell her I’ve been getting sick again/we both pretend we don’t know why” suggest he’s not too happy with his current state. On the chillingly beautiful “Unfortunately, Anna,” his frustration and despair is palpable: “I’m feeling low and downright mean,” he breathlessly snarls as a steel guitar exhales in the background. The music ranges from the kind of quiet introspection fans of Nick Lowe will appreciate (“Am I That Lonely Tonight?,” “Won’t Be the Last Time”) to a pop-country blend that recalls Lyle Lovett (“Maria,” “Memphis in the Rain”) and a scattering of horn-inflected barroom shuffles (“Baby’s Got a Bad Idea,” “Look the Other Way”).

If you still haven't listened to Harlem River Blues, Nashville heir-to-the-Americana throne Justin Townes Earle's 2010 album, go do that first, before you get into Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now. It was one of the best albums released that year, and it got the critical attention it deserves, but three days after its release, Earle found himself in trouble with the law, arrested for battery, public drunkenness and resisting arrest after an altercation with venue staff at Radio Radio in Indianapolis.

Check out our album review of Artist's Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now on Rolling Stone.com.

Justin Townes Earle has written songs of searing honesty on his album Nothing's Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now.