Joe Shelton - The Americana Diaries (2017)

This is the second album from Joe Shelton and it was developed and worked on for over 20 months. The recording was all done inside Joe's own recording studio which is called "Bob's Country Bunker" in honor of one of his favorite films of all time... The Blues Brothers. The songs represent a collective of stories from the heartland of the USA. Each story wrapped in music is what Joe likes to call an "Americana Diary". They are little pieces of American life told with an optimistic view of life in 21st century America with an eye on the ups and downs of the times in which we live. From the party anthem 21 to the hope of a lifelong love in My Heart is Open you will find relatable heartfelt stories which will make you laugh, cry, smile and think.
Track 1 is 21. It features Sydney Paige's electric vocals powering the chorus. Sydney is an up and coming artist who's debut EP Fool's Gold is available worldwide. She brings a strength and power to the song that simply wouldn't have been there without her. We also can't miss the Impact of the other Featured Artist.. Slater Kane. He brings his hip-hop power in a down home manner to infuse a bit of flavor into the bridge and carry this song home. If you aren't dancing to this song in the first 30 seconds, you are missing a great opportunity.
Track 2 is Americana Diary. It consists of 3 short stories and outlines the concept for this entire album. True stories of the Heartland USA.
Track 3 is 2 B with U. It is a straight up happy dance infused love song. The catchy pop beats and counter melodies are everywhere...but with a story of true love underneath.
Track 4 is Riverside. It is a cautionary tale of love and family and the unexpected. Sometimes our split second, in the moment decisions effect the rest of our lives. Sometimes this is good and sometimes not... sometimes both.
Track 5 is Open Up Your Heartache. This is the story of reaching out to a friend in need and hoping to help them no matter if they think they need it or not.
Track 6 is Freedom Highway. It is a powerful rock infused journey through a marriage falling apart and the path to recovery.
Track 7 is Evergreen. Bouncing back from all that has happened before and finding the love of your life.
Track 8 is American Dream. Small time musicians everywhere and those who come out and support them will know exactly what this song is. It is the story of getting an opportunity no matter how small and making the most of it.
Track 9 is Little Girl. A very personal song written by Joe for his daughter in honor of her turning 18 and graduating from High School. It is the story of a father offering his love and support as his daughter comes of age before his very eyes.
Track 10 is America. This song is all about America and its ideals, its hopes and dreams and its struggles with apathy and division in the 21st century. It offers a message that the dream that is a free democratic society that pursues happiness is alive and well.
Track 11 is My Heart is Open. It almost made it onto Joe's first album....but something in the arrangement just didn't seem ready. It was completely redone for this record. Joe says that it is not only ready, but is put in the honored position of being the anchor to the album as the hopeful message on the end of the record.