Growing up in the New England area surrounded by various forms of music, Lewis quickly showed his venture into the Country Rock world was the real deal in 2011 with the release of his debut EP Town Line. A focal point in this journey, the initial collection of songs featured legends such as George Jones, Charlie Daniels, as well as newer generation artists like Chris Young. From here, Lewis continued to spread his wings in the Country world, following up with full-length albums such as 2012’s The Road, leading into 2022’s Frayed at Both Ends. Each peaking both in the Billboard 200 and Country charts, it is impressive when you look at the successful crossover which has taken place.
Now, fresh off the 2023’s Confessions of the Fallen (Staind’s first studio album in 12 long years), Lewis returns with his newest solo album, The Hill. Set for release on March 29, 2024 through Big Machine Records, The Hill marks his fifth overall long play and finds the singer-songwriter once more wearing his heart on his sleeve. As someone who has never minced words about his feelings, Lewis lays it all on the line where he gathers thoughtful, sincere songs that touch on many different matters.
Consisting of ten tracks, you get Lewis’s take on the direction of society in general, the struggles of life, living with past mistakes, and being comfortable with who you are. Simple enough, the way each song is presented is what truly makes it shine; because the feeling put into each word sung is what lets you know Lewis is not just window dressing. What this means is, while some may not like what he has to say, he is not saying it just to provoke a reaction… but because this is who he is. Unashamed, he lets you know you can take him or leave him, and his conviction to stand up for what he believes in is commendable. In a time and place where if you are not following the same ideology as the others, you are expendable, Lewis’s approach is freeing… whether you like it or not.
However, while as raw as Lewis is, nothing is shoved down your throat. For example, tracks like “Let’s Go Fishing” is an acknowledgement that the world is in turmoil – but hey, we have to enjoy what we can, right? Then there are others like “Outlaw,” where Lewis lets you know he could care less what others think of him, or “That’s My Life,” where he conveys a message of live and let live, but does not expect others to follow. Beyond these, there are also some really beautiful, deeply personal tracks like “Spinnin’” and “Only in My Mind” where you can assimilate with the sentiment Lewis is putting out there; no matter your own personal views.
Overall, this far down the line into his solo career Aaron Lewis really has no one to answer to. He does what he wants and that is inspiring to see. The best part of it all is that he is also creating some really good music in the process. That is why The Hill is quite an enjoyable, intimately stripped-down mix of songs that blend Folk, Rock, and Country all together into one nice package. Pure songwriting, Cryptic Rock gives this album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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