Old Dominion Memory Lane on 2LP

Albums are coherent statements about life instead of just a collection of good songs, in much the same way bands are forged and groups are made. Old Dominion – the 6-time and reigning Academy of Country Music, 5-time and current Country Music Association Vocal Group, but as importantly a People’s Choice Country Music Artist of the Year nominee – understand both worlds.

As songwriters, they’ve delivered major hits for Keith Urban (“Wild Hearts”), Sam Hunt (“Make You Miss Me”), Blake Shelton (“Sangria”), Kelsea Ballerini (“I Hate Love Songs”), Dierks Bentey (“Say You Do”), Band Perry (“Better Dig Two”) and Kenny Chesney (the three-week No. 1 “Save It For A Rainy Day”). As Old Dominion, lead singer/guitarist Matthew Ramsey, multi- instrumentalist/vocalist Trevor Rosen, guitarist vocalist Brad Tursi, multi-rhythmic section bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers bring all their influences into a sound unlike any in country music; but more importantly, they became a band through countless years on the road as friends first, business second.

Memory Lane, the full 18-song album, makes good on their chemistry and accrued experience. Measuring love when its new, strained, falling apart and figuring it out exist on Old Dominion’s most diverse project yet. And it’s done without losing all the making-the-best-of-it positivity that’s defined the 13-times Platinum – with two gold certifications thrown in – band.

Whether the No. 1 title track with its giddy-up beat of imagining what didn’t happen, the slow burn sort it out “Can’t Break Up Now” with double CMA nominee Megan Moroney, the moody acoustic femme celebrating “Beautiful Sky” with its luscious five part harmonies, the slip-sliding signature feel good “Ain’t Got A Worry” and “How Good Is That” or the minor-keyed “Both Sides of the Bed,” Memory Lane is a masterclass in how it feels to be alive, accepting and present.