Reviews

Jason Boland & The Stragglers The Last Kings of Babylon

Posted by on March 14, 2025 at 11:52 am

By Brian Rock

Oklahoma musical legends, Jason Boland & The Stragglers continue their red dirt reign on their eleventh album, The Last Kings of Babylon. Doing what they do best, the band defies current trends in popular country and sticks to their guns. They make red dirt-tinged outlaw country that stands the test of time.

“Next to Last Hank Williams,” is a fiddle laced ode to country’s golden age. The semi-autobiographical tale recounts the road-weary life of a touring country band. Reflecting on the changing times, Boland sings, “Every generation has it figured, and in the middle of the game the rules are changed. We all agree the mystery is bigger, meanwhile that money stays the same.” Refusing to give in to passing trends, Boland and company defiantly face a future that, “all the dead punk rockers know.” Ringing pedal steel tones hammer home the band’s dedication to staying true to their roots no matter what fads may come and go.

Boland’s big, boss, baritone voice helps define the classic country sound of the band. His vocals bring an authentic rural feel to songs like “Farnall,” which honors an old family tractor. He conveys an aura of grizzled wisdom on the tongue in cheek ballad, “One Law at a Time.” He exudes independence on the mandolin infused, “Drive.” Boland moans a lonesome yearning tone on, “Irish Goodbye.” His burly, outdoorsman style vocals even work when he sings about leaving the country to enjoy a night out in the city on, “Take Me Back to Austin.”

Boland’s Waylon Jennings style vocals add depth to all of these songs, but when the band kicks it up a notch, they combine to become Wailin’ Jennings. “Truest Colors,” is a bluegrass/outlaw country fusion that warns against pushing people too far. Reaching his limit, Boland snarls, “I’m rollin’. Nice knowin’ you. I’ll be back around when Satan needs a coat. Fare thee well, it’s been hell. The truest colors are the ones that never show.” “High Time,” is a barn burning ode to putting, “smoke up in the air,” and the woman who shares the experience. “Ain’t No Justice,” is a gritty, blues/rock song that absolutely blows the door off. Taking a “you and me against the world” view of things, Boland sings, “Ain’t no justice in this world. It’s just us. It’s just you and me now girl.” The pounding drums and soaring guitar deliver a battle cry that stirs faith in victory no matter what the odds. A thoroughly enjoyable, and thoroughly country album from start to finish, Jason Boland & the Stragglers prove they are still the kings of red dirt country.

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Brian Rock

Brian Rock

Brian was raised gypsy style, moving every other year until well after college. As friendships proved to be temporary, Brian found a constant companion in music, wearing the grooves off Beatles and Dylan albums before moving on to Lyle Lovett and Dwight Yokam. Living so often in flux, he has come to value music and lyrics of lasting quality. Not moved by trends or fashion, he is drawn to timeless lyrics and soulful rhythms. Although now settled down, Brian still expresses his gypsy spirit through his writing. He has co-written songs with musician friends he’s met along the way, including several contributions to the 2012 ICMA Album of the Year, Family Album. Brian also writes children’s books and poems, including the Children’s Book Council featured title, The Deductive Detective.
Brian Rock

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