Charles Esten's path towards creating his debut album stands out among other artists in country music and beyond. While every artist has their own unique journey, Esten's is particularly distinct.
"Isn't it true? It has been a very long journey," the singer playfully remarks during an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his new album Love Ain't Pretty. After over thirty years since the start of Esten's career, the album is set to release on Friday, January 26th.
Starting from his initial foray into the entertainment industry in 1988, which involved participating in a game show called Sale of the Century, where he emerged victorious and walked away with over $32,000 worth of prizes, Charles Esten has had an impressive career. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Deacon Claybourne, the main character, on the popular country-themed television series Nashville. Additionally, Esten achieved a remarkable feat by releasing 54 singles in as many weeks, earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records. It is clear that Esten has dedicated a significant amount of time and effort, equivalent to approximately
Naturally, there are certain drawbacks to releasing a first album at a later stage in life, as is the case for Esten who is 58 years old. He understands that Love Ain't Pretty may not have the same impact on radio as younger artists, for instance. However, he also recognizes the significance of having a unique backstory and identity that no one else could possibly possess. Who else can claim to have a character like Deacon Claybourne embedded into their own musical persona? Who else has experienced the fictional rise to stardom in country music and then achieved it again in their actual life outside of the screen?
Esten says that while he learned some valuable lessons from the character Deacon, he learned even more from the fans of Deacon. Throughout the show, viewers reached out to Esten to express how much solace they found in the complex and enduring character of Deacon, who faced many challenges in life.
The speaker noticed that many people, perhaps because of the difficult lives they had or their parents had, wanted to express to him the therapeutic value of going through a particular journey. This realization made him realize the importance of infusing his own music with meaning, connection, and the intention to provide assistance and healing.
Esten frequently refers to the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and there's a valid reason for it: He dedicated significant effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic statement that truly represents his identity from beginning to end. This process began by giving priority to the raw emotional content, following the guidance of Deacon and his fans. Additionally, Esten co-wrote all 13 tracks on the album and combined an authentic country foundation with his own playful rock 'n' roll influences, which he humorously refers to as embracing a "full Springsteen" style.
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians that Altman brought on board for their exceptional ability to understand and execute his artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in this clarity. Just before the initial lockdowns were imposed, Esten had begun working on an album, but had to put it on hold. When the restrictions were lifted, Esten was eager to resume work, and his determination and ideas for his first album were more defined than ever.
When asked about the purpose behind their music, the singer expresses that COVID has served as a reminder of the challenging and sometimes harsh nature of life, but also its incredible beauty. They believe that love is intertwined with the most intense sufferings we experience. Whether it is the loss of a relationship or the passing of a loved one, the pain is a result of the deep love we had for them. This is also what makes these experiences so profoundly beautiful.
The album gained more popularity when songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released, which Esten considers as songs that fully represented the theme of the album. However, even though he had a general idea of the sentiment he wanted to convey, he couldn't find the right words to capture the essence of Love Ain't Pretty until he wrote the title song, which was also the final addition to the list of tracks.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten expressed his thoughts saying, "This will be the title and the first song of the album." He recalls the day when he wrote this song alongside Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, stating, "It conveyed the message that this album is centered around. Love may not always be pleasant, but it is undeniably beautiful."
After he had finished writing the words, he immediately realized that he had successfully conveyed the intended message. This unwavering self-assurance, developed over many years of dedication and effort, is one of the significant factors that make Esten's journey towards his first album so precious.
There is another point I would like to mention regarding the long wait. During my time in college, I took up a job in the construction field. Specifically, I worked as a helper for a carpenter. As part of my job, I acquired a toolbox which I felt a great sense of pride in. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill, all of which appeared to be in pristine condition. This made me particularly proud of my toolbox.
When I arrived at the location, I noticed a group of carpenters with worn-out and heavily used tools. Surprisingly, I felt a sense of admiration for their tools, as mine were perfectly new and unused. They mockingly exclaimed, "This guy has never even held a hammer before!" However, now that I am older, I appreciate the fact that my toolbox is no longer brand new. I have swung that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift.
Here are 20 country artists who achieved great success with their debut albums. This gallery credit goes to Billy Dukes.
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