Charles Esten's experience in achieving stardom on the TV show "Nashville" has greatly influenced the creation of his first album. While every artist's path is unique, Esten's journey in the country music industry is truly exceptional.
"Isn't it true?! It has been a challenging journey," the singer playfully remarks in an interview with Taste of Country, discussing his latest album Love Ain't Pretty. This album, set to be released on Friday, January 26, comes more than thirty years after Esten first started his career.
Starting in 1988, when he made his debut on a game show called Sale of the Century and managed to win over $32,000 worth of prizes, Esten has had a diverse career in entertainment. He gained recognition for his portrayal of Deacon Claybourne, the main character in the popular country-themed series Nashville. Additionally, he achieved a remarkable accomplishment by releasing 54 singles in 54 consecutive weeks, earning him a spot in the Guinness World Records. In total, Esten has dedicated an impressive amount of time, equivalent to about 10,000 hours, to his craft, surpassing this threshold approximately
Releasing a debut album at a later stage in life, like Esten who is 58, may have certain drawbacks. For instance, he does not anticipate Love Ain't Pretty to have a significant impact on radio. However, he recognizes the significance of having a unique backstory and identity that sets him apart from others. No one else can claim to have a character like Deacon Claybourne integrated into their own musical persona. Additionally, no one else has experienced the journey of achieving country music stardom in fiction and then doing it again in their real life.
Esten mentions that while he learned valuable lessons from portraying the character of Deacon, he gained even more insight from interacting with Deacon's fans. Throughout the show, viewers reached out to Esten to express how much solace and inspiration they found in Deacon's story, despite his tumultuous and resilient nature.
"People wanted to convey to me that there was a sense of relief in going through the hardships they had experienced, or that their parents had experienced. They simply wanted to express that there was something therapeutic about accompanying someone on their journey," he explains. "Once I grasped this, I began to realize the significance of incorporating meaning and a sense of connection in my own music. It became apparent that it needed to serve a purpose – to offer assistance and healing in some way."
Esten frequently mentions the term "through line" when discussing Love Ain't Pretty, and there's a valid reason for that: he dedicated significant effort to ensure that the project is a unified artistic expression which truly represents his identity from beginning to end. This process began by placing emotional depth and substance as a top priority, just as Deacon and Deacon's fans have taught him. It also involved collaborating in the writing process for all 13 tracks on the project and combining a foundation of authentic country music with his own playful inclination towards rock and roll, which he humorously refers to as "going full Springsteen."
Esten acknowledges producer Marshall Altman and the talented musicians he brought together for the recording sessions, as they skillfully focused on Esten's artistic vision. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in shaping this vision. Just before the initial lockdowns were enforced, Esten began working on an album, but the project had to be put on hold. Once the restrictions were lifted, Esten eagerly returned to work, and his determination to create his desired debut album was even stronger than before.
When asked about the purpose behind their mission, the singer expresses that they believe COVID has emphasized the general idea that life is challenging and can be incredibly tough, but it also has the potential to be immensely beautiful. They explain that love plays a significant role in this concept, as the most intense pain one experiences is often tied to love. Losing a relationship or a loved one can be devastating because of the immense love one had for them, which explains why it hurts so deeply. However, it is also this same love that makes life and human connections so incredibly beautiful.
The album gained more popularity as songs like "Down the Road" and "A Little Right Now" were released, which Esten believes contributed to the overall theme of the album. However, even though he had an idea of the sentiment he wanted to convey, he couldn't find the exact words to capture it until he wrote the title song, which was added as the final track on the album.
After completing the song, before leaving the room, Esten recalls saying, "This is the title and this is the first song." He remembers writing the song with Altman and songwriter Jimmy Yeary, and it was a defining moment for the album. The song conveyed the message that love may not always be pleasant, but it is still a beautiful thing.
After he had finished writing the words, he was certain that he had captured the message perfectly. The unwavering self-assurance he possessed, which was a result of years of dedication and effort, is another significant factor that makes Esten's journey towards his first album so meaningful.
"I have another point to mention regarding the extended waiting period. During my time in college, I decided to take on a job in the construction field. Specifically, I worked as a carpenter's assistant," expresses the vocalist. "As part of my role, I acquired a toolbox that I held a great sense of pride in. It contained various tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, and a drill – all of them appearing brand new, which further enhanced my satisfaction."
"When I arrived at the place, I noticed that all the carpenters had worn-out and well-used tools, and I actually admired that," he says with a laugh. "Meanwhile, mine appeared perfectly new and untouched. They joked, saying that I had never even held a hammer before. But now, being as old as I am, I look at my toolbox and realize it's not so new anymore. I've swung that hammer countless times, if you catch my drift."
Here are 20 country artists who achieved great success with their debut albums. Credit for the gallery goes to Billy Dukes.
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