For me, the first of those songs was the incredible "David," a haunting tale of good intentions gone wrong. I stumbled across it while reading a great piece on Saving Country Music (check out that website if you love country music--it's fantastic), and since then Cody Jinks has been a regular listen for me. His last album Adobe Sessions was as authentic as it gets. I was reminded of great singer/songwriters like Jason Eady and Chris Knight. When I first heard the title track to his new album I'm Not the Devil, I was as excited as I've been for an album in quite some time, and with new releases from David Nail, Lori McKenna, Brandy Clark, and Sturgill Simpson in the past 6 months, it's safe to say that it's been an excellent spring and summer for country music.
I'm Not the Devil was released last Friday (12 August) and has since been worn out with repeated listens for me. It's pure hard country music. Not an ounce of filler and not one bad song to be found. Nearly every mainstay instrument in traditional country can be found on this album. I'm particularly fond of the way the steel guitar was used, accenting the emotion in certain lyrics, careening through the twists and turns of each song. Several songs make prominent use of piano, especially standout track "Give All You Can" where every note is incredibly haunting. It'd be hard to find a more diverse instrument than the piano. It can convey the happiest emotion or create a feeling so ominous that it's hard to shake. The way it was utilized on I'm Not the Devil is breathtaking. The arrangements perfectly complemented Jinks' lyrics and vocals.
Lyrically, they don't come much better than Cody Jinks, especially with heavier material. The way they write is very different, but Jinks' lyrics make me draw comparisons to Jason Isbell's darker songs. You'll feel something that seems strong one moment, only to have a line come around later that brings you to your knees. The lyrical highlight of the album for me is the ending of "Give All You Can" where Jinks continually asks "What are you living for?" Not only did it tie in great with the rest of the song, it felt like Jinks was posing a question to listeners. Rarely does a song inspire such a deep level of introspection, and that introspection made "Give All You Can" the most emotional moment on an album full of great songs.
"No Words" might be one of the best love songs I've heard in quite some time, revolving around how hard it can be to adequately state what somebody means to you. The verses describe the awareness of the narrator himself, with lines like "You could be much better off/God knows without me," as well as "I don't believe there's good in every man like I did back then." While "No Words" is definitely a love song, it's also very reflective and honest, and what sets it apart for me is how believable Jinks' delivery is. Rather than list a bunch of specific things he's done wrong, he acknowledges his shortcomings in a general sense. Oftentimes, songs like this seem to have the singer admitting to a bunch of awful things, which doesn't always come off as realistic. The way Cody Jinks decided to tell this story is believable, and certainly tangible for many people. I know I heard many of my own flaws described in this song, as will other listeners. "No Words" is wonderfully powerful.
Another obvious standout on the album is "Grey." What a damn fine song with excellent lyrics and a great arrangement. "Rediscover all the color in the grey" Jinks sings at the end of each chorus, which speaks to the ease one can find when they take the time and look back on how life has unfolded. Other highlights include the title track, "Chase That Song," and the great cover of Billy Don Burns' "Church at Gaylor Creek."
By the time the album ends, listeners will feel like they've run through every emotion they could possibly feel, but they'll be better people for it. As I've said, there's an odd healing that comes with heavy material in the hands of such a gifted songwriter. Cody Jinks sings about real people and real situations--it's easy to hear one of his songs and think about something in your own life. He's a fast rising Texas artist with a lot to say, and he has an uncanny ability to maximize whatever it is he's trying to convey. If you hadn't heard of him before this review, you'll want to dig through his discography. He's a special talent.
I'm Not the Devil is a truly wonderful album, and will have a case to make for the best album of 2016. 9/10.
Standout Tracks:
"I'm Not the Devil"
"No Words"
"Give All You Can"
"Chase That Song"
"Grey"
"Vampires"
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