Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real have been setting the Americana world on fire since their inception in the late 2000s. Nelson’s voice holds similarities to his country icon father, Willie Nelson. That pedigree paired with a harder rock edge is something to marvel at. In honor of the band’s newest release, Sticks and Stones, we compiled seven of the band’s best tracks. Check out these country rock gems, below.
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7. “More Than Friends” (Feat. Lainey Wilson)
Nelson recently teamed up with Lainey Wilson for a sultry duet, “More Than Friends.” Both artists decide to throw caution to the wind, giving into their desires for one night.
Forget tomorrow / We can face the music then / But I promise you tonight will never end / If we pretend / We’re more than friends, they sing in the chorus.
6. “Four Letter Word”
“Four Letter Word” is a jaunty number about longing for independence. In the spirit of wry country classics, the song’s chorus reads, real commitment seems absurd / out here in the country / forever is a four letter word.
5. “Fool Me Once”
“Fool Me Once” has a similar tone to “Four Letter Word.” Nelson is looking for a quick out in a relationship. Fool me once and I’ll be gone / I’m gonna leave my house and home / I’m gonna go out on the road and sing my songs, he sings.
4. “Sticks and Stones”
The title track from the band’s latest record, “Sticks and Stones” sees Nelson following in his father’s stoner footsteps. Sometimes when I’m uninspired / I take a hit to get me higher / Some folks might describe me as a sinner, he sings. It’s as delightfully rogue as his father’s material.
3. “Just Outside of Austin”
Nelson turns the folkie dial up to 11 on “Just Outside of Austin.” An acoustic guitar trill, courtesy of Willie Nelson, bolsters lines about the simple life. I went out to play the other day / The city and its city ways / A time and place for everything you’d say / But I just wanna sit at home / Ride my horse or write a song, he sings in his stunning tenor.
2. “Find Yourself”
Lady Gaga assists Nelson on “Find Yourself.” Her powerful vocals can be heard in the background of the chorus. Nelson and Gaga’s voices perfectly complement one another and, though this is just one of several collaborations between the pair, it’s undoubtedly the best. It’s chiding and rife with attitude. Two things both artists do incredibly well.
1. “Forget About Georgia”
Nelson sets himself up to be just as much a crooner as his dad was in the early days of his career with “Forget About Georgia.” Well I sure as hell didn’t love her this much when I met her / Much as I was just captured again and again, he sings in a honeyed tone.
Though Nelson is experiencing some serious romantic turmoil throughout the lyrics, the musicality of this song is blissful. The listener floats along with his soothing voice, just as hypnotized as Nelson is by Georgia.
Photo by Shervin Lainez / Courtesy of Sacks & Co.
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