Song Review: Willie Watson - “Real Love”
“Real Love” is a song of romantic love. But former Old Crow Medicine Show man Willie Watson also makes clear his love of music, with allusions to Woody Guthrie, Little Richard and others in the lyrics.
It’s a country ballad with high-powered players, including Punch Brother Paul Kowert on bass, former Punch Brother Gabe Witcher on piano, Benmont Tench on organ and Sami Braman on fiddle, helping to fashion the music. The track announces Watson’s forthcoming self-titled LP, produced by Witcher and Milk Carton Kid Kenneth Pattengale and due Sept. 13.
With six verses - the title appended to two of them - and no chorus, “Real Love” is Dylanesque in its construction. It’s a little long as it approaches six minutes, but, seeing as it’s a lead single, a radio edit might soon address that.
Grade card: Willie Watson - “Real Love” - B-
6/21/24