Review: Sadler Vaden- 'Dad Rock'
Photo by Josh Weichman
Happy Father's Day! That's the message from Sadler Vaden, who brought a gift for dads (and everyone) in the form of a surprise solo album, Dad Rock, released on 6/14. Don't be fooled by the title of the album. Far from “dad rock,” Vaden has delivered a compact 8-song half-hour of straightforward roots rock and roll.
Vaden is best known as a guitarist, currently for Jason Isbell's 400 Unit and previously for Southern rockers Drivin' n’ Cryin', but he has released two solo records previously, the last 2020's Anybody Out There? Since 2020, Vaden's personal life has gone through some major changes, the biggest being the birth of his two sons. In the album's press materials, Vaden notes that his children “...really shifted my perspective in life and how I write songs.” While the songs on Dad Rock are mostly new, Vaden did use that new perspective to reconnect with some old material he hadn't yet released.
Dad Rock kicks off with the instrumental “Townsend's Theme.” The chattering of children leads into a song that starts as a melodic mid-tempo number before changing gears mid-song to become a crunchy guitar showcase for Vaden, a reminder of why he's one of the best in roots rock and roll today.
The album's highlight is in its second song, however. “Dove” may sound like the title of a tender ballad but nothing could be further from the truth. From the initial drum intro to that first big guitar lick, the song drives forward and never lets up. “Love, I'm begging for your mercy / Stop before you hurt me / 'Cuz I'm all yours,” Vaden sings before a bass solo launches the band into another full-band jam.
Another high point is “The Rescuer.” Here Vaden goes fully Muscle Shoals soul, complete with a horn section and some deft piano work from Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers). Lyrically, it's the tale of a man who is committed to a relationship that his lover seems intent on making as hard as possible. “If loving you is easy,” Vaden snarls, “Why do you have to make it so hard? / I'm trying to please you / But you don't see the weight of my heart.”
Vaden brings in some guest “dads” to contribute instrumentally to Dad Rock. In addition to “The Rescuer,” Benmont Tench also plays on “The New You.” Elliot Easton (The Cars) lends his multi-instrumental skills to “Two Balloons.” Julian Doro (The Whigs, Eagles of Death Metal) not only plays drums on several tracks but lends Vaden The Whigs' “Staying Alive,” the album's only cover.
As Father's Day gifts go, Dad Rock is much better than most. But this isn't just an album for dad to enjoy. It's fun enough that mom and even the kids may sneak off with it for a spin or two.