A.H. Pettus – ‘How The West Was Once’ [Album Review]

In the vast expanse of the musical landscape, some albums serve as mere collections of songs, and then some albums unfold like vivid narratives, painting intricate stories with melodies and lyrics. A.H. Pettus’ latest offering, How The West Was Once, undoubtedly falls into the latter category, presenting listeners with a compelling musical journey through themes of hardship, grief, and, ultimately, redemption.

Comprised of songs written during a five-year period before, during, and after a divorce from his first wife, How The West Was Once gives listeners an intimate look inside the rise and fall of a love story. From the opening notes of the album, Pettus’ emotive voice immediately grabs hold of your attention, beckoning you to join him on a voyage through the rugged terrain of the human experience. Drawing inspiration from the trials and triumphs of the American West, Pettus skillfully weaves together elements of folk, country, Americana, and even Punk to create a sound that feels timeless and contemporary as he explores various aspects of human experience.

Recorded entirely by Alexander himself, the album is simple, but in a world so complicated, sometimes simple is just what you need. The intimacy of the recording showcases the raw delivery and emotional attachment present throughout the tracks. Throughout the album, Pettus proves himself a master storyteller, painting vivid portraits of characters grappling with loss, longing, and searching for meaning and touching on themes like justice and survival. However, Pettus culminates the album with a song of “Thanks” – an unexpected landing in a place of happiness and gratitude for his new family, friends, and listeners on this musical journey.

“Some people have therapists, and some people have a bottle of bourbon and a guitar.”

Musically, How The West Was Once is a triumph from start to finish, with Pettus delivering stellar acoustic performances throughout. Other standout tracks include “Have A Little Faith (In Me),” “Appalachian Man,” “Entitled,” and the title track itself. Overall, How The West Was Once is a remarkable achievement for A.H. Pettus, showcasing not only his considerable talents as a songwriter and musician but also his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. It’s an album that reminds us of the power of music to heal, to inspire, and to help us find our way through even the darkest of times. With this release, Pettus has firmly established himself as a force to be reckoned within Americana music.

How The West Was Once Track Listing:

1. Of Love and War and Birth
2. Have A Little Faith (In Me)
3. Untitled
4. The Story of Buddy Lee
5. Hard to Chase a Bird in Flight
6. We Were So Free
7. Tell Me It’s Going Right
8. Appalachian Man
9. How The West Was Once
10. Entitled
11. The Ten Million
12. Thelma Lou
13. Thanks

Run Time: 49:45
Release Date: June 9, 2023
Record Label: Independent