An Uplifting Anthem of Unity

Composed of the vocally and instrumentally competent Ketch Secor (who doubles as the frontman), Morgan Jahnig, Mike Harris, PJ George, Cory Younts and Chance McCoy, the Grammy-winning band Old Crow Medicine Show returns with their new album Union Made. In their latest release, the group skillfully utilizes old school country tunes to spread a message about modern day America.

Once listeners begin their journey, they are thrown headfirst into an upbeat, old-fashioned country instrumental with the first two songs, “Howdy Do America” and “Lincoln Highway”. The songs include sounds that have begun to fade as the country genre has grown, such as the typical banjo and harmonica paired with a thick country accent. Along with the classic country vibe, both tracks unapologetically embrace their roots with the singers expressing pride in their identity. This continues into the third song, “My Side of the Mountain,” which features contributions from other notable singers such as Del McCoury and Molly Tuttle, as well as lyrics co-written by Luke Combs.

“Revolution Now” is one of the few slower songs on the album and it also introduces the main theme of unity. This song explores how the country is being driven by division, with everyone becoming strangers to one another. Secor expresses the importance of strength in numbers as he calls for a revolution, a moment in history where people are often the most united.

“Last American Waltz” expresses similar sadness over the country’s growing division while exploring the perceived decline of America’s former unity. Secor sings about the steady disappearance of leaders who once sought to serve the country in favor of party politics and a growing “us vs. them” mindset. Those in the majority appear to hold more power while others are silenced. To further emphasize this message, the group personifies togetherness through the American Waltz, a dance that requires synchronization between two partners working in tandem as a single unit.

The following track, “Merrimack & Monitor,” provides audiences with a brief history lesson, similar to the tenth song on the album, “Lewis and Clark.” Although both connect real-world stories to the album’s central theme, they tell different narratives. “Merrimack & Monitor” recounts a Civil War battle that resulted in a Union victory, symbolizing a step toward preserving national unity. “Lewis and Clark,” on the other hand, details the expedition across the United States and how the explorers relied on guidance from Native peoples. Rather than distancing themselves from those unfamiliar to them, they sought help, which ultimately allowed them to achieve their goal.

The seventh song, “Rainbow Stew,” provides listeners with a cover of Merle Haggard’s 1981 classic. Aside from a faster pace than the original, this version maintains Haggard’s utopian vision of the future. The song describes a dream world free of adversity and full of abundance, which is only possible when everyone does what they are supposed to do and works together to create a more livable society.

Although “Rye Whiskey” expresses similar themes as the other songs on the album, it stands out due to its blending of country and jive influences. The violin, drums and other instruments fuse to create an upbeat, lively instrumental that reflects how carefree life could be if differences were set aside.

Instead of closing with another direct plea for unity, the band ends the album with a cover of Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.” Using this song as the closer highlights how the division present during the Vietnam War era mirrors present-day tensions. The lyrics still align with modern realities, reinforcing how little has changed over time and how separation continues to define the nation.

All in all, the album tells an impactful story about cultural and political divide in the United States. The band incorporates elements of the past, such as the American Waltz and traditional country influences, and connects them to the present, emphasizing societal stagnation over time. While the album delivers a clear political message, it could benefit from more nuance and a deeper exploration of the roots of this division. However, for listeners searching for an uplifting call for unity, Union Made offers a fitting soundtrack.