The Turnpike Troubadours recently came out with an album named “A Cat in the Rain.” Now I’m sure you’re thinking, isn’t it completely normal for a band to release an album? Well not for this band. The Turnpike Troubadours released their first album in 6 years after some intense ups and downs so let’s dive into the interesting story of an underrated American country band.
About the Band
The band started as two small-town men from Oklahoma, Evan Felker and R.C. Edwards, who came together to release their first album. The band has since grown and now has five members. Evan Felker became addicted to substances which caused issues with the band, along with his married wife. Felker and his wife separated to avoid further trouble in a very sad time. It was a troubling stretch for the band who continued to produce music and tour but had internal conflict. After not releasing an album for three years, the band announced an indefinite hiatus in 2019. This was a disappointment to so many who enjoyed their music but luckily it did not last long. Evan Felker went through an inspiring process of rehabilitation to become sober. The band teased a reunion in 2022. In 2023, they came together to release their first album in 6 years: A Cat in the Rain. Not only did this revival help the band and its fans, but also Evan Felker reunited with his wife too.
Style of Music
Turnpike’s style of folk-country presents a unique kind of music with use of instruments such as the harmonica and acoustic guitar. Evan Felker is known for his excellent songwriting, telling stories, and portraying his experiences through his songs. Felker uses his experiences of joy and loss to create wonderful lyrics, bringing his songs to life with emotion, and relatability for listeners.
Success
The Turnpike Troubadours released their first album, Bossier City, in 2007. It soon grew and developed, releasing their second album, Diamonds and Gasoline, in 2010. Since then, they have released four more albums including The Turnpike Troubadours and A Long Way From Your Heart which both reached #3 on US country music charts. The Troubadours were inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2022 to recognize their success as a band. They have continued to produce and grow over time as more fans realize the talent of this group.
My Album Ranking
1. A Cat in the Rain
2. A Long Way From Your Heart
3. Diamonds and Gasoline
4. The Turnpike Troubadours
5. Goodbye Normal Street
My Top 5 Songs
1. The Bird Hunters
The Bird Hunters takes number one for its overall amazing music and lyrics. The music ebbs and flows with the lyrics, matching the mood and perfectly setting the stage for the beautiful story Felker spins in the lyrics. The lyrics themselves take the listener through a man hunting with his buddy after a breakup and the thoughts and emotions of the man. Its upbeat fusion of instruments takes you through the happiness which mixes with a slower tempo to immerse the listener in the man’s sadness and remembrance. Overall, just a great song that always has me singing along and it’s a song I would highly recommend.
2. Diamonds and Gasoline
Diamonds and Gasoline is the name of the Troubadour’s first album, but also the name of one of their better songs. Unlike The Bird Hunters, this song is almost purely guitar and will not be a song you will be jamming out to. In a slower song, Felker sings about a seemingly hopeless time in which he longs for a girl. In the lyrics, he offers his best for her because she is the best to him. He wonders what will happen pondering his sadness and love. Overall Diamonds and Gasoline is a wonderfully written song that tells a great story and captures me in emotion.
3. The Winding Stair Mountain Blues
One of their lesser-known songs, this gem should be so much more popular in my opinion. With its sad lyrics and its fast-paced music, this song gives an emotional story of a falling out between two friends. Felker details his thoughts and perspective as one side of a friendship that broke apart. The song’s lyrics are a touch mystic but evoke a feeling of empathy for the singer which becomes amplified by the quick music that slows at just the right moments to pull you into the song and truly feel the singer’s emotion. The song itself not only has a great story in it but also is always playing in my speaker or headphones because it is such a great song.
4. Mean Old Sun
The first song released after the hiatus, this autobiographical song from Felker takes the listener through the hard life of a farmer/rancher. From the slow build-up at the beginning to the magnificent chorus, to the amazing music, this song was an extremely good surprise to hear from the Troubadours and correctly promised quality throughout the rest of the album. One of my most played songs this year, I would recommend you take a listen.
5. Gin, Smoke, Lies
One of their more popular songs, this song starts off  perfectly with the rhythmic beating of a drum and continues throughout the song as one of their best. As the title might suggest, this song revolves around lies and deceit that are unfortunately present in so many relationships. Felker claims that his inspiration for the song was a rooster he observed that had many “wives” or chickens which Felker related to from his experience either struggling with or being a victim of lack of faith and loyalty. The catchy chorus of the song always has me singing along and I would strongly encourage you to listen to this song today.
Honorable Mentions:
7&7
A classic one from the Troubadours this song is amazing and is pretty much tied for 5th in the top 5. Just a great song with a catchy beat that puts the listener in the singer’s shoes.
The Rut
Another song about hunting, this song is just a great song overall that could very easily make it to the top 5. One of my favorites on their newest album, this one will soon become a classic.
A Tornado Warning
Last, but only last because I can’t put every song in the top 5, is A Tornado Warning, a song about the infamous tornadoes in Oklahoma. I personally love the chorus and I would highly recommend this song.
Overall, the Turnpike Troubadours are an underrated band that I have grown to love and cherish. All of their songs could make an enticing case for my top 5 which makes for a really difficult selection of my favorites. Every time any of their songs comes on I sing along and feel the emotion and elaborate stories in the songs. I would suggest this band to anyone and I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
Stay tuned to the Roundup for more music reviews!
