Joe Nolan - Cry Baby (2018)

It’s hard to believe it was only in 2011 that Joe Nolan released his debut album, Goodbye Cinderella. At that time he was heralded by the Globe & Mail, No Depression and other publications as a roots rock wunderkind, an opinion confirmed by his 2014 Colin Linden produced follow-up, Tornado. However, along with the acclaim came complications at odds with his creative vision.

Now the Edmonton, Alberta native is back with Cry Baby, an album that finally opens up what Nolan has kept locked tightly for the past three years. The 10-song collection is a trip through melancholic madness, touching on darkness and depression, broken relationships and endless booze-fuelled evenings. Yet, at its core is Nolan’s unwavering strength as a lyricist, and his wounded-heart delivery that reminds us of our humanity. Cry Baby is, in essence, Nolan unapologetically sharing his story, and through that finding a second chance and a new beginning.

Having amassed what he estimates to be hundreds of song ideas leading up to recording Cry Baby, Nolan contemplated returning to Nashville where Tornado was made. Ultimately, he chose to remain close to home, holing up over the course of an Edmonton winter with engineer Scott Franchuk at two local studios, The Audio Department and Riverdale Recorders. The process gave Nolan full creative control while also utilizing vintage analog technology.

If there’s a common thread to Cry Baby, it is indeed a sense of walking back from the edge and recapturing joy—and perhaps personal identity. It can be heard on the heart-wrenching “Music In The Streets” (featuring Lydia Loveless on backing vocals) in which two gun-shy lovers embark on a new relationship. It’s also there on “Dead Ends and a Damaged Heart” and “Stand Up For Your Love,” songs that carry more weight of experience than anyone Nolan’s age deserves. Still, it’s a weight he carries with dignity.

“My definition of rock ‘n roll is an artist letting their heart bleed on and off stage, without any fear. The imperfections in music are what turn me on the most, even when it's just a guy or girl on an acoustic guitar being honest to themselves.”

Therein lies the irony of Nolan choosing to call this album Cry Baby. Few other songwriters outside of, say, Ryan Adams and Mark Kozelek consistently demonstrate a willingness to venture as deeply into the dark corners of their psyches. With Cry Baby, Joe Nolan is now ready to live again after gazing into the void.