The Young Fables - Pages (2022)

With their unique folk-country sound, The Young Fables, made up of pairing Laurel Wright and Wes Lunsford, have made a name for themselves worldwide. Writing songs about stories that are typically saved for the “therapy couch” fans have been able to relate to their music since their debut project dropped in 2019. Their new album, Pages, is composed of songs about the loss the two have encountered over the past few years. This very real and moving album has a song on it for everyone to relate to.

The album kicks off with “Wonder if We Did.” which features an immediately catchy beat that hits hard enough to get people swaying along. The lyrics are all about the what-ifs in a relationship: wanting to try but wondering what would happen if you actually went for it. “You can try all night to catch my eye, but I can act like I don’t notice you/ you don't have to buy my glass of wine and I don't have to drink it if you do/ we don't have to meet like this/ but I wonder what would happen if we did. We don't have to have to love each other till the end/ but I wonder what would happen if we did." We all have those wondering what will happen moments, and this song portrays it perfectly. This song was the single and teaser for the album which had fans itching to hear more.

“Over You” seems like it would be a soft ballad, but this could be the new "trying to move on anthem." This track will listeners singing their hearts out and dancing around in no time, with its funky beat and empathetic storytelling. The lyricism compares the heart to the head; the two intrinsic forces that everyone has trouble knowing which one to listen to. The pair outdid themselves with this engaging, witty tune.

“Look At Us” is a beautiful ballad that lets listeners hear the pure talent the duo radiates in their making music. The guitar by Lunsford paired with the vocals by Wright will put people right into their feelings but in the best way. The lyrics show that even if everyone else thinks your relationship will fail, you know in your heart it will and that when you finally make it out, you can really reflect on how amazing the journey has been; it's about trusting the gut feelings. The sweet message makes the replay value high for this charming ode.

“Built For Breaking” is one of the most unique songs on the LP. It's fun and playful with a striking guitar solo in the middle that will leave audiences breathless. The duo has the ability to make a song about breaking hearts uplifting and amusing.

Following shortly after is the heart punching "Been Here The Whole Time" that emits a wispy, delicate production. This tune, in particular, has some of the most loving songwriting with lines, "I'll be that angel on your shoulder, whisper in your ear / Lay beside you when the nights get colder / I'll catch you when you stumble / I'm holdin' every tear / I was with you then, I'm with you now as you get older."

Overall, the project casts a feeling of warmth and empathy, and it surely ends on that notion with, "Where Are You Lonesome." With a steel guitar and a floaty vocal performance from Wright, the twangy song feels like an old-timey country song. She sings with somber elegance, "Where are you lonesome? / Where do you go to cry? / Where do you let down your hair? Hide when you're scared? / Or run when the tide rises high? / I loved you and then some / Guess you got where you wanted to be / Lord knows I'm lonesome / Whenever you're lonesome / That's where I'll be."