Angel White - GHOST OF THE WEST: THE ALBUM (2025) Hi-Res

All the PR surrounding this album states that Angel White is ‘‘a fifth-generation cowboy and beekeeper”. So, it would be remiss not to start this review without giving that fact. ‘Ghosts Of The West’ is Whites’ debut album, and with a total of fifteen tracks, he has plenty to offer covering a number of different genres and grooves.

It opens with ‘Outlaw’, with a very mellow clapped beat, giving you the feeling you are firmly in Jack Johnson territory. It is a very relaxed and confident introduction. It’s followed up by second track, ‘If You’re Gonna Leave’, which changes pace into a more soulful, country feel that would be popular with more modern country fans. Other songs like ‘Red Blanket ‘arrive and give White a great opportunity to demonstrate what a very smooth, soulful voice he possesses, heavy with piano accompaniment, chugging very pleasantly indeed. ‘Down By The River’ has a peaceful gospel feel, which, in some of its phrasing, recalls Dobie Gray’s ’Drift Away’. It is the standout track. The whole album is very varied, taking the listener very comfortably with it. It has a satisfying summery feel, although the subject matter has a quite dark undertone throughout.

White has put a lot of self-awareness of his heritage into the songs he explains: “the album is an ode not only to my journey, but a homage to the countless individuals who came before me – the sidelined narratives of the Mexican, Black and Native cowboys, historical figures often erased from pop culture’s depiction of the American West”.

The variety of artists referenced in this review highlights the album’s eclectic mix of styles and genres. As a debut, it is impressive, and it will be interesting to see if White narrows his musical focus in future releases. Definitely worth checking out.

Clocking in at 15 tracks, GHOSTS is ambitious for a debut album, but White keeps the thread throughout, earning listeners’ attention until the very end.