The style is traditional folk, dare I say old school country too; very "left field" for Billie Joe Armstrong in my opinion, although Norah Jones has dabbled in such genres before. Billie being the front man for legendary punk rock band Green Day and Norah being the face of her successful solo career collaborated very well it seems and made some great music here.
This 2013 release almost seemed to come out of nowhere, but it was well received. Now, this isn't necessarily original music. This whole album is their interpretation of the album "Songs Our Daddy Taught Us" by The Everly Brothers. Of course, the original is always amazing, but I'm leaning more towards Billie Joe and Norah's version as my favorite of the two.
The talented musicians that contributed to Foreverly are: Billie Joe Armstrong: guitar (acoustic and electric), organ, and vocals, Norah Jones: guitar (acoustic and electric), organ, piano, banjo, and vocals, Charlie Burnham: harmonica, violin, and mandolin, Jonny Lam: steel guitar, Dan Rieser: drums, and Tim Luntzel: bass.
1) Roving Gambler: This ear catching song is a good one. It talks of a chronic gambler and his travels. His addiction and his dear lady take them around the country doing what he does best. It's got a not-so-happy ending, but what a journey it seemed to be. I love the classic verse endings, where they sing the last line 3 times. The line is sung once, then a second time in a higher register, then again to finish the verse. Almost like a confirmation statement.
2) Long Time Gone: This classic talks of a person speaking to their once significant other, whether in person or not, I'm not sure. This once significant other is not good news., and the main character has had enough! He/She tells the ex that he/she will eventually want them back, but it will be too late. Kiss them goodbye! I really enjoy the piano in this track, because it reminds me of tunes played in bars back in the old west that you see in films. I can picture a distraught man or woman singing this next to the piano man even now.
3) Lightning Express: This depressing track is a tune of love. It seems to be narrated by an observer in the train where he saw this whole event take place. This watcher tells of a boy sitting on the train reading a letter in his hands and looking very sad. As the train conductor goes around asking for tickets, he gets to the boy and finds that he has no ticket. Right away the conductor says that he is getting off at the very next stop. The boy then stops him and begs him to take him to his destination, as the letter he read states that his mother is dying and wants to see her, his best friend, before she passes, which seems very immanent. The watcher then sees a woman sitting near the boy offer to pay for the boys fair out of kindness. Now every time the conductor passes this boy on the isle, he can't help but remember the boys plea.
4) Silver Haired Daddy of Mine: A song I think many of us can relate to. It tells of a child all grown up and speaking to his dear old father, telling him sorry for all the distress he caused him growing up. He says that if he could, he'd make him young again. No one likes to see a loved one grow old, grey, and frail.
5) Down In the Willow Garden: A tragic story indeed. If I understood correctly, it tells a story of a young man who murders his love while drunk and disposes of her body in the river. He, later in the story, is taken to be hanged for his gruesome crime. The tone fits perfectly with the story. Slow strumming up and down the strings and a tender back beat on the drums gives the perfect melancholy mood with the dreadful words.
6) Who's Gonna Shoe Your Pretty Little Feet?: This here seems to be a cute song that parents would sing to their little girl while dressing her or as a lullaby even. The lyrics are straight forward and adorable. "Who's gonna shoe your pretty little feet? Who's gonna glove your little hands? Who's gonna kiss your ruby red lips?"
7) Oh So Many Years: This sweet song is narrated by a poor soul who is afraid to admit their true feelings for a certain someone. He/She has tried to convince him/herself that they're fine without the other, but the sad truth is that this poor soul has loved the other for "oh so many years". Tragic, but sweet.
8) Barbara Allen: Up until now, all the songs have been duos, but this song is sung mostly alone by Billie Joe. When Norah does sing, she's more of backing vocals than part of a duo with Billie. This song really gives his voice a platform for you to focus on his vocal talent with this type of music. As far as the story is concerned, this tune is another love story, where an old man is wanting to see his love Barbara Allen one last time before he passes. A sweet story with a bittersweet ending indeed.
9) Rockin' Alone (In An Old Rockin' Chair): This story tells of someone observing an old lady sitting on her rocking chair. Feeling bad for her, they keep observing her, at her features, wondering what she's thinking, wondering about the life she lived. They know she loves her family, even though they pay her no mind. Observing this old lady, they can't help but want to do something just to see her smile. She really seems to need it.
10) I'm Here to Get My Baby Out Of Jail: The title tells the whole story here. An elderly mother that lost track of her son years ago finally finds him in a jail cell. She begs and bribes the warden as much as she can just to get her "baby out of jail". The warden finally succumbs to her pleas and brings out the young man to his mother. In a terrible turn of event, she gets to kiss her baby one last time and passes away.
11) Kentucky: This is a song about the pride and love one has for their home state. In this case it's...you guessed it, Kentucky. The track goes on to describe things loved about said state. The landscape, the good times spent growing up there. It's accompanied by tender plucking of strings, gentle piano keys, and simple snare hits in a sequential pattern as a sturdy spine. A song probably not made to complicated in order to help you reminisce. A simple, but heartfelt tune.
12) Put My Little Shoes Away: This heartbreaking final track on this journey of an album talks of a child's final requests to his mother right before he passes away (from illness it seems). He asks her to put his shoes away, because they came from Santa. She can give all his toys to his friends, but he wants his little shoes put away.
This is quite a deep album indeed, as you can see. As tender as the music is, the lyrics, for the most part, are far from your typical run-of-the-mill tunes with general themes. These songs may even bring a tear to the eye. All in all, a great piece of work.
As far as the musicians go, great work all around! They really brought the lyrics to life. Personally, I never thought Billie Joe could pull off such a genre and singing style, but this album proved me wrong! Teaming with Norah Jones is a no-brainer in that you're bound to record an incredible record. The Everly Brothers themselves would be pleased at the homage paid in this album. It was originally an incredible record, and in this case, lightning struck twice. Really worth a listen!
-Rätsel