Article and Photos by Melanie Macpherson (Shifting Focus Photography)
Adam Johnson's debut album captures the ups and downs of life, love, and the good times in between, with a mix of humor, heartache, and infectious energy. Known for his undeniable personality and SCMA-winning vocals, Johnson’s sound blends modern country with rock roots, evoking legends like Bruce Springsteen while keeping it fresh and accessible.
Opening the album is Middle Fingers, a full-throttle declaration of independence. With an unapologetic “I do what I want” anthem, Johnson delivers a defiant energy that kicks off the album on a high note, setting up the album’s mix of hard-won freedom and no-regrets attitude.
Then there’s Blame It On Me, a pop-infused breakup song. Although it has an upbeat tempo, Johnson’s lyrics reveal a rough breakup marked by betrayal, resentment, and a sense of relief at finally slamming the door. “you're sneaking in in the AM/ How do you not know you smell like him/ I finally had enough and slammed that door/ I bet you blame it on, I bet you blame it on me/ I bet you're telling all of your friends that I cheat,” he sings, giving voice to the way his ex twisted the narrative. Blame It On Me creates a memorable contrast between the intense, frustrated lyrics and the bright, almost denial-tinged sound—a refreshing twist on the classic breakup tune.
For anyone who’s felt the freedom of cutting ties, Drinking with the Boys hits all the right notes. Johnson takes a break from relationship drama here, reveling in the pure, laid-back joy of hanging with friends. With lines like, “She might think I'll come crawling back. She don't know the joy of drinking with the boys” this track captures that sense of relief that comes with newfound independence. There’s a casual humor in his delivery as he recounts how his ex never let him watch a game or unwind with his friends. The song doesn’t dwell on bitterness—instead, it celebrates the upside of moving on, keeping it breezy and making it the perfect anthem for a summer night with the guys.
Switching gears, Blue Moon Girl brings a genuine, romantic touch to the album. Johnson sings about a girl he met by chance, and from the start, he can’t shake the feeling that she’s something special. “There’s not a soul out there quite like you. The kind of girl you meet once in a blue moon,” he sings, telling the story of a night that feels like fate. The song is packed with vivid details—a shared dance, a late-night kiss, her hazel eyes shining brighter than the moon. With its warm tone and simple, earnest lyrics, Blue Moon Girl feels like a tribute to that rare moment when someone walks into your life and leaves you forever changed.
One of the album’s more striking songs, Three Minutes, offers a reflective look into the constraints of song writing. Continuing with the slower tempo, Johnson leans into lyrics that reveal the pressure to condense big emotions into small spaces. “Write a song about your first kiss, falling in love, or someone that you miss, and be damn proud of it. ’Cause a man in a suit will tell you, you’ve only got three minutes.” He captures the bittersweet challenge of putting a lifetime into a single chorus, reflecting on the fleeting moments—first loves, friends, family, hometown memories—that so often become the backbone of country music. This thoughtful track is a change of pace that lets listeners see Johnson’s introspective side and showcases his ability to turn personal reflection into something universally relatable.
The album also includes bonus acoustic versions of Three Minutes and Blue Moon Girl, giving these tracks a stripped-down treatment that highlights Adam’s vocals and the emotion behind the songs.
For The Record serves as the heart of the album, channeling Johnson’s love for classic country and rock. Inspired by flipping through his dad’s old vinyls, the song reflects on how music defines moments and holds memories. With a nostalgic glow, the song reflects on the music that’s shaped him, anchoring the album in a feel-good tribute to the timeless link between past and present.
Adding some levity to the album is I Need a Drink, a relatable sentiment for anyone who’s ever counted down to the weekend. Appropriately Johnson is joined by friends for this song, and with help from the Hillside Outlaws, he sings, “Work the skin right off my palms, I know you’re just like me. When the final whistle blows, I know a bar downtown. Come on out, I got a tab, I’ll pick up the first round. I need a drink, it’s been one hell of a week. ” This track is all about the end-of-the-week exhale, where the solution to the stress is as simple as kicking back with a cold one and a few friends. The song’s vibe is lighthearted and fun, making it easy to connect with for anyone who’s ever had “one of those weeks.”
At the album release show, Adam brought this collection to life, delivering a performance as rowdy and engaging as the songs themselves. The night opened with a solo set from Olli Eldrick, whose acoustic performance was brimming with heart and humor. With nothing more than a guitar and his easy charm, Eldrick shared songs that brought laughter one moment and tugged on heartstrings the next. His down-to-earth style was the perfect warm-up, inviting everyone to settle in and enjoy a night of feel-good music.
Kieran Gardner and The Blucher Boys took the stage next, amping up the energy with their mix of gritty originals and well-loved covers. The band’s chemistry is undeniable, with their classic country sound fueled by electric guitars and a stand-up bass that gives their set a rootsy edge. As they settle into a more confident stage presence, the boys delivered a set that is becoming more polished and relaxed. Each song energized the crowd a little more as they built toward the night’s main event.
When Johnson took the stage, his energy was contagious. With his signature flair—jumping around, pulling faces, and connecting with the audience—he brought each song to life, backed by a tight band who added their own layer of charisma. Johnson’s natural stage presence and his heartfelt delivery ensured the night was as memorable as the songs he performed.
Adam Johnson’s debut album feels like a night out with friends—full of laughter, memorable moments, a little drama, and a sense of connection. With its mix of rowdy anthems, heartfelt love songs, and thoughtful reflections, this album shows just how much Adam loves what he does—and it’s likely to win over listeners who feel the same way about life, friends, and a great country tune.
"For The Record" was performed and written by Adam Johnson and produced by Bart McKay
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