Review: Jack Browning – Painted Skies
On ‘Painted Skies’, Jack Browning shows that good country music does not have to come from America
Jack Browning – Painted Skies
Format: CD / Vinyl / Digital
Label: Too Fine Records
Release date: September 16, 2026
Text: Henk Hekkelman
Jack Browning is a London-born musician and painter. It is perhaps no surprise that his music brings many images to mind. Long roads, small bars and dark streets all appear throughout the album. Still, Browning never sounds like someone simply copying American country artists. His own stories remain at the centre of the music.
‘Painted Skies’ was produced by Browning and Dan Lucas and recorded at The Joplin House in Kent. The sound is clear without being too polished. Small rough edges have been left in place, giving the album a warm and lively feel.
The album opens strongly with Speak Your Mind (But Ride A Fast Horse). Sharp guitars, a good pace and Browning’s slightly rough voice immediately set the tone. It is a fine opening track that makes you curious about what will follow.
Champagne Taste also moves along at a lively pace. It tells the story of someone with expensive taste but without the bank balance to match. The song has humour, a catchy chorus and an enjoyable country sound. It is the kind of track that stays in your head after one listen.
The mood becomes calmer on High Hopes. Pedal steel and fiddle give the song a warm and slightly sad sound. Browning looks back at the dreams we have as children and wonders what remains of them later in life. It is one of the most personal songs on the album.
James Alley Blues is a traditional blues song that Browning performs in his own way. It begins simply with guitar and harmonica before the other instruments join in. Browning’s rough-edged voice suits the song very well.
One of the more unusual tracks is The Perimeter. It is not a conventional song but a short spoken story with music slowly building in the background. It flows naturally into Heavy Is The Head, a dark track in which the guitars stand out. The band is given plenty of room towards the end, creating one of the album’s strongest moments.
Photo: Rob Blackham
The atmosphere changes completely with Junkyard Dog. A heavy blues riff and an unexpected trumpet give the track a raw and lively sound. It is different from everything around it, which is exactly why it works so well. This is easily one of the most enjoyable songs on the album.
Browning takes a step back on Wire. The music is quiet and his voice sounds tired and thoughtful. The song has an uneasy feeling without becoming too heavy. A lonely whistle at the end fits the mood perfectly.
Another highlight is Muhlenberg County Stars. Browning wrote the song after his first tour of the United States. The pedal steel gives it a warm and dreamy sound. Rather than telling a big story about touring, Browning remembers a small moment that stayed with him. That makes the song feel honest and close.
Gut Feelin’ is a relaxed country blues track with some fine guitar work. It brings some welcome lightness after the quieter songs. Factory Reset then moves towards honky-tonk, with the pedal steel playing an important part. Browning sings about wanting to start again, but brings the story with plenty of humour.
The title track Painted Skies was written with Dutch singer-songwriter Mercy John. It is a quiet song about choosing a life without many guarantees. The pedal steel and Browning’s calm vocals make it a fitting end to the main album.
An acoustic version of Muhlenberg County Stars follows as the final track. This version is smaller and simpler, allowing the words to stand out even more. It is a worthwhile addition rather than just an extra version of the same song.
Browning does not stay within one musical style on ‘Painted Skies’. Country and Americana form the foundation, but blues, folk and rock can also be heard. The mix of energetic and quiet songs works well and keeps the album interesting from beginning to end.
Browning’s voice is also well suited to this music. It is not smooth or perfect, but it is easy to recognise and sounds believable. You believe the stories he tells.
‘Painted Skies’ is a strong and varied second album. Some songs grab you immediately, while others need a little more time. Those quieter tracks often become even better after several listens. With ‘Painted Skies’, Jack Browning has made an album that fans of country, Americana and blues should certainly give a try.
Tracks:
01. Jack Browning – Speak Your Mind (But Ride A Fast Horse)
02. Jack Browning – Champagne Taste
03. Jack Browning – High Hopes
04. Jack Browning – James Alley Blues
05. Jack Browning – The Perimeter
06. Jack Browning – Heavy Is The Head
07. Jack Browning – Junkyard Dog
08. Jack Browning – Wire
09. Jack Browning – Muhlenberg County Stars
10. Jack Browning – Gut Feelin’
11. Jack Browning – Factory Reset
12. Jack Browning – Painted Skies
13. Jack Browning – Muhlenberg County Stars (Acoustic)
Website: https://jackbrowning.co.uk/
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