Cory Branan has never been shy in using dry and dark humor in his music, live shows, and in his interviews. The fact that his new record is called You’ll Live and has the grim reaper as the album art feels very on brand for Cory. Cory mentioned on social media recently that at 51 he feels like he’s “nearly back to fighting shape” and said “suck it death” You get the feeling based on his recent post, and the theme of the album artwork, his own mortality is being considered. The album lyrics share that theme as well. It’s a good topic to focus on, as it’s something we all need to come to terms with. Finding a way to find humor in it, feels like a therapeutic way to tackle it for him personally, and it benefits the listener as well, as such a relatable topic.
The record begins with the jarring lyrics “Teeny says ‘just fuck all y’all’ “ in the opener. The song is fast paced and repeats the jarring section multiple times despite its very short runtime of 1:12.
“The Price And The Cost” follows next, with some very interesting instrumentation that sounds like it could be ready to soundtrack the next Sons Of Anarchy spinoff. The storytelling in the song is magnificent with the repeated stanza “the price and the cost ain’t the same” bringing the stories together each chorus. The bridge has some very eerie lyrics like “I’ve seen that rattler eat its rattle” and “I cannot move, I fucking know it’s in there” Following this section, we get a nice guitar solo that continues the very dark tone of the song.
“Ricochet” has some very memorable guitar work throughout the song, and the record to this point has really been a great full band sound. As someone who has seen Cory solo 3 times, it makes me yearn for a full band show, to hear these songs elevated in a live setting.
“Kathleen” begins with a signature acoustic guitar lick from Cory. He has also been no stranger to iconic songs of his being named after someone. The song tells the story of a breakup and the days following. It feels like a song that would’ve fit right at home with some of his early records. The lines in the bridge “Feeling tarred, feeling feathered, I’ve felt arguably better” are delivered in a great and catchy cadence where it feels like Cory is having a conversation with you.
“Cold-Blooded Love” has some prominent piano, and some crooning vocals that make it feel like it could’ve been heavily inspired by Tom Waits. It sounds like the type of song that could’ve done very well in that scene in the 1970’s in a smoky, jazzy bar.
“Me And Your Mom And Them” has a very fun walking bassline that is incredibly catchy, and inspires toe tapping throughout the song. The song feels like it could’ve been the next song in the imaginary life set in my mind from the previous track that while more upbeat still has the similar smoky club vibes.
“Steppin’ Outside” was our first taste of this record before it was officially announced. It features the legendary and longtime friend and tour partner Tyler Childers. This was a fun folk inspired song written from the perspective of a ghost at their own funeral. The lyrics “I’m staying forever, I’m here for you. Steppin’ outside for a little air” can’t help but make you smile when you consider the background of the song.
“The Nothing I Know” begins with an atmospheric slower tempo intro. Musically, it reminds me a lot of bands like The War On Drugs who add atmosphere to otherwise Americana songs. Cory’s vocals really shine on this track, where he delivers the lines in the chorus in a beautiful, anthemic voice. “What worked for you, made a mess of me” are crushing lyrics that feel relatable to anyone who has felt heartbreak before.
The penultimate track “What Gave Me Away” instantly brings the energy back with an upbeat intro, reminiscent of heartland rock. It gives me the same feeling as the first time I heard “When In Rome, When In Memphis” from his previous record When I Go I Ghost. The bridge has a quick effect heavy guitar solo, that I think will work well extended in a live setting.
The closer “The Wreck Of The Sultana” is as interesting as the title itself. It is a classic Cory acoustic track and the way the song is mixed it feels like you’re in the room with him, which makes me think of his charisma singing his creative lyrics. It is the longest track on the record clocking in at over 5 minutes, snd is engaging through the entirety of the song. The imagery is beautiful when he talks about things like “the sleepy Memphis sky”
At 33:42 You’ll Live clocks in as the shortest record in his discography, but it makes the most of the time, with every track worthy of infinite replay. There’s a lot of pressure when you release your first album in 4 years, the same pressure I’m sure he felt when When I Go I Ghost was his first in 5 years. Like that record, the time between records was justified, and he continues to prove why he’s one of, if not the most underrated solo songwriters in music 24 years running.
8.1/10
Cory Branan- You’ll Live
Release Date: 10/9/26
Tracklisting:
1. Teeny Says
2. The Price and the Cost
3. Ricochet
4. Kathleen
5. Cold-blooded Love
6. Me and Your Mom and Them
7. Steppin’ Outside (Feat. Tyler Childers)
8. The Nothing I Know
9. What Gave Me Away
10. The Wreck of the Sultana
