Back in January MV saw Tyler Braden and said this: “Tyler Braden is more than just a support act—he’s a star in the making. Mark your calendars; in two years, he’ll be back on this side of the pond, headlining. This is what he was born to do.”
Which brings us to “devil and a prayer” (sic)—a 19-track statement of intent, deliberately structured to mimic a live set. Fitting, really.
“Me Or The Dawn” kicks things off in dark, bluesy territory—the kind of thing Steve Earle might have done in his “Copperhead Road” era. But here’s the twist: Braden questions the abyss—who’s gonna break first, me or the dawn? You already know it’s the dawn.
“More Than A Prayer,” which featured on last year’s EP, is built around its anthemic chorus—clearly designed with live performance in mind.
And those venues? They’re not just clubs or theatres—he’s aiming for arenas. “Think About Me” makes that clear. Riki Rachtman—former host of Headbangers Ball—once said today’s country stars borrow the swagger and stylings of ’80s rock, and it rings true here.
“Above The Water” burns with raw emotion, and “You Don’t Get To Cry” matches it—though its balladry carries a steeliness too.
Then there’s “Loved Once”—not one to hear if you’ve recently lost someone. A genuine tearjerker. “How It Starts” might initially seem like a mood-lifter, but it’s heartbreak in disguise. And “So Long” doesn’t exactly bring the sunshine either.
Braden’s not just about the songwriting—he’s got a stunning voice to match. The slow-burning “To Tell You The Truth” is carried entirely by his vocals, while the back porch strum of “Bullet In My Boots” proves just as effective.
Both tracks form part of a more stripped-back B Stage section, and “Nothing Looks Good On You” is a real highlight. “Dear Old Flame” rounds it off with a longing glance toward past love.
Then it’s back to full throttle. “Breaking In These Boots” rocks hard, while the previously unreleased demo “Evertgreen” makes a strong case for including everything he’s ever recorded.
As someone who counts Appetite for Destruction among their favourite records, “God And Guns N’ Roses” raised a smile—and yes, I have heard “Don’t Cry”…
When I saw Braden live with Brothers Osborne, he introduced “Call Me First” with a passionate speech on men’s mental health. That same intensity bursts through the studio version.
“Right On Track” offers a moment of beautiful reflection, and “Dangerous” continues the country tradition of duets—with Kaitlin Butts delivering a standout performance.
If this really were a live set, then consider the final track the encore. “Devil You Know” sits just as comfortably on Planet Rock as it does on Absolute Country—I’ve heard it on both.
And that’s exactly why Tyler Braden is going to be massive: crossover potential, world-class songs, and a voice to match. Even in today’s crowded country landscape, “devil and a prayer” screams: “Nice planet—I’ll take it.”
Rating: 8.5/10
