BoDeans 4 The Last Time album cover

BoDeans

By Mike O’Cull

American rock and roll institution BoDeans sounds as fresh and engaging as ever on the band’s 14th studio album 4 The Last Time.

Out on June 24th, 2022, the record is full of the kind of tight songwriting fans have come to expect from BoDeans but, this time out, the material has been given a compelling twist. Bandleader Kurt Neumann wrote, recorded, engineered, mixed, and produced the songs, played every instrument himself, and even hand-built the guitars he used on these sessions.

This Renaissance Man approach gives 4 The Last Time a personal flavor and vibe that’s light years beyond the raucous roots rock of the early BoDeans but still retains the magic that turned the group into Midwest rock royalty. Neumann still has a lot to play and say and this pure solo recording method gives him the space to get it all out.

BoDeans came blasting out of Wisconsin in 1986 with their impressive debut album Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams, which was produced by T Bone Burnett. The group followed that up with a string of timeless records that included Outside Looking In (1987), Home (1989), Black and White (1991), and Go Slow Down (1993), which contained the hit “Closer To Free,” a concert favorite that was chosen as the theme song for the TV series Party of Five.

The band has appeared with legends U2, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, The Pretenders, and David Bowie and been on the bills of Farm Aid, Summerfest, and Austin City Limits. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has even made BoDeans a permanent part of its Midwest Artists exhibit. The group has come a million miles from its humble beginnings back in the Reagan administration and topkick Neumann shows no signs of doing anything but continuing its evolution.

The warm and welcoming opening track “Loved” is a mid-speed gem that uses crunchy guitars and Neumann’s smooth vocals to put forth his mission statement to his family. “You’re gonna know you were loved” is both the song’s hook and a promise made to his children to be a better parent than the ones who raised him. His plain-spoken honesty is impactful, especially on such an important topic, and lets us know something about who Kurt is at this point in life.

“Ya Gotta Go Crazy” quickly kicks into a more high-spirited gear. It’s an uptempo, train beat number about how we all need to get loose and have some fun, even in tough times. Neumann’s lead guitar work is articulate and melodic, functioning as the perfect contrast to his voice. This one definitely needs to be part of your summer playlist and will get your mind off of your troubles and onto the nearest beach.

The delicate “Pressure Queen” is a song of praise and respect to someone who never stops fighting to make our world a better place for all of us. Neumann’s arrangement is gently atmospheric and blends mellow synth tones with acoustic guitars. Again, he turns in a beautiful lead guitar performance that offsets his lyrics and enhances the track’s big picture. It’s a classic BoDeans moment that needs to be heard.

“I’m A Mess” uses more big guitars to tell the story of a touring musician attempting to balance their home and road lives. Neumann’s has always had a knack for crafting stadium-sized choruses and doesn’t disappoint here. He gets your body moving and your heart aching all at once, which is a good trick for a songwriter. Neumann’s tunes deal with the reality of life as a 50-something human in a straightforward way and show an unforced maturity that’s quite refreshing.

Longtime BoDeans followers will undoubtedly love all the songs on 4 The Last Time. Even so, be sure to dig deep cuts “A Little More Time” and “How To Say Goodbye.” Kurt Neumann is still leading his beloved BoDeans forward with catchy guitar music that will outlast us all. You’ll be listening to this record all summer, guaranteed.

Watch “Ya Gotta Go Crazy”

 
BoDeans website