Album Review: Aaron Watson’s ‘Vaquero’

Vaquero maintains the down-to-earth style that Watson has become known for, though there are some moments where he paints outside the lines.

Written by Chuck Dauphin
Album Review: Aaron Watson’s ‘Vaquero’
Aaron Watson; Courtesy All Eyes Media

After the chart-smashing success of his 2015 album, The Underdog, Aaron Watson is back with a new set, Vaquero, out Friday (Feb. 24). With his previous record hitting the top of the charts, one might wonder if he went for a little of a mainstream sound on the follow-up.

As the old saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The new disc maintains the down-to-earth style that Watson has developed the reputation of having, though there are some moments where he paints outside of the lines just a little bit. Relax. Watson isn’t selling out to “Nashville” or anything like that, but there are moments on Vaquero where his paint brush takes him into some uncharted territory.

Along the lines is the rather timely story song “Clear Isabel,” which tells the tale of a Mexican man who is determined to find a better way of life for his daughter. Ultimately, he does – to tragic consequences. Some might call it a political song, with all of the headlines about immigration as of late. Instead, Watson gives a feeling of humanity to the lyrics of the song.

Aaron Watson; Courtesy All Eyes Media

Aaron Watson; Courtesy All Eyes Media

From a subject standpoint, Watson delivers a strong message about relationships and what is important, especially on tracks like the romantic “Be My Girl” and the tender “Diamonds & Daughters.” Another highlight in this vein is the lighthearted “Take You Home Tonight.” He laments a way of life that has seemed to pass us all by in the nostalgic “They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To.”

He gets a little adventurous musically on “Run Wild Horses,” which might be the most dramatically different type of song he’s recorded yet. It’s still Country, but the pulsating feel brings to mind some of the 80s best sounds on the radio. Female fans will definitely gravitate toward this one. It’s quite interesting to hear Watson take a more sensual approach, but it pays off quite well.

Other standouts include the soaring “Big Love In A Small Town,” which features some appealing harmony from Heather Morgan. He tips the hat to the Lone Star state with “Texas Lullaby,” and offers some timely advice through the words of a stranger at the bar in the title cut.

Watson continues to do what he does very well on Vaquero. Whether this album breaks him through on the airwaves of the stations that control the charts remains to be seen, but somehow I don’t quite think Watson is going to fret that too much. His fans are going to pick up this disc, and will continue to buy tickets to his live shows. That’s how he’s built a successful brand – and continues to do so to this day.