Album Review: Brothers Osborne’s ‘Pawn Shop’

Brothers Osborne, made up of brothers TJ and John Osborne, are built on TJ’s deep baritone and John’s impressive guitar slinging. The Deale, Maryland, natives fuse these combined talents effortlessly on their co-produced and co-written 11-track debut album. The country duo had a hand in producing the album alongside Jay Joyce (Little Big Town, Eric Church, Carrie Underwood) and it’s an album as diverse as its title, Pawn Shop.

“It’s like an old-school rock approach,” John says of the focus on both guitars and vocals, citing Aerosmith and the Allman Brothers as an influence. “Groups like that always had the lead singer as well as the sideman guitar player. That’s what we’re going for, too. We’re carving our own path in country music.”

The brothers have been carving their path on country radio since the release of “Rum” in 2014 and subsequently their current Top 10 and climbing single “Stay A Little Longer.” The latter shows John’s guitar skills with a minute long instrumental interlude at the end of the song, and it’s no surprise that the album dives deep into those guitar parts throughout.

With an album titled Pawn Shop, there’s sure to be an eclectic group of songs and Brothers Osborne do not disappoint. The album kicks off with the tongue in cheek “Dirt Rich” about appreciating things the way they are, whether it’s a squeaky screen door or leaking fridge. Life is so much more than money and spending time fixing things that are broken, they explain. Eclectic title track “Pawn Shop” continues the idea of living on the cheap while managing to find the diamonds in the rough.

Meanwhile, the nostalgic “21 Summer” has the guys looking back on old love. “I hope you find the storm that you were chasing / Hope your eyes are still as full of dreams,” TJ sings reminiscently in his deep voice. It’s the first sign of heartbreak on the album and the guitar and vocals from both John and TJ soar.

The Johnny Cash-esque “Loving Me Back” once again features TJ’s striking baritone but this time alongside vocals from Lee Ann Womack. It’s an old timey duet that works wonders for the two and showcases the duo’s classic country influence as does their song “Greener Pastures.”

“American Crazy” is an anthemic track that will no doubt shine in a live setting while “Down Home” is a barnyard stomper perfect for a summer bonfire. Brothers Osborne close their debut major label release with the gritty “It Ain’t My Fault” with thumping drums and hand clapped rhythms as TJ’s voice blends impeccably with the percussion. It’s a rollicking end to a diverse album that more than lives up to its title.