Journey into the Eighties: A New Sound for a Veteran Artist
Unforeseen Inspiration: From Billie Eilish to Eighties Anthems
The spark for Brian Fallon's new album, "Not Bad for New Jersey," ignited in an unexpected moment. While driving his daughter to school, a Billie Eilish song, "Ocean Eyes," captured his attention. Fallon found the 2016 single's irresistible melody and underlying structure reminiscent of Eighties rock anthems, prompting him to delve deeper into that era's musical landscape.
Reconnecting with a Creative Partner: Butch Walker's Influence
Fallon's collaboration with long-time friend and producer Butch Walker, who previously worked on his 2016 solo debut "Painkillers," proved pivotal. What began as a plan for an acoustic EP for The Gaslight Anthem evolved into a full-length solo project. Walker's shared enthusiasm for the polished sound of Eighties rock, from Tom Petty to Tina Turner, and particularly Bryan Adams' "Reckless," profoundly shaped the album's direction.
A Shift in Songwriting Philosophy: Embracing Collaboration
In a departure from his previous solitary songwriting habits, Fallon consciously opened himself to a more collaborative process for "Not Bad for New Jersey." He partnered with fellow artists like Donovan Woods, Brandon Flowers of The Killers, Lori McKenna, and Nick Long, recognizing the value of diverse perspectives in enriching his music.
Crafting the Album: Three Weeks of Intense Creativity
The recording sessions for "Not Bad for New Jersey" took place over three weeks at Walker's Nashville studio. Unlike his introspective 2020 solo effort, "Local Honey," this album features a more robust and energetic rock sound. Tracks like the title song, "Nobody Likes You in NYC," "The Big Sleep," and "Better Before" exemplify this bolder sonic direction.
Dynamic Trio: Live Recording and Mutual Admiration
The collaborative spirit extended into the recording studio, where Fallon, Walker, and drummer Eric Slick worked together to create 12 songs, with 10 making the final cut. Fallon estimates that roughly 90 percent of the album was recorded live, a testament to the musicians' synergy and skill. Slick's admiration for Fallon's ability to "paint a real picture of what his life is like" and his authentic "Jersey thing" further underscores the album's sincere artistry.
Star-Studded Contributions: Guests Enrich the Sound
"Not Bad for New Jersey" features a notable lineup of guest musicians, including Brandon Flowers, Lori McKenna, Marc Ribot, and Def Leppard's Phil Collen. Fallon, a long-time fan of Def Leppard, expressed his thrill at Collen's contribution to the song "Somewhere You Shouldn't Be," highlighting the joy and passion Collen brings to his craft.
Looking Ahead: Tours and Future Collaborations
With a comprehensive touring schedule planned for the remainder of 2026, Fallon will soon return to working with The Gaslight Anthem, for whom he is already developing new song ideas. The collaborative experience of "Not Bad for New Jersey" has inspired him to consider involving outside songwriters for future Gaslight Anthem projects, envisioning exciting new creative avenues.