The lyrics formed from the ink of Suzi Ragsdale‘s pens have ended up on albums by Pam Tillis, Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert. Her own vocals supported the likes of country’s greats like Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams, Jr. She’s toured as a bandmember for iconic songwriters Guy Clark and Darrell Scott. But when your father is the one and only Ray Stevens, it’s not hard to figure out where that talent comes from. A decade since Ragsdale released her last solo album, this songwriting veteran is back with a six-track EP Ghost Town released on Friday, October 9th.
Co-produced by Sam Frank and Ray Stevens, Ghost Town blends Ragsdale’s Americana/blues/folk and country vibes while setting forth an honesty and knowledge of life that the Nashville native has attained over time. “Bonfire” sets off the album with a catchy beat that gets you clapping along as the sound of fiddle pops in, surrounding Ragnsdale’s spoken word as she sets a clean slate by burning her past – literally – in a bonfire on her front yard. Open for interpretation as the end of a relationship, a new start of life, or perhaps even Ghost Town itself being her first release in 10 years:
Cleaned out my closets, cupboards and drawers
Cleared the air, opened my windows and doors
Scrapped the scrapbooks, frames that I’d filled
Skeletons of all the times I misspent or killed
Built a pyramid in the front yard
Soaked it down with gasoline
Live and learn, fast and hard
Let it burn, hot and clean
It’s all good, it’s all gone, it’s just fuel for a bonfire
Lighten up, moving on, rising out of a bonfire
Released during the summer, the album’s lead single “Wildflowers” is a whimsical rhythm of drumbeats, much like bongos, that make the track light and flowing, a lot like Wildflowers in a field. (side note: this song would also fit in well in Little Big Town’s catalogue). The lyrics’ mention of Peter Pan and Neverland add to the airy song about not always staying with the known, such as picking the wildflower over the rose. “Loved and Won” mentions the names of some of the most infamous lovers – from Adam and Eve to Johnny and June to Richard Burton and Liz Taylor – and comparing their fiery stories to a current relationship. And while not all had happy endings, the existence of love cannot be disputed.
The album ends with very apropos titled track “The Ending.” Ragsdale shares her knowledge that even if you know how something may end, it’s still worth going on the journey:
If I knew the ending I’d
Write a different story, I’d
Fold my hand, just sit back and ride
Never veer off the chart
All the lovers I’ve loved and lost
Life lessons learned at great cost
If I knew the ending
I wouldn’t know where to start
Over its six tracks, Ghost Town takes the listener through Ragsdale’s mind, her feelings, her experiences with such honesty and wonderful musicianship.
Ghost Town is available for purchase here and streaming here.
For more information on Suzi Ragsdale, visit her website www.suziragsdale.com
Ghost Town Tracklist:
1. Bonfire
2. Ghost Town
3. Loved and Won
4. Live Until You Die
5. Wildflowers
6. The Ending