Get ready to dive deep into the heart of Americana with Fences, the much-anticipated new album by singer-songwriter Joe Wilkinson, set for release on June 10 under Watson House Studios. A collection of ten emotionally rich, beautifully crafted songs, this record is poised to mark a defining moment in Wilkinson’s career — a heartfelt and cinematic journey through love, loss, redemption, and the winding roads in between.
Wilkinson, a seasoned artist based in Los Angeles by way of Poughkeepsie and New York City, draws on a deep well of personal experience to craft songs that make you smile, cry, reflect, and breathe a little easier. His sound is firmly rooted in true Americana, but his storytelling and emotional resonance transcend genre lines.
Fences was produced by Steve Watson and recorded at the esteemed Watson House Studios. The album is the product of an extraordinary collaboration with a group of world-class musicians, in a line-up that inculde Joe Wilkinson (Vocals & Guitar), Leland Sklar (Bass), John Ginty (Keyboards), Fredo Ortiz (Drums), Buck Reid (Pedal Steel Guitar) and Steve Watson (Strings). The musical synergy here is undeniable. With legends like Sklar and Ginty in the mix, the arrangements throughout Fences are both tight and fluid — crafted with a master’s touch but brimming with soul.
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The album opens with “Travelin’ On”, an invigorating anthem that sets the stage for the rest of the record. It’s an irresistible blend of rootsy instrumentation and narrative depth, inviting the listener to pack a bag and hit the road — physically or emotionally. Wilkinson’s lyrics are vivid, and the infectious groove is impossible to resist. Next up, “Lost Until I’m Found” shifts the tone with its blues-inflected soulfulness, showcasing Wilkinson’s range both vocally and as a storyteller. This is an album that moves — not just through styles, but through moods and moments. Other highlights include the heartbreaking ballad “One Last Time”, which delivers an emotional punch with minimalist grace; the evocative “Understood” and “It’s Too Late,” which further illustrate Wilkinson’s gift for introspection and nuance; and the album’s closing track, “Last Breath of Life,” a meditative and powerful ending that leaves the listener both moved and fulfilled.
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But it’s the title track, “Fences,” that emerges as a cornerstone of the record. With its haunting lyrics, soaring melodies, and emotionally charged arrangement, it’s a timeless piece of Americana-Country Rock that stays with you long after the final chord fades. It’s easily one of the most memorable songs of the decade in its genre — the kind of tune that feels like it’s always been part of your life. Wilkinson’s music has always reflected his journey — including his past affiliation with the late, great Neal Casal, with whom he toured Europe in the late ’90s and early 2000s. With Fences, he brings all that life experience to bear in a collection that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant.
Each track feels like a conversation with an old friend — one that leaves you a little lighter, a little wiser, and a little more in touch with the world around you. Whether you’re on a long highway drive, sitting with a glass of something strong, or simply in need of something real, Fences delivers.
Fences is an unmissable release, a testament to Joe Wilkinson’s enduring talent and his ability to touch hearts through honest, emotive songwriting. With its rich instrumentation, poetic lyricism, and stellar production, this album will undoubtedly stand as a landmark in Wilkinson’s discography — and in the broader Americana landscape. Mark your calendars for June 10 — and prepare to be moved.
Check the links below, discover more about Joe Wilkinson and his music, and remember to add his songs to your favorite playlists!
