As the United States commemorates its 250th anniversary, Bongo Boy Records and its arsenal of award-winning independent artists are jumping in on the celebration, releasing a nineteen-track double album brimming with brand new national anthems and patriotic tunes. Released on July 1st, The 250 Years Of America is the ultimate soundtrack to your Independence Day party; its multigenre nature making sure that every patriot has a blast, whether they’re a rock fan or a country fanatic.
Producer and label-owner Monique Grimme reveals to us, “The 250 Years of America is more than an album. It is a musical time capsule that celebrates the values, sacrifices, diversity, and freedoms that continue to define our nation. Every artist brought their own unique perspective while honoring the same enduring spirit of America.”
Ann M. Wolf opens the record with a sparkling rendition of the US National Anthem before Monique Grimme steals the second slot with a country-pop power ballad detailing America’s history, landscape, conquerors, growth, and the legacies of its early settlers.
L.Y.M infuses a fresh take on all-American rock ‘n’ roll with their summery, Bruce Springsteen-style anthem, “Happy Birthday America! Two Five Zero” – a stand-out track with a day-brightening edge. Then, Sweet Crystal balances out the vibe with a slow and sentimental old-school tune dedicated to US soldiers, fighters, veterans, and families titled, “Warrior.”
Smokey Southern ambiences steal the limelight on Gar Francis’ “Rocket” – a song which sounds as if David Bowie or Lou Reed took a Texan adventure as acoustic guitars and gruff, personality-rich vocals come together to forge another album highlight. A.J. Gundell’s “The Wall” offers a touching, heartfelt tribute to fallen soldiers through the eyes of someone who lost their father – the clean production and simple arrangement shining light on his evocative songwriting.
Willow Layne’s “Forged From Fire” marks another top moment, channeling Carrie Underwood-meets-Miley Cyrus atmospheres which ring out rich with bliss and hope. Chris Van Cleave wraps the first half of the album up with a 20th-century twist, returning to the sound of classic country heroes on “America, the Beautiful.”
The second half of the record doesn’t let the momentum fizzle for a second. Another classic rendition from Ann M. Wolf lets ‘50s golden age Hollywood ambiences melt into a Disney-style, musical theatre take on the National Anthem. E.G. Holmes and Willow Layne invite listeners back into the sanctuary of country music, lacing “This Land Is Your Land” with bittersweet, nostalgic themes in this top-tier serenade to one’s homeland.
Chris Van Cleave’s enthralling voice returns on “Not Forgotten” as the artist reflects on lost heroes, family members and friends born on American soil. After featuring “The Flag” on the record’s first half, husband and wife duo Inches From Sin return stronger than ever before with “Weight Of The World,” where R&B girl group and rock band vibes interweave an easy-listening country pop backdrop.
Sweet Crystal makes a reappearance with the symphonic rock anthem, “In God We Trust” – a track flocked with 80s quirks ready to spark the most epic musical flashback. Then, Gar Francis steals the show again with the fantastic indie pop/rock hit “Raise A Hand,” perfect for fans of REM and the Brit pop phenomenon.
The Dennis Scott Singers let the party wind down with the tearjerker, “My Prayer For America,” before Boys’N’Barry take the final slot with a doo-wop country pop/rock bop, “Celebrating Our Freedom,” empowered by a love of liberty and charming US trademarks from apple pie to marching bands.
In its celebration of all things homegrown and all-American, The 250 Years of America masterfully traverses the spectrum of country music, from its sweet evening soundscapes to its upbeat and soul-driven movements. Between the acoustic heart-stirrers, flashback rock moods erupt with countless tracks such as Ann M. Wolf’s “The Ride Home,” each charged with that fierce energy of freedom and national pride.
Put together, this album’s classic theme of national optimism is set to give modern Americans a much-needed lift from this year’s troubling stories, reviving sentimentality as its artists put aside the country’s troubles to focus on the great and irreplaceable perks of freedom, trust, and faith. It’s an antidote to political unrest, bringing listeners together in its deathless love for American values and scenes whilst reflecting on formative histories. This record is more about celebrating inclusivity and brotherhood across a nation than spurring fragmentation across its people. The 250 Years of America is a family-friendly and inspiring album for all.
Our final verdict? Highly recommended.
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