Today (October 18), Wyatt Flores released his long-awaited debut full-length album Welcome to the Plains. Since announcing the album in late August, Flores has released a total of four singles—“Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight,” “Oh Susannah,” “Little Town,” and the title track. Now, fans can hear the other 10 tracks in the collection.
Videos by American Songwriter
With 14 tracks, Welcome to the Plains clocks in at just under an hour. With the current trend of inflated tracklists and deluxe albums dropping on release day, Flores’ debut is a relatively quick listen. More importantly, it’s well worth the time to let it play from beginning to end. However, like any collection of songs, it highlights. Here are four must-hear songs from the album.
“Welcome to the Plains”—Wyatt Flores Delivers an Oklahoma Anthem
Wyatt Flores opened Welcome to the Plains with the title track, an ode to his home state. However, this isn’t a track that the tourism board would want to use to entice people to the Sooner State. Instead, Flores hints at the history of oil, forced relocation of Indigenous peoples, and poverty. At the same time, he evokes images of the state’s rolling plains, rich red dirt for which the country sub-genre is named, and wildlife.
It’s a near-perfect way to open the album and sets the tone for the rest of the collection.
“When I Die”—A Lighthearted Look at Mortality
Welcome to the Plains represents some of Wyatt Flores’ finest work to date. “When I Die” is a perfect example of his skill as a songwriter. In the tradition of greats like John Prine and Guy Clark, Flores walks a tightrope between emotional vulnerability and levity in this look at mortality.
On one hand, the song contains touching lines like I hope it’s you who’s on my mind/ When I die. On the other hand, he refuses to take the end too seriously with lines like When I’m in the ground / If I hear you talking sh*t / I hope I get the chance to be a ghost and scare your kids.
“Stillwater”—A Heartbreak Can Ruin a Whole Town
Wyatt Flores hails from Stillwater, Oklahoma, the home of Oklahoma State University. In this standout track from Welcome to the Plains, he shines a light on “the problem with Stillwater.” It’s more than the never-ending cycle of college kids coming to the relatively small town. The song centers on a relationship with a college girl who finished school and left.
On the surface, it sounds like Flores is singing about the droves of students filling his hometown every fall. However, he clarifies the meaning of the song in two lines. It’s the best four years of her life until they’re gone. / But to me, she wrecked the one place that, well, I call home.
“Angels Over You”—Wyatt Flores Sends a Message of Hope
Wyatt Flores has been open about his struggles and emotions in his previous releases. This standout track from Welcome to the Plains is no different. However, “Angels Over You” is more than a song about struggles and mental health issues. It ends with a message of hope.
In the opening verses, Flores sings about his shortcomings and anxiety. After the first chorus, though, he changes direction and points to the light at the end of the tunnel.
Featured Image by Daniel DeSlover/Shutterstock
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.