Review of Jesse Welles’ album “Middle” on Saving Country Music

bjects like God, war, and religion. It’s also unafraid of taking a more simplistic approach to more common subject matter, like love, and leaving the heady thoughts for another time. Middle also proves that Jesse Welles isn’t just a one-trick pony. He’s an artist who could be defining of our time. Middle is a folk rock and country project that delves into the war we all wage inside our heads where our self-righteous ego attempts to wrangle control for our more cool-minded rationality. You want to be conscious of others in the world, and how your daily actions can affect things on a global scale. But you can’t be so eaten up by the troubles of the world that you begin to lose touch with it. This is all so well-articulated in the opening song “Horses.”

Listeners are invited by Welles to pay utmost attention, as at any given moment, he could impart profound wisdom that may have a prophetic significance. He advises early on in the second track, “Certain,” that “You’ll become what you hate if you seek to replace what you hate.” These lines resonate particularly in our current contentious climate, where people often let their emotions overpower their rationality, ultimately becoming the very thing they despise. Welles’ album was expected to feature exceptional writing, and his ability to translate his craft into full-band productions was indeed a challenge. Seeking the expertise of producer Eddie Spear, known for his work on notable albums such as Zach Bryan’s American Heartbreak and Sierra Ferrell’s Trail of Flowers, helped enhance the musical experience of “Middle.” Despite its occasional loud and electric moments, the album maintains a rootsy and grounded appeal to its music, evident in tracks like “Anything But Me” and “Every Grain of Sand,” where Welles exhibits a balance between sensibility and poetic expression.

While Jesse Welles may have a rock background, his fusion of folk rock and country music in “Middle” demonstrates his keen understanding of current sounds and themes. Accessibility is a key feature of Welles’ music, enabling listeners to engage with weighty topics through melodic constructions that complement his poignant lyrics. The latter half of the album may require closer examination, offering depth and complexity that unravels with repeated listens. Welles’ ability to capture the essence of this tumultuous era through his music resonates with reminiscent elements of Dylan-esque storytelling, solidifying the significance of “Middle” in his artistic legacy.

Middle surpasses any expectations of mediocrity, with its profound exploration of personal and global struggles reflected in Welles’ poignant songwriting. His ability to encapsulate the zeitgeist of contemporary issues within a folk and country context establishes him as a defining artist of our time. The album’s cohesive blend of thought-provoking lyrics, soulful melodies, and introspective themes distinguishes Welles as a trailblazer in the music industry. Jesse Welles’ remarkable talent is further validated by his recent accolades as the Saving Country Music Songwriter of the Year and as the recipient of the Newport Folk Festival’s prestigious 2025 John Prine Songwriter Fellowship.