Soul Asylum’s Slowly But Shirley – A Revitalized Sound for Rock Veterans

Review By Glen Parkes

Soul Asylum, the Grammy-winning and multi-platinum band from Minneapolis, returns with their thirteenth studio album, Slowly But Shirley, released on September 27 through Blue Elan. Known for their ability to blend introspective lyricism with raw, driving rock melodies, the band remains true to form on this record, while also pushing into new sonic territories. The title of the album pays homage to pioneering drag racer Shirley “Cha Cha” Muldowney, a childhood inspiration to lead vocalist Dave Pirner. With 12 fresh tracks, the album showcases a mix of grunge, alt-rock, country influences, and funk-rock fusion, all wrapped in the band’s signature sound.

Recorded live at The Terrarium in Minneapolis, Slowly But Shirley benefits from the production expertise of Steve Jordan (Rolling Stones, John Mayer), who previously worked with the band on their 1990 album And the Horse They Rode In On. The chemistry between the band and Jordan is palpable, as the album feels both polished and organic, offering a sense of immediacy and raw energy that makes each track come alive.

The album opens with “The Only Thing I’m Missing,” a strong lead-in that combines grunge-driven guitar riffs with Pirner’s emotionally charged vocals. It sets the tone for an album that is deeply rooted in the band’s rock legacy, but willing to explore new textures and themes. The song’s anthemic energy and poignant lyrics recall the best of Soul Asylum’s past while pointing towards their evolution.

Following this is “High Road,” a track that leans into a more country-rock sound reminiscent of Tom Petty. It’s a laid-back, yet lyrically reflective song that deals with taking the moral high ground in the face of adversity. The shift in tone shows Soul Asylum’s versatility and Pirner’s storytelling ability, as he captures a sense of personal growth and acceptance with ease.

“You Don’t Know Me” brings the energy back with its catchy alt-rock swagger. This track stands out as one of the more radio-friendly cuts on the album, featuring tight instrumentation and a memorable chorus. The rhythm section, helmed by Michael Bland (drums) and Winston Roye (bass), provides a solid foundation while the guitars add an infectious layer of crunch that echoes the band’s earlier grunge years.

One of the album’s highlights is “Freeloader,” which showcases a funk-rock fusion vibe. The song’s groove-heavy bassline and syncopated rhythms give it a swagger that sets it apart from the rest of the album. Pirner’s vocal delivery is playful, but with a biting edge, adding a layer of irony to the lyrics about people who take advantage of others. This is Soul Asylum at their most experimental, yet it feels perfectly at home in the context of the album.

“Tryin’ Man” takes a slower, introspective turn, offering a moment of vulnerability. The track’s soulful melodies and thoughtful lyrics explore themes of perseverance and resilience in the face of life’s challenges. It’s a standout ballad that adds emotional weight to the album, highlighting Pirner’s ability to connect with listeners on a personal level.

As the album progresses, songs like “Freak Accident” and “If You Want It Back” continue to deliver strong, memorable hooks paired with solid rock instrumentation. These tracks blend the familiar grunge elements of Soul Asylum’s past with a more polished, modern rock sensibility. “Waiting on the Lord” further showcases the band’s evolution, with a nuanced alt-rock sound that is both contemplative and uplifting.

“Trial By Fire” and “Makin’ Plans” bring the energy back with driving guitar riffs and catchy melodies, giving the latter half of the album a sense of forward momentum. These songs, while straightforward in their structure, deliver exactly what fans expect from Soul Asylum: hook-laden rock songs that are both emotionally resonant and musically satisfying.

The album closes on a high note with “High & Dry,” an epic finale that ties together the various musical threads running throughout the record. The song’s grungy guitar tones and soaring vocals build to a climactic finish, leaving listeners with a sense of completion. It’s a fitting end to an album that bridges the gap between Soul Asylum’s past successes and their continued relevance in the modern rock scene.

Overall, Slowly But Shirley is a well-crafted album that strikes a balance between the band’s classic sound and their willingness to explore new musical directions. Dave Pirner’s songwriting remains as strong as ever, delivering both introspective ballads and high-energy rockers with equal skill. The production, courtesy of Steve Jordan, allows the band to sound both tight and expansive, giving the album a live, unfiltered feel that captures the essence of Soul Asylum’s dynamic performances.

For longtime fans, Slowly But Shirley offers plenty of nostalgic moments while showing the band’s continued growth and innovation. For newcomers, it’s a compelling introduction to a band that has remained relevant for over three decades. Soul Asylum proves with this release that they are far from finished, and that their best work may still lie ahead.