Introduction:
Dwight Yoakam’s “Since I Started Drinkin’ Again” is a notable track within his rich catalog, particularly recognized for its bluegrass influence within his broader country-rock style. The song is featured on his 1990 album, “If There Was a Way.” To understand the song’s context, it’s essential to consider Yoakam’s career trajectory.
Yoakam emerged in the 1980s, a time when mainstream country music was often dominated by a more polished, pop-infused sound. He, however, championed a return to the genre’s roots, drawing heavily from honky-tonk, Bakersfield sound, and, as evidenced in “Since I Started Drinkin’ Again,” bluegrass. This commitment to traditional sounds, combined with his unique vocal style and songwriting, set him apart.
“If There Was a Way” is considered a pivotal album in Yoakam’s discography. It showcased his versatility, blending various country subgenres with rock and roll sensibilities. “Since I Started Drinkin’ Again” stands out as a strong example of his ability to incorporate bluegrass elements into his music. The song’s instrumentation and vocal delivery reflect the genre’s characteristic sounds, while the lyrics convey a sense of raw emotion and vulnerability, a common theme in Yoakam’s work.
The song’s inclusion on “If There Was a Way” contributes to the album’s overall depth and variety. Critics have highlighted the album’s ability to move between hard-driving country-rock and more introspective, traditional-sounding tracks. “Since I Started Drinkin’ Again” is a testament to Yoakam’s musical range and his dedication to preserving and reinterpreting country music’s heritage. In essence, this song shows Dwight Yoakam’s ability to cross genres, and still produce a very country sounding song.