Introduction:
Dwight Yoakam’s “Wide Open Heart” arrives as a vibrant track from his 2024 album, “Brighter Days,” marking a significant return for the acclaimed country artist. To understand the song’s context, it’s essential to consider Yoakam’s rich musical history.
Yoakam has long been a figure who defied easy categorization within country music. He emerged in the 1980s, a time when mainstream country was shifting towards a more polished, pop-oriented sound. Yoakam, however, championed the raw, honky-tonk sounds of Bakersfield legends like Buck Owens, infusing it with his own distinctive blend of rockabilly, rock, and his signature tenor vocals. This dedication to authentic country roots, coupled with a rebellious spirit, solidified his place as a true original.
“Brighter Days,” and consequently “Wide Open Heart,” represents Yoakam’s first album of entirely new music in nine years. This fact alone gives the work a sense of renewed energy and purpose. The album showcases his enduring commitment to his musical vision, while also revealing a sense of evolution. “Wide Open Heart” itself, has been described as a riffy road song, with beach boy like harmonies. This description, highlights Yoakams ability to blend traditional country sounds, with other musical stylings.
Furthermore, the album, and this song, were created over a three year period, giving Yoakam time to craft and hone the tracks. And with the album being self produced, this gives Yoakam full control over the final product. This results in an album, and songs like “Wide Open Heart”, that are truly Yoakam.