The Wilder Blue, a Texas-based country rock ensemble celebrated for its intricate five-part harmonies and rootsy sound, has released its fifth studio album, “Cinco,” a project that signifies a deliberate evolution in their collaborative approach to music-making. The album, which arrived on August 28, sees the band, fronted by lead vocalist Zane Williams, embracing a more outward-looking recording process, inviting a cadre of respected Texas musicians to contribute to their signature sonic tapestry. This expansion, while maintaining the core identity of The Wilder Blue, pushes their musical boundaries and underscores a philosophy of shared creativity.
Founded in 2020, The Wilder Blue quickly established a reputation for blending traditional Texas country melodies with sophisticated vocal arrangements. Their previous work often featured contributions from seasoned songwriters, a practice that has roots in the legendary harmonies of groups like the Eagles. “Cinco” represents a conscious step to integrate this collaborative spirit directly into the studio sessions, moving beyond solely relying on external songwriting partners to also incorporate the instrumental and improvisational talents of peers within the vibrant Texas music scene.
Lead vocalist Zane Williams, alongside bandmates Paul Eason (lead guitar), Lyndon Hughes (drums), Sean Rodriguez (bass), and Andy Rogers (multi-instrumentalist), opted to bring in outside instrumentalists for the recording of “Cinco,” rather than engaging a new external producer. Hughes, the band’s drummer, took the helm as producer for the album. This decision was driven by a desire to deepen the collaborative experience, allowing trusted musicians to become integral to the soundscapes being crafted.
"We were toying with the idea of getting an outside producer, but then we finally decided to look at getting some outside players [instead], so we started calling guys in the Texas music scene," Williams explained in a recent interview. This approach brought acclaimed musicians such as fiddle player Steve Auburn, steel guitarist Harrison Yount—known for his work with country star Cody Johnson—and keyboardist Travis Bishop into the fold. Their inclusion was not merely for session work but for a more immersive creative partnership.
The recording sessions for “Cinco” spanned nine days at the renowned Sonic Ranch studio in Tornillo, Texas, a facility situated in the state’s border region. This concentrated period fostered an environment of shared purpose and creative freedom. Williams emphasized this atmosphere, recalling, "I told them, ‘Look, for the next nine days, y’all are honorary members of The Wilder Blue. Your feedback is just as welcome as everybody else’s — let’s just have fun and make the best music we can.’" This sentiment highlights a commitment to an inclusive and enjoyable creative process, where every voice and instrumental contribution was valued.
The influence of iconic harmony-driven groups, particularly the Eagles, has always been a palpable element in The Wilder Blue’s music. This connection was notably underscored in 2023 when the band collaborated with stadium headliner Luke Combs on a rendition of the Eagles’ classic “Seven Bridges Road.” This partnership not only showcased their vocal prowess but also their ability to connect with established artists and reinterpret beloved songs, further cementing their place within the country rock lineage.
Much like the Eagles, who frequently collaborated with esteemed songwriters like J.D. Souther and Jackson Browne, The Wilder Blue has also embraced the power of songwriting partnerships. Their 2023 album, “Super Natural,” featured extensive work with Brent Cobb, a testament to their appreciation for strong lyrical content and melodic craftsmanship. For “Cinco,” songwriter Phoenix Mendoza emerged as a significant contributor, penning three songs, including the solo-written track “Last Chance for Dancin’.”
Williams drew a direct parallel between his band’s approach and that of their musical heroes. "Don Henley and Glenn Frey were Hall of Fame songwriters, amazingly talented dudes, but even with that being the case, they recorded songs by their talented friends," Williams stated. "So I always wanted to do the same thing, take the best of what I write and combine it with the best of people that are in my musical community. Phoenix has that Laurel Canyon kind of vibe and really understands harmonies. We invited him to fly to that writer’s retreat and write with the band and he ended up with the most songs on the finished project." Mendoza’s contributions brought a distinct flavor to the album, capturing a spirit that resonates with the band’s aesthetic.
Mendoza also co-wrote the album’s opening track, “Sinners and Strays,” a song that evokes a cinematic, Western atmosphere and speaks to the deep bond of camaraderie within The Wilder Blue. This track sets a tone for the album, hinting at the shared journeys and mutual support that define the band’s ethos.
The concept of brotherhood and collective effort is a recurring theme, particularly in Williams’ reflections on the band’s formation and evolution. “We were doing a songwriting retreat last fall, writing for this record, and I was going to co-write with Charlie Stout and Phoenix,” Williams recalled. “I look at The Wilder Blue as we’re kind of that old-school harmony band that you don’t see too many more of these days, or at least not as many as there used to be in the past. I think about the Eagles and the whole harmony groups from the ‘70s era, The Marshall Tucker Band and [then] a bunch in the ‘90s, which is where I fell in love with country music, Restless Heart, Alabama, Diamond Rio, Sawyer Brown… I wanted to write a song about brotherhood and camaraderie and doing this together. I had seven solo albums before this and I think we’re just better together and it’s more fun doing this together. It’s kind of using that cowboy way of life as a metaphor for what we do.” This perspective underscores a deliberate choice to prioritize group synergy over individual pursuits, finding greater fulfillment and creative output in their shared endeavor.
“Cinco” also features a diverse range of musical styles and influences, including a cover of Bruce Hauser and The Sawmill Creek Band’s “Wild Western Windblown Band,” originally released in 1979. This choice reflects a deep appreciation for the roots of country and rock music, drawing from artists who paved the way for their own sound. The album further showcases a significant collaboration with ‘90s country mainstay Tracy Byrd on the Williams-penned track “Texas Women.”
Williams’ connection with Tracy Byrd predates The Wilder Blue, stemming from his solo career when he often opened for Byrd. This established rapport facilitated their collaboration on the new album. “I kind of already knew him, and I host a song swap, listening room kind of gig every month in McKinney, Texas, and he had come out and done that with me,” Williams shared. “We originally recorded ‘Texas Women’ with just me singing it and when we were listening to a rough mix of the song, it occurred to me that we didn’t have any duets on it. I thought someone could theoretically sing the [song’s] lines of the boss man, but it would need to be someone older than me and legendary. I have always been a Tracy fan, so for me, it was cool that he’s got a new song out there and we can be part of it.” The inclusion of Byrd adds a layer of nostalgic authenticity and artistic depth to the track.
In keeping with The Wilder Blue’s established practice, “Cinco” also showcases several solo compositions by Zane Williams. Among these is the album’s closing track, “Only the Years,” a deeply personal and introspective piece that Williams describes as “the most autobiographical song on the album.”
The inspiration for “Only the Years” struck Williams during a late-night drive, a common occurrence given the band’s touring schedule. “I was driving the bus late one night, as I do. A lot of times, if we have to drive through the night, there’s two or three of us that don’t mind staying up late, so I’ll be driving at two or three in the morning. I thought about how I’ve been doing this a long time — the band’s fifth album, but I had seven solo albums before it. I wanted to write a song that only a mature person could write, and that turned into ‘I’m on the other side of many adolescent fears,’ and it was off to the races.” This song encapsulates a sense of seasoned reflection and the wisdom gained from years of dedication to his craft.
The Wilder Blue has been recognized as part of a burgeoning movement of bands contributing to a revival of country rock music in recent years. Alongside acts such as The Red Clay Strays, 49 Winchester, and Treaty Oak Revival, they are helping to recapture the spirit of genre-blending that characterized earlier eras of American music.
Williams views this trend as a natural cycle within the music industry. “The cycles catch up — and eventually, if you’ve got a certain thing you’re good at, that will come back in style,” he observed. While acknowledging that true harmony-focused groups remain a niche, he expressed hope that their success might inspire new artists to explore this vocal tradition. He also noted a resurgence in exceptional instrumentalists, drawing parallels to legendary figures like Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, and Jerry Reed, who were multi-talented musicians. The emergence of contemporary virtuosos like Zach Top and Billy Strings, whom Williams considers among the greatest guitarists of all time, reassures him that such comprehensive musical talent is far from extinct. This observation suggests a broader appreciation for well-rounded musicianship within the current musical landscape, a quality that The Wilder Blue embodies.
