Alex Runions grows older and wiser on ‘Above the Clouds and on the Ground’

Recommended Tracks: “Missing Piece,” “Watching the World Go By,” “Our Backyard”
Artists You Might Like: Matt Nathanson, Phillip Phillips, Jelly Roll

The beauty of music is that it can evolve – both with those who listen to it and with those who create it. You can compare an artist’s new songs to the songs they released five years ago and find that you still relate or have moved on. Additionally, you can find that the artist has either stayed the same musically or lyrically, or find that they have grown. The latter is true for singer-songwriter Alex Runions. Over the years, Alex Runions has had a phenomenal run as a country artist, releasing chart-topping singles, earning prestigious nominations, and winning highly sought-after awards. Yet, Alex has evolved since he first started out, embracing life as a father and settling into life as a sober adult. Consequently, his music has evolved, as reflected in the songs on his new album, Above the Clouds and on the Ground. Fans will still hear elements of Alex’s country sound, but they will now get a bit of Americana, a bit of folk-rock, and a bit of folk-pop. By maturing as a person, his music will mature as well, leading to an album that is as genuine and original as the life he lives today.

There are plenty of highs and lows on Above the Clouds and on the Ground, and some of these highs and lows tie into relationships. There are tracks like “On an Island” and “Agreeable Grey,” which deal with some of the doubts and hardships. There are times when you may find that you and your partner are on completely different pages, which Alex shares on “On an Island.” He sings, “It’s like out on an island / Even when we’re eye to eye,” his soothing vocals doing their best to make the best of the situation. This tender spirit is also found on “Agreeable Grey,” where Alex sees a change but doesn’t know if it is for better or worse. Between the harmonica-heavy choruses, he observes, “Is this really what we had in mind / When we dreamed about making a life?” and ultimately asks, “Do you ever miss us too?” But amongst these cloudy thoughts are warm feelings, reflected in tracks like “Missing Piece.” Listeners will be able to tell that this is an intense love song straight away, as the song opens with, “When the moon bursts through the pines / It sparkles in your eyes / I love the way you shine.” Alex then continues to mention, “A king without a queen / A sun without a moon / A life without a dream / Yeah, that’s me without you,” the gentle guitar lines helping to establish a sense of pure affection and gratitude.

Aside from relationships, general life has its fair share of highs and lows, and there are several tracks that get real about the lows, real fast. Alex addresses alcoholism on “Day by Day,” taking note of how shameful and disappointing it can make someone feel. There is a lonely, lilting guitar riff that is accentuated by slower, folksy instrumentals, giving the track a detached vibe. All the while, Alex shares, “You drink ‘cause you’re not happy / You drink, well, just because / Your solution’s now the problem / It’s way bigger than it was.” He knows that this habit needs to be broken, much like a tired existence needs to be left behind. With “Tell ‘em All,” Alex is ready to start a life in a new place. As he expresses, “When I look both ways, I’m torn apart / I wish I had a bulletproof heart,” listeners will take in the poignant spirit that is often found in a dismayed country ballad – one that is enhanced with the sound of sweet and somber strings, at that. Still, nothing compares to the desolate hues of “A Song for My Dog.” It starts out with piano, making it instantly sentimental. Alex then gets into the bond he no longer has with his beloved dog, as this dog has passed on. He sings, “I can see you / In my dreams / You’re running through the fields,” and waits for the day that he will be there too, reunited with his best friend. Anyone who makes it to the end of this one will do better than me, as I had to stop the track midway through due to overwhelming feelings…

One of the more fascinating aspects about getting older and settling down is being able to look back on what you have been through while holding close the little moments of the present. On “Watching the World Go By,” Alex remembers an older, humbler time, when he “couldn’t wait for anything” and “nothing was always enough.” While he is more than thankful for where he is now, he misses that carefree manner that comes with being young. At the same time, he indulges in all that is around him, as heard on “Our Backyard.” There is such an innocence to this track that comes through in the pronounced vocals, quaint instrumentals, and rhythmic strums, giving it a charm and enjoyable splendor. Against it all, Alex paints a fun scene of his backyard, singing, “Where there’s love and life and talking / Got the music on, we’re rocking / Ain’t solving any problems.” For a little while, all his cares and worries melt away. He summarizes where he is now on “Settling Up,” which closes the album. Alex sees things in a different light now that he is older, from disagreements with friends to careless, reckless attitudes. His voice is kindhearted yet wistful as he sings, “I’m settling up / Settling down / Making amends with friends back in my hometown,” and “I was blind with pride / ‘Til you and God changed my mind,” acknowledging his old ways. While he still might have a lot to figure out, Alex is growing and changing all the same, and embracing his next chapter.

Overall, Above the Clouds and on the Ground embodies its title. It remains grounded in the chaos of reality while also drifting back to earlier, lighter memories. The songs, in turn, are full of contrast, either celebrating moments that are worthwhile or highlighting the aspects of life that are difficult to overcome. In the end, Alex has made an album that speaks to getting older and growing wiser, and accompanies that notion with a new, eclectic sound that is tailored for such an occasion. He explains, “What I love the most about making music is digging into the experiences of life and creating something with intention, meaning, and growth. This album encompasses what I’m passionate about as an artist without concern for how I should sound or where I should fit in. It is simply from my heart as a singer-songwriter with a voice that is truly my own. With this album, my purpose is to lift people up into the clouds while keeping them grounded by what can be the harshness of reality. It’s about humanity, hope, and healing.”