The High Priest of Ameripolitan Returns: A Review of Dale Watson’s Unwanted
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Dale Watson doesn’t just play country music; he defends it. With his latest release, Unwanted (arriving April 24th via 40 Below Records), the silver-maned outlaw delivers a masterclass in the genre he pioneered: Ameripolitan. It’s a lean, defiant collection that proves after 30+ albums and 40 years on the road, Watson’s blade is sharper than ever.
The Artist: A Living Legend of the Road
Dale Watson is a rare breed—a Texas State Musician who once quit fixing motorcycles to “bet everything on music.” Since his 1995 debut Cheatin’ Heart Attack, he has shared stages with the Mount Rushmore of country music: Cash, Haggard, Nelson, and Kristofferson.
Recorded between the swing of Austin and the soul of Memphis, Unwanted is entirely written and produced by Watson himself. Backed by his loyal Lonestars, and featuring guests like Celine Lee and Katie Shore (Asleep at the Wheel), the album captures the raw, “breathing” energy of a man who still plays 300 shows a year.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
1. Willie Waylon And Whiskey
The lead single and a certified floor-filler. It’s an unapologetic nod to the vices and voices that shaped the outlaw movement. With a driving beat and Watson’s signature baritone, it’s easy to see why SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country and Holler jumped on this immediately.
2. She Was My Baby
A classic honky-tonk shuffler. Watson leans into the Memphis influence here, blending a rockabilly edge with a narrative of love and loss that feels timeless.
3. If You Really Love Me (Outlive Me)
The emotional anchor of the record. This ballad is a haunting reflection on survival. As Watson puts it, “You don’t get to stay this long without losing people.” It’s tender, vulnerable, and deeply human.
4. Gotta Try Harder
A mid-tempo track that showcases Watson’s grit. It serves as a blue-collar anthem for anyone feeling the weight of the world but refusing to lay down.
5. What The Hell Happened To The Cadillac
A witty, high-energy romp that highlights Watson’s Western Swing sensibilities. It’s a fun, observational piece that asks the questions only a true gear-head and vintage soul would ask.
6. You’ve Got My Heart
A straightforward love song that avoids the sap. With Katie Shore’s fiddle work providing a beautiful counterpoint, this track highlights the “breathing room” Watson sought during the recording process.
7. Don’t Let The Honky Tonks Go
A mission statement in song form. Watson has spent his life in these bars, and here he pleads for the preservation of the sacred spaces where “the truth is.”
8. Just Yesterday
A nostalgic look back that avoids being stuck in the past. It bridges the gap between the young man fixing motorcycles and the veteran musician standing on the stage today.
9. Life Is Like A Song
A philosophical moment on the record. It’s melodic and breezy, featuring some of the best piano work on the album courtesy of Matt Hubbard.
10. Never Mend The Broken Spoke
A tribute to the legendary Austin dancehall. This is pure Ameripolitan—fusing the swing of Austin with a stubborn refusal to “fix” what is beautifully broken.
11. If I Can
A shorter, punchy track that serves as a late-album jolt of energy. The interplay between The Lonestars and The Memphians is particularly tight here.
12. Unwanted
The title track concludes the album with a defiant snarl. It’s a badge of honor for those who don’t fit into the polished machine of modern Nashville. Watson embraces the “unwanted” label, turning it into a rallying cry for the outcasts.
The Verdict
Unwanted is anything but. It is a necessary addition to the canon of American roots music. By refusing to modernize his sound, Dale Watson has created something that feels remarkably fresh. It is loud, it is proud, and it is living proof that outlaw country isn’t a museum piece—it’s a heartbeat.