Two Decades Strong: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers Deliver a Timeless Bluegrass Collection
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
For two decades, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers have been a consistent and heartfelt presence in the bluegrass world, crafting music that resonates with genuine emotion and traditional roots. Their enduring journey culminates in their 12th studio album, Lovin’, Fightin’, Losin’ Sleep, released on June 27 through Billy Blue Records. This 10-track offering is more than just another record; it’s a profound statement of their continued artistic vitality, highlighting their renowned harmonic prowess and a discerning ear for songs that capture the universal human experience.
The album’s captivating title, Lovin’, Fightin’, Losin’ Sleep, is directly inspired by the opening track and the previously unveiled first single, “Time Adds Up (If You’re Lucky).” Joe Mullins, the band’s esteemed leader, muses on the title’s appeal: “I hope the title of our latest album is intriguing. I think it’s entertaining! Each of the subjects has been sung about for decades, and believe it or not, new songs are always coming our way about some of these familiar topics.” This perfectly encapsulates the album’s core essence: a fresh, yet deeply familiar, exploration of life’s fundamental themes, delivered with the band’s signature blend of traditional bluegrass and contemporary spirit. While the thematic thread wasn’t pre-planned, the organic way the songs align with these core human conditions creates a deeply relatable and cohesive listening experience.
The Radio Ramblers have a long-standing affinity for songs that carry a meaningful message, and “The Good Old Days” seamlessly integrates into this tradition. Written by Kelsi Harrigill of Flatt Lonesome and her father Dolton Robertson, the track showcases Adam McIntosh’s heartfelt vocal delivery, made even richer by Harrigill’s own exquisite harmony contributions. It’s a poignant and deeply resonant reflection. Shifting gears, the album then presents a spirited, toe-tapping ode to the working class in “Black and Decker Blues.” This track, a masterclass in classic bluegrass songwriting from Larry Cordle and Jim Rushing, features Chris Davis—a former collaborator with Cordle—delivering a powerful lead vocal that truly embodies the spirit of the blue-collar worker.
Fiddler Jason Barie lends his distinctive sound to Conrad Fisher’s “The Bluebirds Are Singing For Me.” This intimate arrangement, featuring only Barie’s fiddle and Chris Davis’s mandolin, creates a moment of pure, serene beauty, underscoring the nuanced instrumental talent within the group. Another standout is the introspective “Something To Look Forward To,” a collaborative effort between Ronnie Bowman and Billy Strings. This song delves into the often-unseen realities of a traveling musician’s life—a narrative territory the seasoned Radio Ramblers are intimately familiar with, adding an authentic layer of emotion to its storytelling.
Joe Mullins also contributes original compositions, demonstrating his diverse songwriting abilities. The instrumental “Cancellation Blues” serves as a poignant musical reflection on the impact of pandemic-era tour cancellations, a testament to the band’s capacity to translate real-world experiences into their art. On a lighter note, the witty “Circling The Drain,” co-written with Jerry Salley, offers a humorous perspective on a man facing rejection, showcasing the band’s knack for clever storytelling and lighthearted charm.
Prior to the full album’s release, the band offered a tantalizing glimpse into their multifaceted vocal talents with a vibrant rendition of “End Of The Line.” Originally a hit for the legendary supergroup The Traveling Wilburys, The Radio Ramblers’ interpretation is a joyous celebration of vocal harmony and infectious rhythmic energy. Mullins enthusiastically recounts its creation: “‘End of the Line’ was so much fun to arrange and record. Each Rambler can sing most any harmony part so, much like the originators of the song, four of us take turns delivering the verses, and Adam, Chris, and I all take turns singing three different harmony parts.” The track’s contagious beat, expertly anchored by Ben Isaacs on bass and Mike Rogers on bluegrass drums, maintains a high level of energy, while the positive and uplifting lyrics lean heavily into the “lovin'” aspect, gracefully sidestepping the “fightin'” or “losin’ sleep.”
Joe Mullins’ influence extends far beyond his role as the band’s frontman. A celebrated banjo player, he has masterfully blended his passion for music with a distinguished career as a radio broadcaster spanning over four decades. Since founding Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers in 2006, they have not only released 12 critically acclaimed albums but have also graced stages across the globe, earning the prestigious International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Entertainers of the Year award in 2019. Their consistent chart-topping success in both bluegrass and gospel music, coupled with regular appearances on the Grand Ole Opry since 2013, firmly establishes their status as cornerstones of the genre. Mullins’ voice reaches a vast global audience through Real Roots Radio, and he hosts the syndicated program Front Porch Fellowship, broadcast on over 170 stations. Beyond his broadcasting achievements, he produced the IBMA’s 2021 Album of the Year, Industrial Strength Bluegrass, and The Radio Ramblers are the hosts of the award-winning Ohio bluegrass festivals bearing the same name.
Lovin’, Fightin’, Losin’ Sleep is a truly remarkable addition to Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers’ already impressive discography. It’s an album that feels both fresh and deeply familiar, a testament to the band’s exceptional musicianship, vocal versatility, and their unwavering dedication to authentic storytelling. As they continue their extensive touring, captivating audiences throughout the US, Canada, and Europe, this new collection serves as a powerful reminder of why they remain one of bluegrass music’s most cherished and respected ensembles.