The Honesty of the Everyday: Lauren Watkins’ “Average Joe & Plain Jane” Nails the Unvarnished Truth of Young Country Love
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Lauren Watkins’ “Average Joe & Plain Jane” is far more than a simple track; it is an immediate thesis statement for her artistry. Released at a time when country music often favors glossy, over-produced aesthetics, Watkins opts for clarity, honesty, and a sharp, traditional lyrical focus. This single is a masterclass in the simple, relatable narrative, serving as a reminder that the best country songs often stem from the unvarnished truth found in ordinary lives. The track isn’t about grand gestures or big-city escapism; it’s about the grounding, messy, and deeply felt connection between two people who are, well, just average.
The Artist: A Neo-Traditionalist Voice for a New Generation
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Lauren Watkins possesses a rare quality in modern music: an authenticity that feels inherited, not manufactured. Unlike many peers who drift toward pop crossovers, Watkins wears her influences on her sleeve, channeling the conversational delivery and observational wit of artists like Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves, while maintaining a vocal purity that recalls classic country. Her voice is clear, slightly nasal in the most charming, traditional sense, and perfectly suited for telling grounded, character-driven stories. She is part of a wave of young female artists dedicated to revitalizing the genre’s lyrical depth and honky-tonk sound, making her essential listening for those who crave the “real stuff.”
Single Analysis: “Average Joe & Plain Jane”
The song’s title immediately signals its theme: a celebration of the unremarkable. It subverts the idea that love must be a fairytale, instead embracing the beautiful monotony of the everyday.
Lyrical Depth and Theme: The core genius of the track lies in its relatability. Watkins uses specific, detailed imagery to paint the picture of the couple: they drive a beat-up truck, their Friday nights are spent on worn-out couches, and their aspirations are modest. The lines are packed with details that resonate instantly with a working-class or small-town audience. It’s not a story about finding riches; it’s about finding richness in the ordinary. This grounded perspective acts as a powerful antidote to the often-bloated fantasy of mainstream radio country.
Musical Arrangement and Production: Musically, the song is a triumph of restraint. The arrangement is sparse, built primarily on a solid, shuffling acoustic guitar rhythm, a soft, deliberate drum beat, and—most crucially—a beautifully lonesome steel guitar. The steel is not relegated to a background texture; it functions as a second voice, weaving melodic commentary around Watkins’ lyrics. The tempo is a perfect mid-speed lope, ideal for a quiet drive down a backroad or a slow two-step. The production avoids heavy compression, giving the track air to breathe and allowing the natural timber of the acoustic instruments to shine through.
Vocal Performance: Watkins’ delivery is perfectly pitched. She sings with a knowing, understated confidence, allowing the humor and the sincerity of the lyrics to do the heavy lifting. There is no vocal acrobatics here, just pure, direct storytelling. Her conviction sells the premise entirely: she genuinely believes in the beauty of being “Average Joe and Plain Jane.”
Conclusion: A Whisper That Shouts
“Average Joe & Plain Jane” is more than just a good song; it’s a statement about where Lauren Watkins sees herself in the country music landscape: firmly rooted in tradition and committed to lyrical honesty. It’s a whisper of true sentiment that cuts through the noise of the industry. For anyone looking for the next great female voice who respects the history of the genre while speaking to the present, this single is a must-listen. It’s authentic, heartfelt, and ultimately, proof that average can be extraordinary.