The ninth album by Robert Jon & The Wreck, ‘Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes,‘ is a lesson in how real southern rock is done in an era when the genre could easily slide into parody. You can call southern rock outdated, you can claim its time has passed — but the facts say otherwise. Yes, I know how that sounds, and yes, I am ready to stand by this statement because I hear the result. Robert Jon & The Wreck have created a record that forces a reconsideration of old prejudices about the genre.

Too many modern bands copy only the external attributes — Confederate flags, banal lyrics about whiskey and pickups — thinking that’s enough. What comes out is caricature instead of music. Others fall into museum-like sterility, afraid to add anything of their own to the classic formulas of the Allman Brothers or Skynyrd. The result is a sound technically correct, but lifeless in essence. Robert Jon & The Wreck avoided both traps and proved that the genre can sound fresh and contemporary. Instead, we got ten tracks of impeccable quality that show: the tradition is alive and evolving in the right hands.

photo by Rob Blackham

Dave Cobb at the controls is a guarantee of sound quality. The producer behind Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, and Rival Sons knows how to draw the maximum out of a southern rock formation, preserving its organic nature while adding modern sharpness. Here Cobb works in his element: the sound is dense yet breathing — exactly what this material requires.

Another fact. Journeyman Records, Joe Bonamassa’s label, chose the band as its new signing for very solid reasons. The company specializes in blues and roots rock, understands the specifics of the genre, and knows how to promote such artists. Robert Jon & The Wreck received an infrastructure that matches the level of their music.

The lineup demonstrates an ideal balance of talents. Robert Jon Burrison on vocals and guitar is a frontman with both charisma and technique, capable of holding the listener’s attention from the first to the last note. Henry James on lead guitar plays with surgical precision and emotional depth. Warren Murrel on bass provides the rhythmic foundation that allows the others to experiment. Jake Abernathie on keys adds texture, while Andrew Espantman on drums creates the drive that pushes the songs forward.

The recording sessions took place in Savannah, Georgia, where the band was based for the entire period. This approach — living at the studio complex, working around the clock — allowed them to create a unified atmosphere for the album. The musicians could experiment, re-record parts, find unexpected solutions. The result is the sound of a band working as a single organism.

The album kicks off with “Sittin’ Pretty,” a decision that sets the tone immediately. It’s a driving rock’n’roll track with a country touch, where every element fuels the collective energy. Robert Jon Burrison enters the album with confidence, his vocals gripping from the very first phrase. Henry James’ guitar parts add that classic rock shine, and the rhythm section locks into the groove that makes you move. Opening an album with a track like this is a bold move. When the first song grabs you so strongly, the listener is ready to follow the band anywhere.

photo by Rob Bondurant

“Highway” demonstrates the group’s mastery of dynamics. Within one track you get rock, balladry, and country elements. The riffs are powerful yet melodic. The rhythm holds steady, letting the composition develop organically. The band shows it can shift moods within a single piece while maintaining coherence. “Old Man” shifts the atmosphere, adding romance and playfulness. Here Robert Jon & The Wreck show their understanding of album flow — after explosive openers, you need a breather, but one that keeps attention.

“Long Gone” brings back the rebellious spirit. This is rock’n’roll at its finest — ringing vocal lines, a sharp rhythm, an energy that demands a physical response. “Better Of Me” turns to americana and does so masterfully. Jake Abernathie’s keys step forward, creating the cozy atmosphere of an autumn evening. The central track, “Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes,” is the album’s heart in the literal sense. The echo-treated vocals create a sense of space, while orchestral touches add depth. The finale, “Keep Myself Clean,” closes the album on the perfect note. After an emotional journey you need a proper ending, and the band delivers. The track leaves the impression of being at a live show, that very moment when the concert ends but the energy stays with you. A masterful finish for a record that sounds both familiar and warm, and yet filled with the unique energy of Robert Jon & The Wreck.

Released on August 22 on Journeyman Records — today — it arrives at the right time. The market needs high-quality southern rock, and the audience is ready to embrace it. Robert Jon & The Wreck are ready to fill that space at the highest level.

Heartbreaks & Last Goodbyes is an album that will define the development of southern rock in the coming years. It is an example of how traditional music can sound fresh and relevant in the hands of true masters. Robert Jon & The Wreck have created a work that will take a rightful place in the genre’s catalogue. The music industry now has a record that can be recommended both to longtime fans of southern rock and to newcomers exploring the genre. This is music that works in every context — from attentive home listening to large-scale live performances. Essential listening.

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