Now Playing: Dean Mueller’s ‘Life Ain't All Roses'

Dean Mueller is readying for the release of his debut solo album. It's titled Life Ain't All Roses and has a drop date of June 1st, 2023. But first, for those of you not yet familiar with the artist in question, a bit o’ background.

Dean Mueller

According to Mueller’s official website, he is an American singer-songwriter and musician. He has worked in the music industry for nearly two decades and has also “worked as a performer, producer, promoter, recording engineer and teacher.” His rockin’ resume also includes performing and/or recording with “the Duffy Bishop Band, Blues Music Awards-nominated Insomniacs, and the award-winning Julie Amici Band.”

Originally from Wildwood, Illinois, Mueller has “staged more than 400 performances in the past decade, including tributes to Patsy Cline, Nina Simone, and his favorite singer-songwriter, the late John Prine.” He added: “I got to play with Honeyboy Edwards, Louisiana Red, Cephas, and Wiggins, all those old-school blues artists.” He has also performed with Big Monti, Black Tangerine, the DK Stewart Sextet, and Papa Salty.

Signature Sound

Mueller’s signature sound is a mix of multiple music genres including Americana, country, folk, and a hint of rock ‘n’ roll. His music is “inspired by John Prine.” In fact, he recorded this disc hoping to create material that sounded like “a cross between John Prine and Tom Petty.”

Life Ain't All Roses

Life Ain't All Roses is a 12-track album of almost all original material. Mueller leads the way on acoustic guitar and vocals. He is backed by producer Kevin McKendree on keyboards and background vocals; Steve Hinson on electric guitars, pedal steel, dobro, and sitar; Dave Jaques and David Santos on bass; and Kenneth Blevins and Lynn Williams on drums.

In a recent e-communique Mueller provided additional insight into what inspired his upcoming new release. He said: “Every song on my album has meaning and inspiration behind it. It’s all reflective of my life.”

Track by Track

The lead-in is “Sky Fallin’.” This one was co-written by Mueller and Alan Jones. It’s a fun album intro that effectively foreshadows what is yet to come as Mueller and Jones share writing credits for much of the material here.

The second selection is an unusual adaptation of Tom Petty’s 1994 hit song “You Don’t Know How It Feels”. It provides a common bond between Mueller and new listeners (even if this slower nigh-haunted version might not immediately be praised by hardcore Petty followers). It is the only cover on an otherwise all-original album.

The next number is “Movin’ On.” This was also co-written with Jones. It seems to be not only a song about regrets and failed relationships, but also of surrender and acceptance.

“Burn One Now” provides the first example of what Mueller can do as a solo songwriter. It’s a humorous, upbeat bit perfect for celebrating 4/20.

“Dance A Life” is another example of the Mueller-Jones tuneful team-up. In fact, unless otherwise noted here, all the remaining cuts are co-composed with Jones. This softer song is meant for someone special.

Written as a tuneful tribute to his father, the pensive title track, “Life Ain’t All Roses”, is worthy of all the early attention it is getting. It sounds like a sincere song born of conflict but meant for closure. Mueller confirmed this apparent intimacy of the song recently on social media.

He told the press: “‘Life Ain’t All Roses’ is one of the pieces that I wrote while my dad was passing away during Covid. Unfortunately, I couldn’t visit him, so I wrote a letter for my mom to read to him. But he was pretty far gone, and I’m not sure if he could understand, he passed away very quickly.”

Mueller added: “The central idea of the letter was to acknowledge that although we had conflict while I was growing up, I wanted him to know that I thought he was a good man and did the best he knew how. When I wrote the third verse, I couldn’t help but break down, thinking about how I hope my son feels the same way about me. That sentiment really hits home, and I believe it’s something that everyone can relate to.”

He concluded: “I chose this song as the title track because it’s so personal, honest, and meaningful. I really tried to connect with the heart through the whole record and I hope that people can feel and relate to the emotion behind it.”

Things pick up again with “Maryanne”. Not to be confused with Marshall Crenshaw’s 1982 track titled “Mary Anne”, this is also an original composition by Mueller and Jones. The concept here is by no means new, but Mueller and company make it their own.

“I Wish I Said” is the eighth audio offering. It’s another slower song focused on regret over what could have been.
The distinctive “Dark Place” is a response to someone who hurt him. You can laugh or cry and he chooses to laugh. It perfectly exemplifies Mueller's sense of self, fun, and humor. He even whistles on this one.

By the time you reach “Home To Me”, Mueller’s signature sound should be obvious and it remains solid to boot. It is perhaps overshadowed by other tracks but has its own identity nonetheless.

Things really pick up on “I Wanna Wish.” This is the second and final example of what Mueller can do as a solo songwriter. Mueller and company let the stops out on this one.

The closing cut, the comparatively quiet “Find My Way”, is the result of a collaborative effort between Mueller, Ashton Zyer, and Nick Irving. With a running time of just under two minutes, this reflective cut is also the shortest track on the entire album. But, hey, he only needs a couple of minutes to make his point, right?

Overall…

Overall, this is not only an album of almost entirely original Americana-based songs but it is also an effective introduction to what Mueller can do when the focus is on him. The material here comes complete with humor and heart as he explores some common themes as perceived and presented through his own personal perspective. So, check out Dean Mueller’s Life Ain’t All Roses because it just might pull you out of your “Dark Place.”

(Images courtesy of Dean Mueller)