By Lane Lannan

You should never let go of your dreams. Sometimes they just take time to come to fruition.

That is the case for Grand Man, the debut studio album from singer Rusty Williams. The album was originally recorded in the 1970s but was then shelved for various reasons until the modern day. Williams is the grandfather of Hayley Williams, the lead singer for Paramore. When Zac Farro, bandmate of William’s, got wind of Grand Man, he wanted to put the songs out on his label, Congrats Records; this would give Rusty the chance to see his music be released to the masses, a dream he had all but given up on over the decades.

Grand Man serves as a heartfelt journey through time, encapsulating the essence of love and dedication that has spanned decades. At 78 years old, Williams has unveiled a collection of songs that not only highlight his enduring talent but also underscore the timeless nature of genuine artistry. The album was released on Valentine’s Day this year, and there couldn’t have been a more perfect time to make these songs available.

Personally, I couldn’t get enough of this album. I am a big fan of Paramore, so when I saw the social media posts about this album, I was incredibly excited. Upon its release, I streamed it a lot. I also sent it to friends because I wanted as many people as possible to hear how good it was. But with all that said, let’s delve a bit more into the content present on this album.

The opening track and lead single, “Knocking (At Your Door),” sets a captivating tone for the album. It has a breezy melody, complemented by a perfect instrumental backing. The song evokes the exhilaration of young romance. Williams’ smooth vocals glide effortlessly over the instrumentation, creating an atmosphere both uplifting and intimate. 

Another standout piece, “Angel Eyes,” adopts a reflective and meditative tone. The stripped-back guitar arrangement allows Williams’ heartfelt lyrics to take center stage, making it an ideal choice for a slow dance. Similarly, “Can’t Stay Away from You, Girl” continues this theme of unadulterated love, showcasing Williams’ ability to convey deep emotional feelings through simplicity. That song in particular is interesting, as it feels happier in the first verse, but eventually gets sadder lyrically in the second verse. However, despite that, Williams still manages to make those sadder lyrics work with the positive instrumental. 

Diverging from the album’s romantic themes, “I Can’t Live Here Anymore” examines the complexities of needing to escape a place tainted by lost love. The poignant lyrics and emotive delivery provide a stark contrast to the otherwise optimistic tracks, adding depth and variety to the album’s narrative. The emotional depth on this song is incredible, and as such I would say it is easily one of the best on the record. 

The sense of melancholy present in this song would fit right in with Brian Wilson’s contributions to albums like Surf’s Up. There is just something magical for me with these moments in Grand Man. It is rare for me to hear music of this time that I feel is on par with what The Beach Boys were putting out, but this is one of many moments where I feel Rusty is right there with them in terms of artistry and musicality. 

The penultimate track, “Someone Who Happened to Me,” stands out with its powerful opening and instrumental break midway through. Everything about the song is so well done. From the emotional vocals to the soft instrumentals, there is so much to love in this song, even with its sadder tones.

This song gives me such a strong Beach Boys vibe, particularly at the end, with the very last sustained vocal. It sounds like it could have been a Brian Wilson demo from the mid-70s, similar to Wilson’s solo version of “In the Back of My Mind.” This comparison is not to diminish Williams by any means; it’s to show the sheer artistry that is present on the album.

The production quality of Grand Man retains a very authentic 1970s sound, characterized by its warm, analog feel. It transports listeners back to a bygone era, offering a genuine representation of Williams’ original vision. This authenticity is further enhanced by the decision to preserve the original recordings without modern alterations, allowing the raw emotion and sincerity of the performances to resonate fully. 

The only “complaint,” if you want to call it that, I have is that some of the songs do lack the same polish as other songs because of that decision. However, to immediately contradict myself, I do not necessarily see this as a bad thing. While it would potentially be better if every song sounded perfect and brand new, there is a charm to the more archival sound on some songs. It perfectly shows the history of this album. Even if it isn’t everyone’s favorite sound, I would argue that every song is just as good as the last, and the quality of each song cannot be determined solely by the sound of the recording. 

Grand Man by Rusty Williams is more than just an album; it is a narrative of love, family and the enduring nature of music. It bridges generational gaps, bringing to light the hidden gems of the past and allowing them to shine in the present. Rusty Williams’ journey from recording these songs in the 1970s to their release in 2025 is a compelling story of patience and passion. Listeners who embark on the auditory journey of Grand Man will not only be treated to soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics but also to a story that reaffirms the timeless nature of genuine artistic expression.

Grand Man is available on all streaming platforms. Additionally, it is still available for purchase physically through Congrats Records’ website. I cannot recommend this album enough to fans of this era of music, especially Beach Boys fans. There is a lot to love with the album, and I personally would love to see even more people flock to it and hear the emotional depth present across its 13 tracks.

Video by AJ Gibboney

Site & Store: https://congratsrecords.com

©2025 Lane Lannan/Endless Summer Quarterly/All Rights Reserved