In 2022, former front man of the band Nervous Conditions, Isaac Wood, announced he would be permanently leaving the band due to mental struggles, shortly before their magnificent second studio album, Ants From Up There, was released featuring Wood’s lead vocals. Following the front man’s departure, the band’s future was uncertain until the rest of the band members stated they would continue making music under the same name – Black Country, New Road. The band would then go on to release a live album, Live From Bush Hall, in 2023, expanding the reach of their new sound out to the public. The vocals on Live at Bush Hall were primarily split among Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery, and May Kershaw. In April of 2025, Black Country, New Road would finally release their highly anticipated third studio album, Forever Howlong.
Track Rundown
1. Besties 3.5/5
While the lead single Besties is a very catchy track, it lacks that emotional piece that a lot of their earlier work had. Overall, it is still a solid song.
2. The Big Spin 3/5
Very similar to Besties but is shorter and less interesting.
3. Socks 4.5/5
Socks is where this album turns into its stride. The warm guitars, soft keys, matched with bright vocals are a beautiful combination for this song.
4. Salem Sisters 4/5
The keys in the intro are very catchy, and the song has a dreamy flow to it.
5. Two Horses 4.5/5
I think the whistling on this song adds a very interesting curveball as it’s not something we’ve seen from them.
6. Mary 5/5
Oh my gosh, this one is just beautiful! For sure one of the more underrated BCNR songs with its lifting harmonization towards the end of the song. The vocals are supreme.
7. Happy Birthday 4/5
The second single is pretty solid. I love the music video for this one, and the song is nice and crisp. I would have liked to see this song go on for a little longer because I think it’s missing a distinct key moment.
8. For the Cold Country 5/5
Wow! Easily the best of the 3 singles released with that amazing build-up.
9. Nancy Tries to Take the Night 5/5
This is the best song on the album. I love how the chorus explodes at the end.
10. Forever Howlong 4/5
I think this one is pretty good, its very soothing.
11. Goodbye (Don’t Tell Me) 4/5
Pretty mediocre compared to the rest of the album. I overall think it’s a good song, but it lacks the closer energy that the band once had.
Overall, I think the album is very good, especially the back half. I would have liked to hear more distinct vocals from Tyler Hyde, as I liked his lead vocals on songs like “Across the Pond Friend” from Live at Bush Hall. The vocals throughout most of the new album sound very beautiful and professional. That said, the creativity of this album is through the roof. My personal favorite tracks include the beautiful song “Mary,” the creative “For the Cold Country,” and “Nancy Tries to Take the Night.” The album gets a solid 8.5/10 for being different from their older work. One of my only few critiques is that the album lacks an explosive ending like their previous albums, such as the final song “Basketball Shoes” from Ants From Up There or “Opus” from For the First Time. Overall, I am glad to hear the new sound that the band had to offer in 2025.
Oveall Grade: B, 85%
