The musician releases his sophomore album
Triple-threat singer, songwriter and guitarist Ben Gallaher has just released his arena-ready, heartland-rock album Time on QHMG/Stone Country Records. The rising star’s 13-track sophomore album is a next-level showcase for the melody-driven country-rock hybrid that’s become his calling card.
Gallaher plays every lead guitar solo on the record and co-wrote five of its 13 songs, including the standout title track, on which the guitar slinger sings the universally relatable, heartbreaking line, “I wish I could move on like time.”
Produced by Neil Thrasher and Patrick Thrasher, the album’s other highlights include focus track “I’ll Take You,” a high-octane, nothing-beats-you valentine to the people and things you love the most. There’s also a must-hear cover of Bryan Adams’ classic No. 1 smash “Cuts Like a Knife,” with Gallaher replicating the song’s iconic Stratocaster solo.
The Music Universe had the chance to chat with Gallaher about the new album, and that conversation can be read below.
The Music Universe: Why did you decide to name your new album Time?
Gallaher: Every song, every guitar solo, every live show, only comes with time. And that all went into making this record, the record I’ve always wanted to make. I feel like my entire musical journey has led me to this record.
TMU: Is it true that you started writing the album’s title track while you were stuck in traffic?
Gallaher: I was on I-65 in Nashville, stuck in standstill traffic, and as I was looking at the time on the dashboard, the lyric “I wish I could move on like time” hit me. I started working on it right then and there. But I didn’t know it would end up being the title of the whole album.
TMU: I was surprised to hear that the album’s focus track, “I’ll Take You,” was originally written as a ballad. Tell us about that song’s journey.
Gallaher: The journey of a song coming to life can be very unpredictable in the best way—from the original work tape, to the demo, to playing it live, to the master recording. This one in particular was written as a ballad but as we were doing pre-production for the album, the song was begging to be played as a tempo. That signature guitar riff is what made the change and it just felt right.
TMU: You’ve said that “Whiskey on a Wound” is not only one of your favorites on the album, but also one of the Top 3 songs you’ve ever written. Why does it mean so much to you?
Gallaher: I’ve always loved this song personally, but once I started playing it live several years ago, the fans always reacted with, “When is this song being released?!” It’s a special one to me because I can finally get this one out there. It’s been a long time coming!
TMU: You played every lead guitar part on this album. What’s your process for coming up with those riffs and solos?
Gallaher: A lot of the songs I’ve written were born from an intro guitar riff. I’ve always felt that the intro guitar is so important for the song because it’s the very first thing you hear. When it comes to the solos, I spend a lot of time writing different versions of a solo until I land on the right one that serves the song the best.
TMU: Supporting your lead guitar work on Time were some of Nashville’s top session guitarists, playing rhythm guitar. Guys like Tom Bukovac have played on hundreds or even thousands of top hits, so what did you learn from working with those other guitarists?
Gallaher: When it comes to playing guitar, like everything else, you can never stop learning. Being in the studio with guys like Buk automatically makes you a better player because their playing is so inspiring.
TMU: How many different guitars did you play on the album, and were they all Fenders?
Gallaher: For acoustic, I played my two Taylor’s. As for electric, I’ve always been a Telecaster guy. I have three that I played on this record and each one of them sound completely different. I played a Fender Strat on “Cuts Like a Knife.”
TMU: What made you decide to cut a Bryan Adams song?
Gallaher: I’m a big Bryan Adams fan, but it was my producers’ idea to record a version of “Cuts Like a Knife.” We didn’t deviate too far from the original on purpose. It’s a tribute to a timeless era of music.
TMU: We last spoke in May when your Bullet EP was released. Tell us about the decision to include those songs as part of Time.
Gallaher: The songs on the Bullet EP fit perfectly with the Time album. To me, a full album is like a musical journey that you go through while listening. Different songs make you feel different emotions. And these songs fit together like a pair of broken-in boots.
TMU: What do you want listeners to take away from this album?
Gallaher: I want listeners to dig into this record and feel something. Whatever that feeling is, is up to the listener on how the songs hit them.
