Self-love, family, and optimism

‘The Third Gleam’ by the Avett Brothers is a touching meditation on what matters the most in life

By Jonathan Pabico, Senior Columnist

4.5/5

From the moment you hear the first notes from the guitar, the Avett Brothers’ newest country album The Third Gleam takes you on a peaceful journey that calms and heals your soul. Every track is surprisingly humbling to listen to with its endearing lyrics and moving guitar arrangements. The collection excels with its themes and storytelling that feels like you’re taking a nostalgic trip through the American countryside.

One of the albums most heartfelt tracks is “I Should’ve Spent The Day With My Family.” Its lyrical poetry delivers a reassuring message about always appreciating the ones you love, and never taking them for granted. The piece uses a gentle guitar and banjo soundscape to elevate the innocence of verse lines like “On days like this, they alone make me want to carry on.” This style choice relays how family gets you through each day with their love and encouragement.

What really benefits the playlist is its immense sense of positivity. Tracks like “Back Into The Light” evoke human optimism that keeps hope alive in the world. The lyrics “And just when I surrender to my shadow / I snap out of it, and step into the light” is accompanied by guitar rhythms that patiently follow the shared vocals from the brothers. This creates beautiful supportive tones that drive away the listener’s doubts and awakens their inner strength.

The album provides closure for the listener with not only optimism but also its powerful theme about self-love and self-worth. The track “Untitled #4” carries these subjects effortlessly through the chorus “‘Cause I’m happy being me the most / When I let what makes me happy go.” The uplifting guitar intro paired with confident vocals empower these lyrics with a harmony that reflects how you can be at peace once you begin to love yourself.

A strength and weakness of the album is that it only consists of touching ballads that behave as soothing lullabies or meditations about life. The collection’s relaxing atmosphere effectively delivers its resonating subjects. However, it doesn’t illustrate the Avett Brothers’ diverse musical range.

The playlist could’ve had a few upbeat or zany country rock songs like their last album, Closer Than Together, to balance with the more mellow tracks. The Third Gleam simply lacks an eclectic feel—it is different in theme but not in song arrangement.

Despite these issues, The Avett Brothers’ current album has worthwhile takeaways for country music fans and those just starting to expand their interests. This wondrous listen takes you to a new place of sincerity with its simple themes and the easiness from its guitar tones. If you’re looking for a memorable experience, then this collection is all that you need.