Lamb encompasses lost love, addiction, family dynamics and even the rowdy, eclectic city of Detroit in one masterful album. With honest and specific lyrics, the collection appeals to a large variety of listeners looking for a lighter perspective on heavy topics. “Good Hart” rolls out as a collage of original folk and rock songs with occasional humorous undertones and sweet melodic ballads, taking the listener on a creative journey from beginning to end.
Digging Deeper: Songs like “Spring Would Come” will tug at your heart while Lamb references tulips growing that remind him of a love complicated by time and distance. The lyrics “I had to get to the roots / It tore me up inside / Wounded our garden, flowers died,” lead the listener to contemplate relationships and growth from loss. “I Work at Wixom (But I Live in Detroit)” paints a perfect picture of downtown Detroit, and how many natives feel while living in the ‘burbs and visiting the recharging city: “I work at Wixom but I live in Detroit / Never been robbed in the hood at gunpoint / I’m a Cass Corridor Midnight Cowboy / Got a jacket just like Jon Voight.” Not shy about shredding the guitar in “This Guitar Kills,” Lamb notes the fleeting career of many rock musicians and covering basic show etiquette in the music business. With a long-standing career in the industry as a songwriter and performer, Lamb certainly has earned the right to give this advice to the “Doom scrollers and TikTok teens” in this song.
Perfect For: Road trips or a fireside Saturday night. Songs such as “Second to No One” will have you dancing in the kitchen with your partner; “You Weren’t So Bad” will provoke reflection and humility about family and past mistakes. – Meghan Wilcox

On his new album Good Hart, John D. Lamb delves into star-crossed love, adventures in Detroit, literary styles, nicotine addiction, the recent acceptance of weed, and the surreal demands of a dreaming record promoter. Lamb’s lyrics carve poetry from the hidden corners of daily life as well as from the abstract reaches of literature, history and even space travel. His affection for Detroit shines through on “I Work at Wixom” (I’m a Cass Corridor Midnight Cowboy, got a jacket just like Jon Voight, John Sinclair rolled me a joint). Musical style varies with a few sparse folky numbers (Reds, You Weren’t So Bad), a couple of rockers (I Work in Wixom, This Guitar Kills) and a whole lot in between. Lamb’s cool, clear baritone in front of top-notch musicians and production makes Good Hart a great listen all the way through. – Charlie Walmsley

“…12 storied tracks filled with forthright lyrics, humorous and nostalgic reflections, and kinetic ‘70s-fueled instrumentation.” – Lori Barnard Stratton

“that’s pretty crazy and definitely a sentiment shared by few these days! thanks for the mention!” – John Sinclair

“Highly recommended…” – Ken Bierschbach

“I have been listening to John D. Lamb’s new album and it’s great! ‘I work at Wixom but I live in Detroit’ is one of my favorite lines ever! And it’s great to hear you rocking buddy!” – Wade Whittington