ALMOST FAMOUS is the kind of record that makes it impossible to ignore just how singular Austin Meade really is. He’s long surpassed being simply “one of the Texas artists to watch,” and this album cements him as one of the most interesting voices in the broader rock landscape altogether. There’s a confidence here, but not a loud one; it’s the confidence of someone who’s found his lane and refined it to something sharp, striking, and unmistakably his. From the very first track, you can feel him pushing forward and upward, continuing to evolve without losing what makes him Meade.
There isn’t a skippable moment on ALMOST FAMOUS. These songs latch onto you in a way that’s half emotional attachment, half melodic hypnosis. It’s some of the best songwriting and song structuring Meade has put to tape so far, with choruses that don’t just land—they absolutely slam right into you. The melodies are the kind that follow you around the house, into your car, into your head at 3AM. Meanwhile, the band is locked in as tight as ever, pulling off that signature Meade flavor of non-genre-specific rock that’s equal parts swagger, grit, haze, and heart.
While the whole record stands strong, certain tracks make an undeniable statement. Songs like BAD DAYS, BUBBLE GUM AND CIGARETTES, and BOTTLE YOU UP are among the strongest in Meade’s entire catalog to date, balancing vulnerability with hooks that could carry a stadium. The Mitchell Ferguson feature on CIVIL WAR adds an edge and emotional burn that elevates the track even further. And to close with LIKE FATHER LIKE SON is a brilliant move—intimate, reflective, heavy without forcing any dramatics. It lands with the kind of emotional clarity that sticks to you long after the music fades.
Simply put, ALMOST FAMOUS feels like the best release Meade has delivered so far. It’s an album that hits hard, resonates deeply, and refuses to sit quietly in the background. Every song feels purposeful. Every choice feels considered. And more than anything, it feels like a clear step into what’s next. Wherever this record takes him, the momentum is real—and it’s thrilling to watch an artist fully step into their moment.