Time Ain’t Accidental is the fifth studio album from singer-songwriter Jess Williamson. The project’s 11 tracks are filled with simple and honest charm as Williamson effortlessly mixes a tinge of country spirit with meandering folk melodies. The songs are catchy but not in your face and carry a certain freshness and authenticity which makes them hold up on repeated listening. Williamsons vocal is always delivered clearly and deliberately with their own unique Texas twang.
However, the album is not perfect. Some of the slower songs tend to drag on a bit, though for the most part this is not an issue as Williamson has a clear understanding of when she has a catchy melody that can keep coming back versus an emotionally poignant line that needs repeating only once. While it is on the shorter end of albums, this suits the themes perfectly and prevents the album from feeling stagnant and stuck on repeating and rehashing ideas and themes.
The album opens with the titular track “Time Ain’t Accidental” which sets the tone for what is to follow while standing alone as an outstanding piece that can play on repeat without getting old. Next comes “Hunter”, a song that has some pop appeal while maintaining the folksy feel of the album. It is certainly one of the stronger melodies on the album and gets stuck in the listeners head very easily (not a bad thing though). The album continues with “Chasing Spirits” which is my personal favorite track on the album. It is very catchy but still sounds authentic and unique. Somehow after many plays, the song is still sounds fresh and exciting. “Tobacco Two Step” is the first slow song on the album and while it won’t be everyone’s jam, Williamson’s vocals on the chorus sound full of longing and make the track immersive and contemplative. “Tobacco Two Step” is followed by “God in Everything”, an anthemic sort of song that boasts small town imagery and the simple life. It doesn’t overstay its welcome and is relaxing to hear. Next comes “A Few Seasons” which succeeds in establishing an unsettled atmosphere which fits the theme of the song. However, it lacks a strong melody and can be a chore to get through on repeated listens as it meanders along for a little while. “Topanga Two Step” brings back some much-needed energy back to the album. It is one of my personal favorites on the album with beautiful melodies and cool vocal inflections from Williamson. “Somethings in the Way” has a nice little instrumental motif but lacks the melodic variation or uniqueness to make a lasting impression in the vein of “Chasing Spirits” or “Hunter”. “Stampede” is the albums return to the slow meandering of some previous entries and while it has a more memorable chorus, this alone is not enough to make this track drag on during repeated listens. The next song, “I’d Come to Your Call” is perhaps the best slow song on the album. With an infectious hook, beautiful vocals, and a perfect opening, it doesn’t get old nearly as fast as some of the previous slow songs. Finally, Time Ain’t Accidental closes out on a high note with “Roads”, which doesn’t quite reach the level of the first three tracks but still does a perfectly good job of ending the project, both thematically and sonically. All in all, the album is an excellent way to lay back and experience a half hour of rolling plains, small towns, and romance.