Over the course of his career, and through numerous projects, Mark Fredson has garnered well-deserved attention, both for his fearless showmanship, as well as a knack for writing larger-than-life hooks. Fredson gained notoriety — in Nashville, and across the United States — for his time as the frontman of The Lonely H, and helped Margo Price craft her breakout song “Hurtin’ (On the Bottle).”

The sum of those experiences has culminated in Going to the Movies, Fredson’s new, 9-track volume of “classic bedroom pop” that, in the artist’s own words, is his most authentic work to date.

“Going to the Movies sounds very 2019, but it can also take you back to an earlier time,” Fredson said. “It bridges a solid gap between two worlds. I wanted to sound new while still mining the past, and this is my true self on the record. Regardless of the different iterations of music I’ve played in the past, there’s nothing in the world that’s more representative of me as a person than what you hear here.”

If that’s the case, then we love Mark Fredson here at UMC!

Over the course of 31 minutes, Fredson uses Going to the Movies to provide countless memorable moments, while addressing a wide range of topics that paint a warts-and-all portrait of life in 21st Century America.

Among the many highlights is opening track “Bitchin Summer,” a beautiful homage to the reckless, golden days of youth. Fredson rests modern electropop elements over sweet, nostalgic Beach Boys-influenced power pop that will have you headed for the nearest coastline. Things stay just as charming on “Come Find Me (If There’s Anything I Can Do),” which employs a soft touch that recalls the heyday of hook-laden yacht rock, complete with a breezy, easy-to-love melody.

Want drama? You’ve got it on “To The Moonlight,” a bitter commentary on fresh heartbreak. The tune simmers with tension through hypnotic, pulsing verses, before bursting into flames by way of a big, theatrical chorus. The track heats up even more in the instrumental bridge, when saxophonist Paul Thacker chimes in with an emotive, blistering solo.

Moving beyond relationships, Going to the Movies gives Fredson the chance to address the world’s current, often-sordid state of affairs. “Thoughts and Prayers” gives the album its name, as Fredson proclaims his choice to turn away from reality, and escape to the cinema to break up the bad news parade. Balancing out the darkness, however, is closing track “Only the Best (From This Point On),” a triumphantly tender offering about growing up and moving on — toward better songs, improved relationships, and a more enriching life.

There are more highlights, but we don’t want to give ’em all away. Plus, we think you’ll enjoy doing some of the work for yourself. Check out Going to the Movies below!

Track listing
Bitchin Summer
Come Find Me (If There’s Anything I Can Do)
R U IN IT
To The Moonlight
Hole Up and Die
Thoughts and Prayers
Casual and Calculated
Loud and Clear
Only the Best (From this Point On)