Chaparelle – Western Pleasure

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Rating

Chaparelle

Country is not my forté, but there are certainly some country albums out there I really do enjoy. I happened to stumble unto the story of Chaparelle and listened to the album. A highly enjoyable “old-fashioned” sounding album. Who or what is Chaparelle?

Chaparelle consists of Zella Day, indie singer-songwriter who made her debut at 14 (!), Jesse Woods, folk artist and Beau Bedford, producer, writer and musician. All hail from the American state of Texas and have all been active for a number of years when Day and Woods decide to start writing songs together. The musical spark extends into their private life, as they soon become lovers.

They have stated that all the songs that wound up on their debut albumwere written in a mere 7 to 8 days. To fullfil the dream they ask Bedford to join them in the then recently founded Chaparelle.

Chaparelle – Singles

En route to the debut album no less than 5 singles are released:

• Bleeding Hearts
  (released on June 28, 2024)
• Sex & Rage
  (released on September 6, 2024)
• Devil’s Music
  (released on January 31, 2025)
• Inside The Lines
  (released on February 25, 2025)
• Playing Diamonds Cashing Checks
  (released on March 28, 2025)

Marketing

The arrival of Chaparelle is well prepared with the release of a number of singles and videos, roaring (advertising)texts and many (radio)performances.

The musicians’ roots are highlighted, the Texas roots are real and profound: simple, as in authentic, is the band’s gospel.

Introducing WESTERN PLEASURE, our debut record out 4/18/25.

Born and raised in the central Texas Hill Country, our album is a celebration of life. Through loves quarrels and victories is a deep well of inspiration that keeps us together. Like a country song so simple and true is the spirit of Chaparelle. At last, the pleasure is all yours.

Instagram, 02/25/2025

The introduction also emphasizes that the musical role models are made up of classic country duos, like Tammy Wynette / George Jones and Gram Parsons / Emmylou Harris. The inspiration is directly related back to classic 1960s country.

We just wanted to write classic American music. No rules, just the sounds that felt iconic and reminiscent to our heroes before us. It’s been two years since we wrote the first song.

Instagram, 04/15/2025

Chaparelle – Western Pleasure

Review

As stated above, country music isn’t an immediate preference of mine, even though I do own some country albums I thoroughly enjoy. But this album has that “something special”. The classic performances, the band that comes off as sympathetic, with the heart at just the right place, shows a side of America we have almost forgotten still exists.

For everyone who has a soft spot for country music, enjoys the little songs, appreciates pristine production and thoroughly enjoys authentic sing alongs: Chaparelle!

Songs

All songs written by Chaparelle, unless stated otherwise.

• Bleeding Hearts
• Devil’s Music
• Inside The Lines
• Bad Loving
• Playing Diamonds Cashing Checks
• Heart Broke Holiday
• Baby Jesus
• All Things Considered
• Sex And Rage
• Love Is Hot
• Dance With Somebody (George Merrill, Shannon Rubicam)

Video/Spotify
This story contains an accompanying video. Click on the following link to see it: Video: Chaparelle – Western Pleasure. The A Pop Life playlist on Spotify has been updated as well.