Noel McKay - Songs About Bad People (2026) [Hi-Res]

American musician Noel McKay releases an eight-track concept album titled Songs About Bad People via McKay Records, self-produced in Nashville alongside Eric Blakely and string arranger Ben Sanders. Focusing on character studies of hitmen, executioners, grifters, narcissists, and cheaters, the record serves as a dark narrative deep dive into malevolent personalities, offering a reprieve from contemporary political and social themes.

McKay's Texas-soaked vocal delivery blends a rugged rasp reminiscent of Kris Kristofferson with back-alley poetic realism recalling Charles Bukowski and John Fante. The instrumental foundation, featuring Wilco drummer Ken Coomer, harmony vocalist Arianna Monteverdi, pianist Catherine Marx, and saxophonist Mary Rogers, is built on atmospheric saloon piano, walking basslines, vibraphone, and gypsy fiddle. Stylistically, the release seamlessly weaves together cinematic dark country, americana, smoky saloon jazz, and dramatic singer-songwriter folk, drawing musical parallels to Tom Waits, Randy Newman, and John Prine



Tracklist:
1. Noel McKay - Artist of Death
2. Noel McKay - Pink Chandelier
3. Noel McKay - Strange California Days
4. Noel McKay - Terrifically Vain
5. Noel McKay - Fallaste Corazón
6. Noel McKay - The Midas Touch
7. Noel McKay - Hit Man
8. Noel McKay - When The Night Is as Black as a Coffin