“We Both Know Better,” a powerful, mid-tempo Americana-tinged track featuring memorable harmonies with songbird and special guest Sarah Hobbs. I wrote the tune about the beginning of our connection. We had both been in terrible relationships and weren’t at a place to settle down. However, after a night out on the town in Fort Worth at The Historic Stockyards after watching Turnpike Troubadours, we realized how much we loved each other’s company.
Texas country soul singer James Cook’s penchant for superb narrative lyrics and riveting vocals is evident on his third studio album ‘The Other Side of Hell’ (out May 7, 2021). Using special sound effects to guide the listener from song to song, ‘The Other Side of Hell’ is a concept album rife with lurking, swampy instrumentals and vulnerable confessions that take a chronological look at Cook’s life before and after meeting the person who would save his life, his spouse, Stacie. Recorded at North Texas’ award winning studio Fort Worth Sound, the ten-song collection includes star-studded performances by Luke Wade, Sarah Hobbs, and Courtney Patton. The result: a rootsy collection of songs that blends folk-rock, country and Southern blues hues, with equal parts grit, sorrow and heart. Above all, it is Cook at his most personal on the subject of love and understanding toward others including himself. Of the album, Cooks says “The Other Side of Hell “is the story of me losing myself, finding hope, and discovering what I'm made of and what I'm made for. My life was at its lowest when I met her. Many friends had written me off because of my poor choices. My attitude toward others was always pessimistic and I had personal problems piled a mile high. I just wanted to be alone so as to not hurt or bother anyone. Stacie did more than love me. She showed me how to love others; how to start seeing the good in life and greatness in others. She showed me kindness, how to deal with my emotions, and how to stay focused on the things I want. She's the reason I am who I am today and for that I am forever grateful.”
Cook and his band are known for their explosive live performances that have taken him all across the country and throughout the festival circuit including Outlaws and Legends Festival (Abilene, TX), Musicfest (Steamboat Springs, CO), Ranch Bash (Ft Worth, TX) and more. The James Cook Band will play an extensive run of shows throughout Texas this Spring and Summer
Fun Facts:
The album is a chronological look at his life before and after meeting the person who would save him from himself, his spouse, Stacie.
Worked with award winning producer Bart Rose at Fort Worth Studios.
Works with multiple charities throughout the year including CASA Red River, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Wichita Falls Area Food Bank, and the Disabled American Veteran Chapter 41.
For this project, Cook enlisted a bevy of other artists to help out including Courtney Patton, Sarah Hobbs, Luke Wade and Jeff Grossman (Saints Eleven).