Album Review – William Beckmann’s “Whiskey Lies & Alibis”

Don’t go claiming that romance is dead, in country music or society at large until you give an earnest opportunity to the music of William Beckmann. Not since the stellar eras of Chris Isaak and Roy Orbison, or certain moods from Dwight Yoakam have we experienced a country or country-adjacent artist with this much natural, effortless style in their sound and delivery, deftly steeped in the intoxicating emotion of romantic moments. As classic and cool as a pair of Wayfarers, William Beckmann’s music evokes the body curves of the fender on a vintage Cadillac, and the sheen on the burl of a Wurlitzer juke box, but with just enough of a modern touch to not feel outdated or fuddy duddy. He then delivers it all with a voice that is tuned to perfection for this kind of music. Beckmann burst onto the scene in the State of Texas back in 2021 with his sensational single “Bourbon Whiskey.” It was exactly the kind of classic country sound so many had been thirsting for. He followed this up with a succession of 7-song EPs that also included an excellent rendition of The Boss’s “I’m On Fire,” and his career was off to the races. All of this led to Beckmann getting signed to Warner Music Nashville. In what is officially his major label debut album released back in June, Beckmann tries to take his rekindled sound of lonely barrooms and late night drives to a national audience. Where previously William relied on his own pen for most of his songs, Whiskey Lies & Alibis finds names familiar to the mainstream like Ryan Beaver, Jessie Jo Dillon, and Rhett Atkins co-writing with him. Though the album starts off super strong with the twangy and heartbreaking “Honky Tonk Blue” co-written by Chris Stapleton, some early songs like “Makin’ Them Hate Me” and “California Quake” could be album filler for a radio star if produced differently. Luckily though, it’s Jon Randall behind the knobs and faders. He understands what makes William special and unique, and brings those late night textures to the surface.

Then when the writing on these songs takes a turn for the good, the moments turn magic. “Neon Sounds” written by Dean Dillon paints the perfect lonely barroom scene, and is married expertly with Beckmann’s more hushed tones. “Be Your Man” gives you a bit of a Tom Petty vibe, but rendered in an original experience by Beckmann’s unique voice and delivery. “Game I Like To Play” is a good example of William trying to be a bit more modern, while still remaining steeped in his more classic universe. William Beckmann was born down on the border of Texas and Mexico in Del Rio on his family’s farm. Fluently bilingual with relatives on both sides of the border, it’s the romance he learned from all those Tejano and Norteño ballads that he imports into country, and constitutes his novel approach. William’s rendition of “Por Mujeres Como Tú” popularized by Pepe Aguilar is a great way to conclude the album. Whiskey Lies & Alibis has some really great moments, but it does feel like the album got lost a bit in the shuffle in 2025, and not just at this website. Since everyone is either a Zach Bryan singer/songwriter, a ’90s throwback neotraditionalist, or a Morgan Wallen knock off these days, William Beckmann doesn’t have a clear lane to coast in as a bilingual classic country crooner. You also wonder if some of the modern textures on this album spooked some of his more established fans. But there’s no other artist like William Beckmann. It’s his strong array of influences that he blends so seamlessly into music that takes you to a more genteel time and place where romance is still alive, and so is the soul of classic country. 8/10 – – – – – – – – – Purchase/stream Whiskey Lies & Alibis

Is it me or has he never done a single song that sounds anything like or anywhere as good or good at all when compared to bourbon whiskey? I’ll give this new one a listen with much hesitancy and low expectations bc that ep was not it.

Insane. But I don’t think he even understands what he made there. Lightens his voice now and doesn’t have the same sound at all. Same with the new lp unfortunately.

I think the heart of the sound that he crafted on “Bourbon Whiskey” is still there. I agree he’s kind of struggling to find his footing ever since. His first EP got tons of traction, while this new album has struggled somewhat. But I think there’s still some really good songs here.

I agree Trigg some decent spots there. Just can’t help but wondering what could be if he stuck with that formula I though we had ourselves a new a great one on our hands at first.

Trust me, this is a superb album.
In my own top ten of the year.
Honky Tonk Blue is a great way to start.
The title track is an earworm.
Lots to enjoy.

I agree for sure. But look up a song he does on YouTube called Sound of a Broken Heart. I think it’s better than bourbon whiskey (the song not the product) by a good deal. Not sure why he hasn’t released it.

The “late night textures” observation you made is a sharp one. A lot of these songs evoke that sort of imagery. It’s also present in some previous standouts like “Bourbon Whiskey”, “The Party”, and (of course) “In the Dark.” Even when William is shifting gears production wise, he does a nice job establishing the mood for a song.

Finally a review of the great William Beckmann. Thank you.
The album is one of the best of the year for me.
The stunning “Borderline Crazy” is one of my favorite songs of 2025.

I wish this worked for me. It just seems like the music is only there to support the vocals. Like studio musicians were asked to come in and don’t do anything special.

I don’t for everyone else, but I loved this album. It was my second most listened to album this year and he was my most listened to artist. Neon Sounds, Starting Over Again, Whiskey, Lies, and Alibis, and Not That Strong are my favorite on the album, but the entire album really is that strong of an album, and gets better each listen.

Wow, and what the HELL???? WHY do musicians have to be so pigeon holed??? WB has an extraordinary talent and charisma- FULL STOP. He has his OWN style, does that threaten C&W or what??? SHEESH…. I hope he continues to follow the trajectory he is on…. He has mass appeal. why would you knock it?? Baffling to me. I love many music genres, talent is talent. WB will go FAR, without or without traditional approval. Whiskey, Lies and Alibis is all I can seem to listen to while driving…. Go see him live- ‘Nuff said.

Not exactly sure who you are responding to, but I for one thinks what’s unique about William Beckmann is you can’t pigeon hole him. I think it’s cool he has a unique sound all unto himself. However, I acknowledge that when you’re doing something unique, sometimes it is difficult to find your lane, and the audience you deserve.

This is a great review of a great album. It has been one of my favorites of 2025. One favorite of mine from this album that you didn’t mention is “Lonely Over You”.

As for the criticism of the production and arrangements, well, when you’ve got a voice like Beckmann’s in the studio, maybe you don’t need Eddie Van Halen behind him. Just not making any silly production missteps is a big achievement in my book, and I think Randall deserves a lot of credit for that.

A really promising debut and a good listen. Hopefully, it will find the success it deserves. I do think you are right though, it might well have got lost in the mix.

Just a big mehhh for me. I’ve listened to all of his EPs, including the new one, and I just don’t hear what you all seem to be hearing. I find his music to be mostly boring, listless and uninteresting. I just don’t get it I guess. But, hey, to each their own.

Like others have mentioned, have been aware of WB since Bourbon Whiskey came out.
I saw Beckman and his band open for Flatland Calvary a few months ago in Milwaukee. They put on a great show (as did Flatland). As a side note, his band came in to the bar across the street before the show and we had a great chat. They were fairly amazed that I knew so much about Texas and Red Dirt artists up here in Wisconsin. (That is an open invitation for more to come here)!

I think William Beckman needs a band like the Mavericks to truly reach his potential.
Love to see him Tour with them as part of a guest Singer Line up.
Great Vocalist.

He is one of my very top favorite artists. He still appears to be only touring around Texas. I have been waiting for him to come east so we can see him.

I like William a lot. I wish he would come to EU. He is one of the rare authors that can write a nice melody which is nowadays a rare tallent. He is still young so I hope he will write few more songs like Lonely Over You. I really enjoy listening to his albums which I can’t say for latest Drake Milligan or Zach Top stuff.

Source: savingcountrymusic.com