49 Winchester Prove They Simply Do Not Miss On ‘Change of Plans’

Review by Lauren Page | @LiveWithLP

Just when you think 49 Winchester physically cannot top the last thing they released, they go and do exactly that. A few times over, actually.

The band have officially dropped their sixth studio album, Change of Plans, and honestly? This feels like a huge moment for them. It still has all the grit, heart and storytelling that makes 49 Winchester who they are, but there’s also something bigger happening here. The sound feels fuller, bolder, and at points they push themselves into places we haven’t really heard from them before - and it WORKS.

The record was co-written by frontman Isaac Gibson and produced by Dave Cobb, which already tells you everything you need to know about the level this album is operating on. Cobb has worked with artists like Chris Stapleton and Sturgill Simpson, so before I’d even pressed play I knew we were probably onto something special. And thankfully, the album absolutely delivers.

Opening track The Window immediately settles you back into that classic 49 Winchester sound we all know and love. The lyrics paint such vivid pictures that you can practically see the songs playing out in your head while listening. Then comes Bluebird, which completely caught me off guard in the best way possible. It leans much heavier into those rock influences, with massive strings running through it, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it went straight onto my playlist after the first listen. I already know this song live is going to go absolutely insane.

One thing 49 Winchester have always done so well is emotional songwriting, and Change of Plans really leans into that vulnerability. Tracks like All Around Me, Slow and All Over Again are packed with so much feeling without ever sounding forced or overdramatic. They have this ability to write about love, change, heartbreak and growing up in a way that feels incredibly real, and that’s what makes people connect to them so much.

There are loads of standout moments across the album, but Oh Savannah really got me. It’s delicate, reflective and one of those songs you instantly replay as soon as it finishes (did they get title inspiration from UK support Wyatt Flores??). It also sits right before my personal favourite on the entire record - Bringing Home The Bacon.

THIS song? Oh my days.

The second we hear this live it is going to raise the roof in every single venue. It’s loud, catchy, chaotic in the best way, and you can genuinely hear how much fun the band must’ve had recording it. My all-time favourite 49 Winchester song has always been Veruca Salt, but honestly.. I think we may have a new winner. It’s impossible not to move while listening to it.

The album also includes a cover of Black Sabbaths Changes, which honestly sums up what great music is all about - taking a classic song and making it entirely your own. Instead of trying to copy the original, 49 Winchester completely reshape it into something that fits naturally into their world, and it ends up being one of the most memorable moments on the record.

Towards the end of the album things slow down a little with Pardon Me and Heavy Chevy, and it’s the perfect way to close everything out emotionally. Heavy Chevy especially is stunning. The kind of vocals where you genuinely just sit there thinking “how is someone capable of sounding like that?”

From start to finish, Change of Plans explores so many different sounds and emotions without ever losing the identity of the band. That’s what makes this album so special. It still feels undeniably 49 Winchester, but you can hear them growing, experimenting and pushing themselves creatively in a way that feels really exciting.

Overall, I’m SO impressed with this record. Every track brings something different to the table, the songwriting is brilliant, and there are multiple songs on here that are going to become absolute fan favourites.

Now the only thing left to know is when we’re getting 49 Winchester back in the UK, because I desperately need to hear Bluebird and Bringing Home The Bacon live ASAP.

They’ve done it again. 49 Winchester simply do not miss.