ANOTHER YEAR OLDER by Larry Fleet - Album Review

Review By Lauren Page / LiveWithLP

There is no storytelling country talent quite like Larry Fleet. With three incredible albums already under his belt, Fleet has long proven himself as one of the genre’s most reliable and heartfelt voices. So when he announced his fourth studio album, Another Year Older, it felt fair to question whether it would be possible to raise the bar yet again. Somehow, against already high expectations, he’s done exactly that.

From the moment American Made landed as the album’s first single, it was clear this record would be rooted in everything Larry Fleet does best. The track is a soul-driven anthem that proudly celebrates the values that sit at the core of Fleet’s identity: hard work, family, humility, and appreciating the victories, whether they are big or small, which comes with staying grounded. It’s honest, it’s warm, and it sets the tone perfectly for what follows. There’s a familiarity to the sound, but it never feels repetitive; instead, it feels timeless. That true-to-his-word quality is a thread that runs through every Larry Fleet record, and Another Year Older is no exception.

The album consists of 11 tracks, including the previously released singles American Made and Both Sides of the Fence, both of which received rave reviews across streaming platforms and socials. Both Sides of the Fence, in particular, stands out as a thoughtful reflection on perspective and personal growth - an idea that mirrors the album’s title and overarching themes. Fleet doesn’t just sing about getting older; he sings about becoming wiser, more reflective, and more appreciative of where he’s been and where he’s going.

Opening the record with More of That, Baseball on the Radio, and Hotel Bible, listeners are immediately invited into Fleet’s world, which is a place built on blue-collar pride, quiet moments, and deeply personal storytelling. These tracks feel lived-in, like snapshots pulled straight from real memories rather than songs written to fit a formula. It’s in moments like these that Fleet truly shines, proving once again that his strength lies in making the ordinary feel extraordinary.

One of my all-time favourite Larry Fleet songs, Baby You Do from his 2019 debut album Workin’ Hard, showed a slightly different side to his sound, which is more upbeat, a little dancier, but still firmly rooted in his traditional country foundation. That same energy resurfaces on Another Year Older through tracks like If These Walls Could Talk, Whole Lotta Little Things, and Drunk Advice. These songs strike a perfect balance between fun and feeling, making you want to step straight into a honky-tonk, let the band take over, and get swept across the dancefloor without a second thought (ok, that’s my dream), but the realism Fleet creates, sometimes within just a single verse, is nothing short of magic!

What truly sets Another Year Older apart is its cohesion. There’s a natural flow from song to song, not just in sound but in emotion. Themes of love, loss, reflection, celebration, and acceptance intertwine seamlessly, making the album feel like one continuous journey rather than a collection of individual tracks. 

Whether it’s the slower, more introspective moments or the upbeat, foot-tapping anthems, every song has a place and a purpose. There’s something here for every mood and every listener.

Ultimately, Another Year Older feels like the most complete version of Larry Fleet yet. It’s confident without being flashy, emotional without being overdone, and deeply personal while still universally relatable. It’s the sound of an artist who knows exactly who he is and isn’t afraid to lean into it. With this release, Larry Fleet hasn’t just matched his previous work; he’s solidified his place as one of country music’s most genuine and compelling storytellers.

Another Year Older is out February 13th.