Iron and Wine and Ben Bridwell talk about their latest album, ‘Making Good Time’

ron and Wine and Ben Bridwell talk about their latest album, “Making Good Time,” which was born out of their shared passion for music that goes way back in time. Childhood friends Ben Bridwell and Sam Beam, who used to exchange mixtapes filled with their favorite tracks, have come together to create a cover album that captures the essence of their musical journey so far.

Their new album, “Making Good Time,” features songs from a diverse range of artists, from Kendrick Lamar to U2 and Roxy Music. Iron & Wine and Ben Bridwell have taken songs that span different genres, including hip-hop and ’80s pop, and put their unique spin on them. While Sam Beam is known for his indie-folk style, Ben Bridwell is celebrated as the frontman for Band of Horses, and together, they breathe new life into these classic tunes.

In a conversation with NPR’s Scott Simon, Sam Beam and Ben Bridwell shed light on their inspiration for covering other artists’ songs, especially those that hold a special place in the hearts of music lovers. Their friendship, which dates back to childhood, was nurtured through a shared love for music that eventually culminated in the creation of their cover album.

The decision to venture into cover songs came a decade after they had both been making music independently. Drawing on their deep-rooted friendship and mutual appreciation for music, Sam Beam and Ben Bridwell embarked on a journey to revisit the songs that had shaped their memories and shared experiences over the years.

When asked about the selection process for the songs on their album, Sam Beam humorously mentioned that it often involved a lot of arm wrestling. They compiled a list of songs that had resonated with them individually and exchanged ideas on which ones to include in the record. Their admiration for the original songs and a desire to delve deeper into their emotional and musical essence guided their selection process.

One of the standout tracks on the album is their rendition of Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s hit song “Luther.” Taking on a song that had topped the Billboard charts and gained widespread recognition was a bold move, but for Ben Bridwell, it was a personal favorite that he felt compelled to reinterpret. The touching anecdote about his father’s belief that a song transformed once Luther Vandross sang it added an additional layer of meaning to their version of the track.

The delicate balance between honoring the original song while injecting their unique style and emotions into the cover versions is a testament to Iron & Wine and Ben Bridwell’s artistry. They approach each song with genuine intent and a deep connection that shines through in their interpretation. At the core of their music-making process is a heartfelt exploration of what each song means to them, translating into a compelling listening experience for their audience.

With tracks like “I Want to Know What Love Is,” Iron & Wine and Ben Bridwell infuse their distinctive sound and personal touch into each cover, creating a musical journey that reflects their shared history and unwavering passion for music. “Making Good Time” stands as a testament to their collaborative spirit and the enduring power of music to bring people together through the joy of shared melodies and memories.