Introduction:
“Turn Off The News And Build a Garden” is a poignant and timely track by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, showcasing the band’s characteristic blend of heartfelt lyrics and compelling musicianship. Released on June 14, 2019, the song is the title track from their critically acclaimed fifth studio album, also named “Turn Off The News (Build a Garden)”. The song and album predominantly fall under the country rock genre, though they effortlessly weave in elements of roots rock, folk, and even hints of classic rock and R&B, reflecting the band’s diverse influences and Nelson’s versatile songwriting.
Lukas Nelson, the son of country music legend Willie Nelson, has carved out a distinct identity with Promise of the Real (often abbreviated as POTR). The band’s sound is characterized by rich harmonies, intricate guitar work, and lyrics that often carry a deeper social or philosophical message. “Turn Off The News And Build a Garden” encapsulates this perfectly, serving as a gentle yet firm call to disengage from the overwhelming negativity of the 24/7 news cycle and instead focus on creating positive change and nurturing one’s immediate surroundings. The track features a guest vocal appearance by Sheryl Crow, adding another layer of texture and harmony to its optimistic message.
While “Turn Off The News (Build a Garden)” didn’t achieve massive mainstream chart dominance as a single, the album itself was met with generally positive reviews from critics. It received an average score of 76 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating “generally favorable reviews.” More significantly, the album performed well on genre-specific charts, peaking at number 4 on the US Folk Albums (Billboard), number 19 on the US Top Country Albums (Billboard), and number 31 on the US Top Rock Albums (Billboard). It also reached number 151 on the overall US Billboard 200. Beyond chart performance, the song’s enduring achievement lies in its resonant message, which continues to inspire listeners to seek peace and productivity amidst an often chaotic world. It underscores Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real’s growing reputation as a band that blends musical prowess with a thoughtful, socially conscious perspective.