The White Buffalo - Shadows, Greys, and Evil Ways (2013)
Tracklist, Album Image Covers, Info and Fun Facts
The White Buffalo – Shadows, Greys, and Evil Ways (2013)
Shadows, Greys, and Evil Ways is the fourth studio album by American singer‑songwriter The White Buffalo (real name Jake Smith), released on September 10, 2013. The album moves beyond straightforward roots‑folk toward a cinematic, narrative‑driven blend of Americana, folk‑rock, and blues, telling a sweeping story of love, war, loss, and redemption through vivid songwriting.
Thematically, it follows a central character (Joey White) as he leaves home for war, grapples with violence and trauma, and struggles with the consequences when he returns—framed as a kind of modern American ballad with both dark and hopeful moments.
Album Credits
Artist: The White Buffalo (Jake Smith)
Label: Unison Music Group
Released: September 10, 2013
Genre: Roots Rock · Americana · Folk · Blues‑rock beginnings
Production: Co‑produced by Bruce Witkin & Ryan Dorn (the Grammy‑nominated team behind Unison’s productions) — resulting in a richer, story‑driven arrangement compared with earlier independent albums.
The album features supporting musicians (bass, drums, violin) and contributions that expand the band’s sound beyond solo acoustic framing.
Album Tracklist
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Shall We Go On
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The Getaway
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When I’m Gone
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Joey White
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30 Days Back
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The Whistler
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Set My Body Free
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Redemption #2
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This Year
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Fire Don’t Know
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Joe and Jolene
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Don’t You Want It
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#13
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Pray To You Now
Musical Style & Themes
Shadows, Greys, and Evil Ways blends:
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Americana and folk storytelling
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Roots rock and blues influences
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Narrative lyrical focus that traces the emotional arc of its protagonist
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Cinematic storytelling, grounding songs in vivid character moments and emotional stakes
The album feels like a concept record, following the life and internal struggles of Joey White—his relationships, experiences with war, and search for meaning—making it more thematic and ambitious than many singer‑songwriter albums.
Lyrical themes often explore:
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Love and separation
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The emotional cost of war
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Anger, guilt, and redemption
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Struggle against personal shadows
Artwork & Visual Identity
The cover art for Shadows, Greys, and Evil Ways contrasts stark landscape imagery with a stripped‑down aesthetic that reflects the record’s introspective and dramatic tone: a modern Western palette that captures shadows, hard light, and the emotional terrain at the heart of its narratives.
Visually and thematically, the album evokes:
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American frontier and outlaw mythology
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Moral complexity and gray areas of life
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Gritty realism merged with poetic reflection
Commercial & Critical Recognition
While not a mainstream chart blockbuster, Shadows, Greys & Evil Ways was well‑received in roots and Americana circles and contributed to The White Buffalo’s growing reputation as a compelling storyteller with songs placed in television (including Sons of Anarchy and other series).
His work around this era earned him nominations such as Independent Male Singer/Songwriter of the Year at the LA Music Awards, building his profile beyond grassroots circles.
Fun Facts & Trivia
📖 1. Loosely a Concept Album
The record’s story arc follows the life of Joey White, a character whose journey from wartime separation to emotional reckoning links the songs into a cohesive narrative.
🇺🇸 2. More Full Band Sound
Unlike earlier minimalist releases, this album was produced with a fuller arrangement—including bass, drums, and violin—giving it cinematic depth and dynamic range.
🎙️ 3. Critical Praise for Storytelling
Critics and listeners praised Smith’s songwriting for its vivid imagery and emotional honesty, likening his narrative style to outlaw country and roots legends.
📺 4. TV Sync Momentum
Songs from this era and the following years continued fueling Smith’s presence in TV shows and trailers, strengthening his career outside the traditional country/folk market.
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