Following in the footsteps of John Cena and Macho Man Randy Savage, WWE’s resident folk singer Elias debuted his long-awaited album, titled Walk With Elias.
The four-track EP clocks in at around 15 minutes. The album drops the same day as a WWE Network Special “Live From Bourbon Street” which was tapped during WrestleMania weekend and features Elias singing to a bunch of drunks on Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
Let’s break down the songs.
“The Ballad Of Every Town I’ve Been To…”
https://youtu.be/lflAuk1MPoM
The first song is a studio version of what Elias does in the ring before his matches. He strums his guitar and sings about the crappiness of the city the show is in. Shades of Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” but written by someone trying to get some heat with the crowd. He manages to mention 20plus towns burying everywhere from New York to Seattle.
“Elias’ Words”
https://youtu.be/z7iQqRyP_oU
Another scree against the fans. This time he takes on people complaining and those who think they’re special. This is more of a ‘Talkin’ Song’ with Elias being constantly bombarded by fans and people asking for his help. I’m getting the sense this entire album is written from the bad-guy perspective and fully in character. He gets a little meta being cheered even though he’s a heel:
“No matter what I do. No matter what I say. It’s like more people love me every single day”
“Nothing I Can’t Do”
https://youtu.be/R6E5X5jtFFA
This time, The Drifter moves to a piano. Channeling 80s soft-rock ballads, Elias once again extolls his greatness and how everyone should love and listen to him. Elias tries to get a little deep before bragging there is “Nothing” he can’t do. Make sure you’re tuned in for the entire song.
“Walk With Me”
https://youtu.be/IsGTG9o0Ru8
Elias busts out his singing chops for this one. Lyrically and musically, this is the strongest song on the album. A smooth electric guitar riff lets us know that Elias once stayed at “Hotel California.” This serves as a rallying anthem for fans to love and “follow” Elias on his journey.
Overall album grade:
7.5/10
As far as wrestling albums go, this one is good. It is even “so bad it is good.” It is enjoyable. The lyrics are all in-character, and each song actually sounds and performs differently. Credit to Elias and WWE for taking what could have been a flat, one-dimensional parody album and making something substantial. We get some insight into the Elias character. Hopefully, this leads to more significant opportunities for the wrestler and songwriter.