Ahead of Our Time is the fourth extended play by Canadian country music group James Barker Band. It was released on October 20, 2023, via Records Nashville, marking the band's first project released on a U.S. label. The EP was produced by Todd Clark, and contains the singles "Meet Your Mama", "On the Water", and the title track "Ahead of Our Time", as well as the promotional single "Champagne". It won Country Album of the Year at the 2024 Juno Awards.
Background and promotion The band's frontman James Barker stated that the EP "tells the story of who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re headed in our next chapter". He added that the band was "drawn to the title of Ahead Of Our Time because these songs have been a part of our journey for a while". After not releasing an extended play since 2020, Barker remarked "I feel like we've been sitting on music for so long. And I feel like this is the best music we've ever made".
The band performed live at a "pop up show" at Ole Red in Nashville, Tennessee on November 28, 2023, to celebrate the release of the project.
Critical reception Lorie Hollabaugh of Music Row stated that the EP "showcases the group’s trademark cheeky lyrics and catchy melodies". Nicole Piering of Country Swag opined that the project "shows why they’ve become megastars in Canada and serves as a perfect introduction to new fans everywhere". An uncredited review from All Country News said that the EP "is reflective of the [band's] dynamic approach and matches the dynamics within the group", noting "heartfelt narratives and voices that meld together like butter". Laura Cooney of Entertainment Focus favourably reviewed the project, stating that it "shows the diversity and range of their sound and exudes positive energy throughout, as well as highlighting their musicianship and James’s skills as a songwriter and vocalist".
Track listing
Credits and personnel Credits adapted from AllMusic.
Taylor Abram – background vocals, composition James Barker – lead vocals, guitar, composition Drew Bollman — engineering João Carvalho – master engineering Ben Caver – background vocals Todd Clark — backing vocals, composition, production, engineering, guitar, keyboard, programming Rodney Clawson – composition Dave Cohen – keyboard Josh Ditty – engineering Kris Donegan – guitar Dalton Dover – featured vocals Jay Dufour – mixing Matt Huber – mixing engineer Tony Lucido – bass guitar Darren McGill – assistant engineering Joel McKenney – assistant engineering Lex Price – bass guitar Jerry Roe – drums Jake Rose – composition, programming Justin Schipper – pedal steel guitar Gavin Slate – composition, programming Byron Sutton – acoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin Derek Wells – electric guitar Charlie Worsham – acoustic guitar, guitar, mandolin
Awards and nominations Year Association Category Nominated work Result 2024 Juno Awards Country Album of the Year Ahead of Our Time CMAO AwardsAlbum or EP of the Year Ahead of Our Time Canadian Country Music Awards Single of the Year "Meet Your Mama"
Release history +Release formats for Ahead of Our Time Country Date Format Label Various October 20, 2023 Digital download Records Label, LLC Streaming
References