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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 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".
