Jeremie Albino has come a long way from busking on Toronto’s streets, hoping someone might stop and listen. On Our Time In The Sun, his fourth studio album, Albino transforms that raw energy into a vivid collection of songs that blend realistic country storytelling with the pulse of old-school R&B, the fire of early rock ‘n’ roll, and the heart of Southern soul. Guided by producer Dan Auerbach, Albino digs deeper than ever, exploring personal truths and universal themes with a voice that travels like a well-worn road.

The title track kicks off with a Stax-inspired rhythm section and horn blasts, setting the scene for Albino’s tender yet powerful delivery on love gone wrong. There’s no bitterness here though; instead, Albino brings warmth and empathy, a sign of his generous spirit and in-the-moment style. “I put my heart into everything,” he says, “and if I’m not, then why bother?” That commitment is the backbone of the record, pulling listeners in with realness and honesty.

Albino’s recent breakthrough with songwriting has also taken him to new heights. Partnering with Auerbach, he’s gone from struggling to write to coming up multiple songs in a day. Tracks like “I Don’t Mind Waiting” and “Struggling With The Bottle” showcase his development as a sharp, reflective songwriter. With Nashville greats like Pat McLaughlin and Bobby Wood in the room, Albino learned to let the songs breathe and unfold naturally. “You need the experts, just like building a house,” Albino says. And that help birthed some of the album’s most striking tracks.

One standout, “Rolling Down The 405,” began as an off-the-cuff guitar riff and grew into a breezy road anthem with the weight of classic soul. Recorded live with an amazing lineup of Nashville session players, the track channels JJ Cale’s laid-back groove but with Albino’s own distinctive approach. “That was the most fun I’ve had making a record,” he recalls, “and it set the tone for everything else.” The album’s unexpected twists are part of its charm. Take “Dinner Bell,” which opens with swampy, Tony Joe White-style funk before shifting into psychedelic territory, powered by Auerbach’s untethered guitar licks. Inspired by a rare gospel-funk record, Albino wrote a song about the grind of working life, infused with the sounds he grew up with and those he’s only now discovering. He’s taken a path from street corners to packed venues, and this album captures it all - his past, his present, and, no doubt, his promising future.