ALLEN BROOKS - "Dreams Of Make Believe"
- Adam Jones - MusicFarmer5
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
MUSIC FARMER 5 - Review by Adam Jones
A Golden Midwest Reverie
In “Dreams of Make Believe,” ALLEN BROOKS delivers a timeless country ballad that feels like it’s been aging in a perfectly curated oak barrel, waiting for just the right moment to pour itself into your soul. With Texas country staple TIM PATTERSON taking the lead on vocals, the track immediately hits with a powerful emotional weight—one that feels earned, not manufactured.
The song unfolds like a letter home, sent from the heart of the American Midwest. From the opening harmonica to the subtle glow of piano against a steel riff, the sonic palette is rich with familiar comforts. It's a classic country arrangement; but nothing here feels stale. Each instrument plays its part with purpose and patience, allowing the story to take the wheel.
ALLEN BROOKS writes with the seasoned pen of someone who’s lived a few lifetimes—someone who’s seen both sides of the dream. “Living on dreams of make believe in Kansas City,” sings PATTERSON with a voice that’s equal parts gravel and honey, perfectly capturing the ache behind nostalgia. There’s warmth in his tone, but also the sting of roads less traveled and love hard-won.
The standout moment arrives with a plea that cuts right through the mix: “Help me, I think I’m falling in love with you.” The instrumentation hushes just enough to let those words float, unburdened and raw. It’s a small moment, but it lands perfectly. That subtle shift in production—letting the vulnerability take center stage—is a mark of expert craftsmanship.
Lyrically, ALLEN BROOKS lets the story breathe, balancing salt-of-the-earth simplicity with flashes of poetic honesty. “They sent me an angel… I still hear her crying in the night” sits beside reflections on cold beer, old friends, and black limousines without missing a beat. It’s the soundtrack to a life well-lived—scuffed boots, barroom memories, and love that burns bright even when the night’s gone long.
