Does Chris Stapleton have a younger brother named Kyle Daniel? Because that’s what he sounds like. My goodness, this is a country music power ballad. There’s a touch of Tim McGraw in there, too, and that’s nothing to take lightly. Kyle Daniel’s composition is rich with layers of piano and guitar work that are really fun. Also, the “born to lose” lyrics are perfect for my pessimistic heart. We don’t often feature modern country, but this one is worth an exception.
Take the deep sincerity of Colter Wall and the joyous celebration of John Denver and you have Charles Wesley Godwin’s West Virginia anthem about coal. As the decendant of a coal miner, I have to say this one resonates in my bones. It’s such a tragic part of American history, really, but there’s a vital history here worth exploring. It’s a thoughtful Americana and folk style track that harkens back to the old days of Johnny Horton….READ MORE
This is one of the most impressive lyrical tracks I’ve heard all year. The opening line is an absolute stunner and the imagery doesn’t stop there. From irony to just outright cleverness, it’s about the depths of sin and human identity but doesn’t feel preachy at all. In fact, it’s not a sermon at all, but it’ll teach you a lot about how to live your life. The Americana pseudo-throwback style is the perfect vehicle for it, too…..READ MORE