GOSHEN, Ind. — Let’s start with my relationship with Charley Crockett. I first heard his music when he released “I’m Just a Clown” in 2022. It was played so much that I got bored of hearing it over and over, but my faith has been restored.
“Lonesome Drifter” has a melody and tune that just draws you in off the bat. One of my favorite things about this song is Crockett’s voice. It soothes yet intrigues me all at the same time.
The song’s groove is perfectly suited for establishing the mood for Crockett’s old-school character — a hard-luck traveler always one step ahead of trouble but never quite out of its reach. It’s the kind of song that sounds like a drive down a dirt road with a questionable lead character, maybe even an outlaw.
What really sets this song apart is Crockett’s ability to take everyday country themes — heartbreak, lost love, and sticking to yourself — and make them feel fresh. While other Americana musicians might focus on authenticity, Crockett flips the script, mixing imagination, half-recalled fact, and epic storytelling. It’s the equivalent of a midnight movie that’s intimate and epic.
There’s no excessive detail here — just good songwriting and raw emotion. Crockett’s storytelling is evident in every line, and that’s why “Lonesome Drifter” is such a powerful song. It’s an effortless introduction to his music, showcasing his skill at creating timeless characters and universal conflict. While the song has this feeling of being part of something bigger, it’s still intimate, emitting this warm, human energy that makes it stick.
If you haven’t yet heard Charley Crockett, “Lonesome Drifter” is a good place to begin.
– Liliana, News Director
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