Review
When I think about those summer nights back home under the Texas stars, a good country album can make you feel like you're right there in the moment. And honey, Charley Crockett's "The Man from Waco" is like a tall glass of sweet tea with a kick of lemon, bringing a fresh taste of the old and new in country music. Released on September 9, 2022, Crockett forsakes today's over-polished sounds and opts for an honest-to-goodness approach, giving us 14 tracks that are simple yet profound. It's his first album done entirely in cahoots with his band, The Blue Drifters, and it feels as intimate as a campfire gathering.
Recorded at The Bunker, just a stone's throw from Austin, "The Man from Waco" taps into something raw and heartfelt. With most tracks laid down in one take, you can almost hear the cedar beams and smell the hill country air. It's a beautiful blend of Crockett’s distinctive “Gulf & Western” style that marries country with blues and folk, weaving all them stories like a patchwork quilt passed down through generations. This kind of authenticity speaks to his commitment to DIY-artistry; Crockett paints pictures with his lyrics and makes you feel every line.
Friendly as a porch swing, yet rough around the edges, the album’s drawing folks in like flies to a peach cobbler. Fans are absolutely smitten, and for good reason! Staying true to his storytelling roots, the themes Crockett hits in “The Man from Waco” make it something special — a salute to the legacy of great Southern songs. Now, if you’re a lover of real, salt-of-the-earth country tunes, snag this one right quick—I'd rate it almost-off-the-scale diabetes in a glass for its charm and authenticity! - Brandie
