Drake White began his country music career in 2011, bringing with him the soulful, down-to-earth melodies he learned singing in his church’s youth choir in Alabama. His roots in gospel and Southern storytelling quickly became the foundation of his unique sound—a blend of country, soul, and blues that has captivated audiences worldwide.
White made a strong impression on the country music scene with his 2013 debut single, ‘Simple Life,' introducing his brand of country soul. He solidified this sound with his 2016 debut album ‘Spark' followed by the ‘Pieces' and ‘Stars' EPs. Over the years, he has hit the Top 40 on the Country Airplay chart four times with songs like ‘Livin’ the Dream,' ‘It Feels Good' and the romantic ballad ‘Makin’ Me Look Good Again.' Sharing stages with country music legends such as Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Zac Brown Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Little Big Town, White has earned his place in the genre.
In August 2019, White faced a life-altering moment when he collapsed on stage due to a hemorrhagic stroke. This health crisis left him uncertain about his future in music. However, after a series of surgeries and intense physiotherapy to manage his rare vascular disorder, White made a triumphant return with his ‘Optimystic Tour' in 2022, named after his comeback album. This tour became a symbol of his perseverance and positivity, inspiring fans worldwide.
Drake White’s latest album ‘Low Country High Road' is a masterful blend of soulful country rock, gospel, and blues. A journey through love, family, and the simplicity of country living, White’s new project is both a reflection of his roots and a testament to his personal growth and resilience.
The album opens with the title track, ‘Low Country High Road,' setting the tone with its funky, Muscle Shoals-inspired groove. White’s soulful, preacher-like vocals resonate as he declares, “The sun shines through my soul down that low country high road,” backed by gospel vocals and horns. This track establishes the album's blend of Southern charm, soul and rock elements.
‘Keep It Movin' continues the upbeat energy with a New Orleans jazz-inspired vibe. Harmonica and piano propel the song as White encourages listeners to “Shake it like a tambourine.” This lively track is a guaranteed hit for live performances, with its infectious groove sure to get audiences dancing.
‘Miracles' slows things down, offering a reflective and laid-back vibe as White lists life’s small blessings, from a baby's smile to a soldier’s return. The summery track is perfect for lazy afternoons, while its meaningful lyrics encourage gratitude and reflection. In contrast, '10lbs of Shit' shifts gears with its funky Southern rock rhythm. Reminiscent of Billy Joel’s rapid-fire ‘We Didn't Start the Fire,' the song chronicles White's life with a driving beat and honky-tonk piano, showcasing his energetic delivery and clever wordplay. White compares himself to an ‘Appalachian James Brown’ in the lyrics to this song, which is a sharp and spot-on touchstone reference!
‘The Last Time' is perhaps the most commercially accessible track on the album, melding Tom Petty's rock vibes with the emotional weight White often infuses into his music. Featuring female backing vocals, the song's message of cherishing each moment strikes a chord. Meanwhile, tracks like ‘Everyday Yours' offer an intimate, soulful ballad dedicated to his wife. The gospel-influenced backing vocals and restrained guitar create a moving tribute to the everyday love that endures. Similarly, ‘Tequila Mockingbird' is another tribute to White's spouse but this time we get a playful, stripped-back song focusing on her fierce and spirited personality in a refreshingly humorous way. This campfire-esque track features harmonica and whistling, adding to its rustic feel as the listener comes to learn about White's wife's ‘stiff left hook' and ‘her mouth too!'
White goes full gospel on ‘Faith' with a powerhouse performance featuring Hammond organ and bluesy guitars. The track builds to an intense, revival-style climax, leaving White sounding like Steven Tyler in his prime as he implores us to ‘have faith in me, whatever will be will be. When the hard times get too hard…all you gotta do is have a little faith in me.' Elsewhere, ‘Life, Love and War,' a tender acoustic ballad dedicated to White’s son, Hawk, is awash with touching lyrics about fatherhood and the lessons he hopes to pass on. ‘I hope you do good things good and bad things when you have to,’ White declares on this poignant and evocative acoustic ballad which serves as both a tribute to and a pathway for how Hawk is going to become a man in the years to come.
‘Wildflower' returns the listener to White’s signature harmonica-driven country rock sound, combining relatable lyrics with commercial melodies. The electric guitar solo is a highlight, adding to the song’s soulful charm whilst on ‘This Hat' White draws parallels between his rugged hat and himself, using bluesy tones and Hammond organ to create a hypnotic vibe throughout. ‘It's rugged, it’s got soul…..a million miles of rolling down troubadour road,’ White sings about both himself and the hat, eagerly awaiting his homecoming to the only woman who will let him take the hat off!
In ‘Hometown Healing' White reinvigorates the classic country theme of small-town life with his unique mix of funky rock and gospel soul. The album closes with ‘Stompin’ Ground,' an anthem celebrating the places that define us. Strong melodies and powerful guitars drive the song towards a dynamic, extended guitar jam, perfectly ending this project's heartfelt exploration of life’s highs and lows.
‘Low Country High Road' showcases Drake White's ability to fuse his Alabama roots, soulful storytelling, and musical diversity into a cohesive and engaging album. From upbeat grooves to reflective ballads, it’s a testament to living life with gratitude and authenticity. There's a cohesion about this project that makes the songs flow beautifully in the order that they have been sequenced on an album full of heart, soul, depth and humour. White continues to evolve and grow as an artist and it's a privilege to share that journey with him: he truly is Country music's soul-preacher.
Tracklist: 1. Low Country High Road 2. Keep it Movin' 3. Miracles 4. 10lbs of Shit 5. The Last Time 6. Everyday Yours 7. Faith 8. Life, Love and War 9. Wildflower 10. This Hat 11. Hometown Healing 12. Tequila Mockingbird 13. Stompin' Ground Release Date: September 20th Record Label: Reverend White Buy ‘Low Country High Road' right here
