If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 100 times: The country music coming out of Appalachia right now absolutely wipes the floor with anything coming out of Nashville.
For proof of that, look no further than Charles Wesley Godwin.
A native of Morgantown, West Virginia, Godwin burst onto the scene with his 2019 debut album, Seneca, which presented a raw, unfiltered look at the less-than-glamorous reality of life in coal country.
And it quickly became clear that the heart and soul in his songwriting is matched only by the grit and power in his voice.
I hate comparing other artists to Tyler Childers because it’s not really fair to the artist and it’s almost become cliché at this point, but there’s an undeniable similarity between Childers and Godwin in both the style and substance of their music.
With his sound that’s heavily influenced by the folk traditions of his home state, his incredible guitar playing, and his rich, thoughtful lyrics, Charles is poised to blow up and become an artist from Appalachia that does big things for years to come.
So if you’re not familiar with his music, it’s time to do the research. And I’ve made it easy for you with a 9-song introduction to Charles Wesley Godwin:
“Seneca Creek”
If I had to start somebody out with one song from Charles Wesley Godwin, it would be “Seneca Creek.” It’s a haunting ballad that tells a love story set in the foothills of eastern West Virginia. And its production really lets the storytelling and Godwin’s voice carry the song and tell the story.
“Sorry For the Wait”
“Hardwood Floors”
The rollicking “Hardwood Floors” really shows off Godwin’s versatility while still managing to paint a picture and tell a story in a way that so much of country music is missing these days.
“Coal Country”
“Strong”
This one’s an unreleased song that Charles has previewed on YouTube and has also been playing at live shows. Hopefully we get it on an album soon, because it’s quickly become one of my favorites.
“(Windmill) Keep on Turning”
“Jesse”
“West of Lonesome”
Good lawd, that guitar pickin’.
