Can this man write a bad song?
Charles Wesley Godwin recently announced that he has signed a deal with Big Loud Records, and if you’re already familiar with his music then it’s easy to see why a label would be chomping at the bit to scoop him up.
From his debut album, Seneca, back in 2019, Charles has commanded attention with not only his booming voice but also his unique storytelling ability. He’s a master at painting vivid pictures, often centered around his home state of West Virginia, that leave you hanging on to every word he has to say.
His sophomore album How the Mighty Fall, along with his run opening for Zach Bryan, really seemed to put Charles on country music’s radar, and it’s been clear for awhile that the guy is a superstar in the making.
I saw Charles perform a couple weeks ago at Iron City in Birmingham, Alabama, and as usual he didn’t disappoint. His band, the Allegheny High, is as tight of a band as you’ll find in country music, from his wild-man of a guitar player (and producer) Al Torrence playing from the railing of the second floor balcony to his steel guitar player Read Connolly working the crowd into a frenzy with his incredible solos.
But make no mistake: The songs are the stars of a Charles Wesley Godwin show.
And when I saw him live, I heard a brand new one that’s got all the makings of a huge hit.
Written by Charles (of course) alongside Zach McCord, “Miner Imperfections” is a tribute to Charles’ father, a blue-collar man who worked in the coal mines and wasn’t perfect, but taught him life lessons and made him proud nonetheless:
“He’s got miner imperfections
Blame it on his roots
Calluses on his hands, there’s coal dust on his boots
He’s not one for conversation
When there’s work to do
He told me ‘Do what you love, misery’s a noose’
Them city folks would shame him if he let ’em
But I’m proud of his miner imperfections”
Not only is it a heartfelt tribute to his own dad that most people will relate to, it also shows off Charles’ incredible songwriting skills with the play on the word “minor” as he talks about his coal “miner” father.
Charles also posted a video of the song on his social media:
As somebody who’s also from West Virginia, the song immediately reminded me of my late grandfather who passed away in November – a lifelong coal miner who was the toughest son of a bitch you’d ever meet but taught me so much about being a man that I carry with me to this day.
And that’s what’s so special about Charles and his music: His incredible storytelling is just so damn relatable, while also being catchy and presented with his incredible voice.
Gotta hope this one makes it onto the record when he releases his debut album with Big Loud.
