It’s a crazy world out there.
But despite all the chaos, Drayton Farley leans on the love of his wife and daughters, a notion that is evident in his latest Sadler Vaden produced record A Heavy Duty Heart. Featuring 10 solo-written tracks, Farley has claimed repeatedly leading up to the album’s release that this is his best project yet, and I certainly don’t disagree.
A dedicated songwriter who has won over fans and earned everything the hard way throughout his career, Farley has gone from recording acoustic music on an iPhone in his kitchen to a full-band alt-country stalwart. And the progress has all been a direct result of his incredible original music and innate ability to connect with people through relatable lyricism.
His fourth album, A Heavy Duty Heart is no exception in that regard. The record weaves seamlessly between tracks that delve into the intertwined nature of self-doubt and uncertainty with love and loyalty in his life, and how the strength of the latter keeps him afloat amidst the madness. Endearingly stressing the importance and benefit of strong familial relationships, without undermining the existential struggles everyone endures in their own personal lives, Farley conveys an optimistic outlook with descriptive lyricism throughout the record.
Though the majority of the tracks are odes to the power of love, the Woodstock, AL native even pays homage late in the album to Robert Earl Keen with his track “Feel Like Getting High,” which is laden with references to the Texas songwriting legend. With something on this record for everyone, Drayton Farley’s fourth album A Heavy Duty Heart ought to be mandatory listening for country music fans.
Here’s a few early favorites:
“Love We Mean”
“I Need Your Love”
“The Luckier Ones”
“Feel Like Getting High”
Man, Drayton Farley is one of those guys that just deserves all of the good and none of the bad. A talented songwriter and hard worker, Farley has begun to receive a bit more recognition for his efforts, and lately in the form of high-profile opening slots. In addition to his upcoming headlining tour later this spring, Farley is scheduled to open up a run of shows for the great Willie Nelson in April as well as the Turnpike Troubadours and fellow Alabamians Muscadine Bloodline in May. The best way to support your favorite artists is to see them live, so get out there and support Farley as he tours on his brand new record A Heavy Duty Heart.
Drayton Farley Tour Dates
3/27 – Skinny Dennis – Nashville, TN~
3/28 – Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival – Nashville, TN*
3/31 – Seasick Records (In-Store Performance) – Birmingham, AL~
4/22 – Avondale Brewing Company – Birmingham, AL+
4/23 – Synovus Bank Amphitheater at Chastain Park – Atlanta, GA+
4/25 – Asheville Yards – Asheville, NC+
4/27 – Koka Booth Amphitheatre – Cary, NC+
4/28 – Live Oak Bank Pavilion – Wilmington, NC+
5/14 – Eddie’s Attic – Decatur, GA^
5/15 – Neighborhood Theatre – Charlotte, NC^
5/16 – Motorco Music Hall – Durham, NC^
5/19 – Union Stage – Washington D.C.^
5/21 – Mercury Lounge – New York, NY^
5/22 – StageOne at FTC – Fairfield, CT^
5/23 – MilkBoy – Philadelphia, PA^
8/8 – Rock the Rind – Brownstown, IN*
8/22 – Wheatstock Music Festival – Helix, OR*
10/24 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre – St. Augustine, FL=
10/25 – The BayCare Sound – Clearwater, FL=
~album release show
*festival date
+supporting Willie Nelson
^w/ Landon Smith
=supporting Turnpike Troubadours and Muscadine Bloodline
