‘Charlie Diamond – Modern Man In A Modern World’ is the sonic personification of a true diamond in the rough! Its a heartfelt expression of an old, pure country soul living in these new-fangled, unsettling, modern times. This minimal guitar ballad beautifully revives Americana style of musical storytelling, where every note, every strum and every soulful sung word is with meaning and sincerity. If you’re into folk and country music, this one’s a treat for you.
The instrumentation is thought-provoking and integrates so many great aspects of folk music. From uplifiting guitar picking, soulful strums and pitch bending, and soaring harmonies. The guitar work is truly special, reflecting deep passion and sincerity. Creating a image someone pure hearted living his best life through expressing how he knows best. Around halfway in, we are treated to a delightful electric guitar solo that reminds us that this is truly modern Americana music. The track concludes in spectacular fashion with an immersive piano melody leading the way along with the other instruments. The production is minmal and feels improvisational in way that is nostaglic and authentic.
Charlie’s vocals and lyrics are by far the standout aspect of this track. The lyrics feels so personal, genuine and relatable. Its like he is bearing his truest self to God and us all. From the first lines, he introduces himself with no pretense – ‘Im a Modern Man in a Modern World, playing country on his knee, from the front porch…’. There’s an aching, a yearning to return to where he grew up. To escape from the ‘jails’ of modern life. To find someone to love and settle down up in the countryside. He’s someone who grew up close to nature, living a simple life and now finds himself in the throngs of modern times. Working hard to make a living, long days on the road, playing his music loud and proud. However, always finding the time to connect back to his roots, to his guitar. I especially love the way he sings in the second, addressing the ‘River’ to take his fears away, reminding himself where he grew up, close to nature’s embrace.
The core message of ‘Charlie Diamond – Modern Man In A Modern World’ revolves around the artist’s burning desire to disconnect from the noise of modern life and this is delivered with utmost openess and emotion. And that what makes this such a good listening experience. There’s a lesson here for everyone. This could be easily be the soundtrack to ‘Into the Wild’.
Stream ‘Charlie Diamond – Modern Man In A Modern World’ on Spotify here:
