Acoustic Roots Meet Deep Lyrics
Posted October 17, 2017
By CaitlinLassiter_NRT, Staff Reviewer
A year and a half after his full-length label debut album, singer/songwriter John Tibbs is returning to his indie roots with a brand new EP funded through a highly successful PledgeMusic campaign that saw his fans rallying in support of new music.
"Each song in Heartland embodies the place where I learned the stuff of life: fear, love, anger, doubt and hope. As a proud, homegrown boy of the Midwest, I'm tipping my hat to the greats that shaped my youth, like Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp and Tom Petty. But more than anything, I hope that when you hear this record and listen to these songs, you hear my heart," Tibbs says of the Heartland EP.
"Won't Let Me Go" opens with a rock-meets-roots feel, standing out as one of the most sonically interesting tracks found on the EP. The "Living Room Sessions" version later in the album pulls back for a more acoustic take on the song that allows space for John's raspy vocal to shine. The title track "Heartland" is up next, a semi-upbeat longing for closeness to Christ.
A thoughtful love song for his wife, "Midwest Magic" was co-written by Dave Barnes and pays homage to the sacrifice it takes for John to go out on the road to pursue music: "I keep your heart wrapped up with me everywhere I go." A sonically simple track that again allows John's voice to be highlighted, "Shots Were Fired" incorporates deep lyricism.
"Shepherd," a powerful worship anthem that features Sandra McCracken, offers hope and peace through the words of Psalm 23. "Living Room Sessions" style versions of "Shepherd" and "Midwest Magic" close out the album.
The Bottom Line: With the Heartland EP, John Tibbs combines thought-provoking lyrics with his rock roots style. The captivating sonic landscape will keep listeners entertained song after song, indicating good things to come from Tibbs in the future.
Song To Download Now:
"Shepherd" (Get it on iTunes here.)
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