Singer-songwriter Ben Musser continues his exploration of classic American sounds with “Falling by the Wayside,” a track that bridges folk-rock, blues, and vintage soul with effortless confidence. Pulled from his upcoming album Sentimental Fever, the song feels timeless without sounding nostalgic for nostalgia’s sake.
The song has warm Wurlitzer tones and expressive slide guitar that remind me of Eric Clapton and Duane Allman's heyday was in the 1970s, but it stays true to Musser's own voice. Scott Mathews, a Grammy-winning drummer, adds dynamic contrast by keeping the verses loose and reflective before the choruses pick up speed and become full-bodied rock.
Musser's hands-on approach is what stands out the most. He plays almost every instrument himself, which gives the song a sense of being lived in. His voice fits in well with the mix; it's not too loud but still has a lot of emotion. The groove does most of the talking.
The lyrics of "Falling by the Wayside" talk about emotional drift and quiet acceptance, which go well with the song's slow but steady pace.That honesty gives the song its strength. It takes a while for the song to build up, which is a good thing because it shows how good Musser is at making modern Americana music.
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