Leah Barley’s “Awkward & Heartbroken”: A Raw and Real Honky-Tonk Revelation
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Leah Barley’s latest release, “Awkward & Heartbroken,” marks a significant shift in her musical journey, moving from the introspective realms of traditional folk to the vibrant, often gritty, world of vintage honky-tonk. This collection of singles, her first new music since 2020’s “Bring Out Your Dead,” is a testament to Barley’s unflinching honesty and her ability to translate personal experiences into compelling musical narratives. With “Don’t Get Weird” and “Pack My Bags,” Barley offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the complexities of modern relationships, navigating the awkwardness of dating and the pain of unhealthy connections with striking vulnerability.
“Don’t Get Weird,” offered in both explicit and clean versions, is a candid and humorous take on the often-comedic pitfalls of dating in your forties. Barley’s lyrics are refreshingly direct, capturing the discomfort and absurdity of “interesting dates” with a relatable wit. As she explains, “A lot of love songs are about young love or finding ‘the one,’ but I don’t know of many people sharing how incredibly awkward it is to date in your forties.” The song’s upbeat, honky-tonk melody, driven by Spank Williams’s lively piano, provides a perfect backdrop for Barley’s wry observations. The dual versions of the song highlight her willingness to embrace the raw language of real-life experiences, a move that is sure to resonate with listeners seeking authenticity in their music.
In stark contrast, “Pack My Bags” delves into the darker side of relationships, exploring themes of addiction and manipulation. This heartbreaking ballad showcases Barley’s ability to convey deep emotional pain through her evocative lyrics and soulful delivery. The song’s slow, melancholic melody, enhanced by Chaya Harvey’s poignant backing vocals, creates an atmosphere of vulnerability and raw honesty. Barley’s explanation of the song’s genesis is equally powerful: “It’s about leaving a situation after realizing how unhealthy it is. I know a lot of people who choose to stay in those kinds of relationships in fear of being alone, but I can tell you, being alone and loving yourself is one hundred times better than staying and being an afterthought.” This message of self-empowerment and resilience is a powerful reminder of the importance of prioritizing one’s well-being.
The authentic, crackling sound of both tracks is a direct result of the live-off-the-floor recording sessions at Vancouver’s Flash Recording, under the guidance of producer Jackson Gardner. This approach captures the raw energy and spontaneity of Barley’s performances, allowing her vocals and the band’s instrumentation to shine. The contributions of her loyal band—upright bassist Ross Fairbairn, pedal steel guitarist Allan Haley, and drummer Tom Tischer—are integral to the album’s sound, providing a solid foundation for Barley’s storytelling.
Barley’s transition to a more bluesy and outspoken style is evident in these new tracks. She expresses a newfound sense of sassiness, a departure from the more heartbroken tones of her previous work. “The songs coming out of me these days have a bit more of a bluesy and outspoken undertone to them so I’m really interested to see what all of that leads to this year,” she says. “I’m feeling more sassy these days and less heartbroken. But I’ll always be awkward.” This evolution suggests a promising direction for Barley’s future music, and her plans to work with Jackson Gardner again are sure to yield even more compelling results.
“Awkward & Heartbroken” marks a significant milestone in Leah Barley’s career. It’s a collection of songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable, showcasing her growth as a songwriter and performer. With her honest lyrics, soulful vocals, and authentic honky-tonk sound, Barley is poised to make a significant impact on the alt-country scene. This release is more than enough reason to add Leah Barley’s name to the conversation surrounding Canada’s best up-and-coming artists. Her ability to blend humor and heartbreak with such genuine emotion solidifies her as a voice worth listening to, and her future releases are eagerly anticipated.