Roman Alexander – Midwest Calling: A Soulful & Honest Homecoming
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Roman Alexander’s EP, Midwest Calling, is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a soulful, six-track meditation on the emotional gravity of home, heartbreak, and the grinding realities of chasing a dream. The Missouri native leverages his powerful, polished baritone and a sophisticated blend of contemporary country and soul to deliver what he calls his most personal project yet—a set of stories rooted in the “late nights and conversations you don’t forget.”
Co-writing five of the six tracks alongside a roster of Nashville’s elite, including members of Old Dominion and Jessi Alexander, Alexander successfully navigates the commercial mainstream while maintaining an undeniable sense of authenticity. The project feels like a comfortable and honest reflection, a “compass” that grounds his journey in the grit and heart of the Midwest, making this EP a compelling statement from one of country music’s most promising new voices.
Midwest Calling Track List & Review
1. “Tying One On” | Jessi Alexander, John Morgan, Will Bundy
- Review: The EP kicks off with a familiar country trope—drowning sorrows after a breakup—but elevates it with a mature, hard-hitting production. “Tying One On” is a straight-forward, mid-tempo bar anthem that quickly establishes Alexander’s vocal strength. The lyrics are honest about the pain of moving on not working: “I tried everything for the hurting / But that moving on ain’t working / So tonight I’m tying one on to cut her loose.” It’s the quintessential lead-off track, setting a modern country pace with a focus on a strong, relatable narrative of temporary escape.
2. “Way Over You” | Jenn Scott, Matt McVaney, Roman Alexander
- Review: Arguably the standout single, “Way Over You” is a heart-wrenching, beautifully crafted ballad about the cruel imbalance of a breakup. Alexander’s soulful delivery is the centerpiece, conveying a deep-seated frustration with the process of healing. The central hook—”How are you way over me / When I’m still looking for a way over you”—is instantly relatable and expertly contrasts his struggle (“way under the table at a bar downtown”) with her apparent ease of moving on. The production is polished and contemporary, utilizing a building swell of instrumentation that perfectly complements the emotional weight of the lyric, making it an excellent showcase of his commercial appeal and emotional depth.
3. “Mama Smoked Cigarettes” | Josh London, McCoy Moore, Roman Alexander
- Review: This song is the EP’s nostalgic, storytelling masterpiece, providing the most significant personal glimpse into Alexander’s past. It’s a beautifully written tribute to the realization that his mother was a vibrant, rebellious individual before she became a mom. The lyrics use specific, evocative imagery (“It was Evil Knievel, Neil and Stretch Armstrong… Back before two pink lines”) to paint a picture of her younger, wilder days—a “Miss Saturday Night” who suddenly became grounded. The chorus is particularly poignant, serving as a gentle reminder of her former self: “She made it look so easy / When it’s easy to forget / There was a time that mama smoked cigarettes.” It’s a sweet, honest, and touching country lyric that resonates far beyond his personal story.
4. “Country Dreamin’” | Trevor Rosen, Roman Alexander, Brad Tursi, Matt Jenkins
- Review: Co-written with two members of Old Dominion (Trevor Rosen and Brad Tursi), “Country Dreamin'” taps into a more acoustic, relaxed groove. This track captures the aspirational side of Alexander’s journey—the big-city pursuit of a country music career—while remaining anchored to his small-town roots. The mood is lighter and more hopeful, exploring the idea of carrying the “Midwest calling” with him no matter where he goes. The collaboration with established hitmakers provides a breezy, radio-ready melody that feels instantly familiar and warm, painting a vivid picture of the life he’s striving for.
5. “Pour You a Drink” | Roman Alexander, Casey Brown, Josh Kerr, Jordan Minton, Travis Wood
- Review: This track brings a sexy, smooth-groove feel to the EP, showcasing Alexander’s versatility. It shifts the emotional focus from heartbreak to romantic seduction. The production is sleek, relying on a rhythmic backbeat and a slinky guitar line. The lyric is simple and direct, using the intimate act of fixing a drink as a metaphor for wanting to spend the night. While structurally simple, it’s a perfect example of modern country-pop production done well, highlighting the R&B-influenced undertones in his vocal delivery and expanding the project’s sonic palette.
6. “Life Like” | Roman Alexander, Nicole Croteau, Frank Legeay
- Review: The EP closes on a note of acceptance and gratitude. “Life Like” is an introspective track about appreciating the unpredictable nature of life, warts and all. It’s about recognizing the messy, unmapped parts of his journey—the breakups and the long nights—as essential parts of his identity. The overall tone is grounded and mature, finding comfort in the imperfections. It serves as a thoughtful conclusion to the project’s core theme, reinforcing the idea that the “Midwest Calling” is ultimately an internal compass, guiding him toward a place of genuine self-acceptance.
Conclusion
Midwest Calling is a strong, cohesive project that solidifies Roman Alexander’s position as a potent new voice in country music. He manages to balance contemporary sonic appeal with genuine, heartfelt storytelling. The collaborative writing on the EP, particularly with industry heavyweights, has sharpened his material, while his soulful vocal performance ensures the stories feel entirely his own. Whether he’s mourning a lost love on “Way Over You” or honoring his mother on “Mama Smoked Cigarettes,” Alexander delivers each track with an honesty that is compelling and promises a long and significant career. The EP is a sophisticated blend of grit, vulnerability, and Nashville polish—a true homecoming for a rising star.