Atlanta singer/songwriter and guitarist Parker Smith’s breezy third studio album Short Street (due out June 7th) was made with sensitivity, humor and an innate knack for creating art from life. Its easy-flowing melodies and lilting pedal steel infuse some rural Americana without going full-on country. Smith’s sweet, zephyr-like sound and welcoming everyman vocals continue from the album’s opening lightly strummed guitars, through its eight brisk, yet never blustery, tunes.
He’s the best friend everybody wants, telling stories with the cozy confidentiality of someone you love spending time with—hanging out with a few bottles of wine while hearing their generally optimistic opinions on growing up, chasing true love, absorbing the death of a dog, and even praising terrific mothers-in-law. We all need a Parker Smith in our lives.
Short Street is his most illuminating, engaging and personal statement yet. The sinuous melodies and instrumentation coalesce around his deep, affecting vocals and insightfully personal lyrics. His wry humor mingles with profound honesty as he crafts narratives of the world around him. It’s an album of poignant yet cheerfully light songs that shimmer with the touch of a craftsman; one creating a treatise on traversing the victories and challenges that come with living a full life.
Today Glide is excited to premiere the standout track “Mothers,” a work of heartland rock that turns every outdated mother-in-law joke and stereotype on its head. This tribute to Smith’s mother-in-law is also an accolade to other moms who are frequently criticized by songwriters. Coming just in time for Mother’s Day, the song dazzles with its humble lyrics and Springsteen-esque vocals complemented by a straightforward rock and roll soundtrack. With plenty of tonal and lyrical nods to the likes of Tom Petty and John Mellancamp, this song offers further proof that Smith is an old-soul talent and someone to watch.
Smith describes the inspiration behind the song:
I wrote this song as an expecting father, imagining how relationships would change for my wife and our respective in-laws once our little one arrived. Motherhood is a unique bond, and one that is often complicated and layered. Seeing my wife become a mother this year has given me greater insight into the connection between a mother and their child.
I love the bass line in the bridge, the guitar textures, and the structure of this song. The first line is, “My mother-in-law / she gets over-served.” I was talking to a friend whose mother-in-law had been known to imbibe her fair share. He also talked about how she would stay with them during the week and help with the kids. I haven’t spoken to my mother-in-law about this song, but she’s a sweet lady and we get along great.
The song is about all the mothers I know, but it’s dedicated to my aunt, who passed away a few years ago. She’s on the single artwork with her two daughters (my cousins).
LISTEN:
