Ron Pope is a multi-platinum singer-songwriter who doesn’t fit easily into one category. On some songs, he exudes distinct 90s vibes to remind you of artists like Blues Traveler and Counting Crows. The album Last Call is good proof of that. On other songs, he embraces more of a warm and soulful sound that recalls Muscle Shoals. And then there are some songs in his catalog that are good, old-fashioned honky-tonk bangers.
No matter the style of the song, one constant in Pope’s music is his storytelling ability. He beautifully crafts stories in such fine detail that you feel like you were a witness to whatever moment he describes.
That vivid storytelling is alive and well on his new album American Man, American Music. It’s another album where he continues to showcase not only his attention to detail but also his ability to write songs that are easy to sing along with. It’s also a testament to the idea that he never really felt at home until he began his life on the road as a touring musician. Of the album Pope said, “America is a character in my personal story in a way that it might not be for other people.”
It doesn’t take long to realize what he means by America being a character in his story. In the opening song, “Nobody’s Gonna Make It Out Alive”, he describes a gig outside of Savannah singing “Sweet Home Alabama” to the one customer in the place. The song prominently features fiddle and organ and is the kind of song that, when you hear it live, is likely to make you throw your arm around a stranger’s shoulder and sing the chorus loudly together.
“Mama Drove a Mustang” is one of those heartland rockers that’s tailor-made for blasting from your car stereo on a road trip. It features a beat that will get your fist pumping, powerful guitar, and enough harmonica and fiddle to give it a down-home feel.
“In the Morning with the Coffee On” is another song that will grab your attention. It is a gentle ballad in which Pope takes a moment to express gratitude and wonder for simple moments because they are so temporary. Over acoustic guitar and strings, he sings about cherished moments with his wife and his morning coffee before the baby wakes up. It’s easy to imagine this song as a part of countless wedding and anniversary celebrations.
The new album puts Pope’s range on full display. He moves easily from foot-stomping rockers to thought-provoking ballads. He also tackles heavy issues like prescription drug use (“Klonopin Zombies”) and presents it something like a journalist reporting what they observe. It’s an album that is easy to sing along with, which might be a reason to keep it in your rotation. If you’re looking for an album to make you feel something other than numb, this is a good place to start.
