Drew Parker understands the power of music and the great responsibility held by all of music creators. The twenty-eight year old singer/songwriter has created a masterful experience of “acoustic pop rock with a positive vibe” in his debut album, On My Way Home.
“I feel that music can reach people on a very fundamental level, in a way nothing else can,” says Parker.
“Music can really steer people’s emotions and touch their hearts. I believe as musicians we have to be mindful as to where we are leading people emotionally.”
On My Way Home builds gracefully at a soulful level, painting a warm picture of goodness and capturing a light-hearted, non-offensive experience through ten intimate acoustic songs.
“Most of the songs were a sort of self-reflection. Kind of like realizations occurring in a life-long journey.”
Parker’s chronicle of his worldly travel is especially sincere and endearing; the uplifting theme throughout the disc focuses on many different issues ranging from hope and truth to virtue and human rights.
“Mother China” is easily the album’s strongest effort. It is spurred forward with an undeniably catchy guitar line and carries a very important lyrical message. “It’s about a specific human rights subject: the persecution of Falun Gong,” explains the singer.
“The situation in China is utterly terrible right now…the torture methods used on [Falun Gong] practitioners would make your stomach churn. People have to know about these types of things, and that’s why I put the song on the album. At the same time we are donating all the profits from ‘Mother China’ to efforts in ending the persecution of Falun Gong.”
Drew Parker’s overall musical style has a story-telling vibe much like Florida alt-rock band Dashboard Confessional, and recalls the guitar playing antics of Dave Matthews. Songs are filled with a consistent “bounce” which, at times, provokes the hips to a groovy twist. The frequent highlight is Parker’s crystal clear voice and range, which has an innocent quality and overall strength that is quite impressive.
Each track enjoys an excellent arrangement that keep songs interesting along the way. On the serene “Let It In,” Parker invokes memories of Lennon in a sweet piano ballad where the singers cries, “It’s ok/ let it in/ no need to fear anything” atop bold guitars and percussion all the way to the epic finish.
The title track “On My Way Home” takes a jazzy dip back in time to a cool and laidback place, immersed in a low-key vibe—a perfect conclusion to the album. The singer closes the curtain appropriately as he sings, “I’ve been waiting all this time/ Waiting for the rest of my story/ I can’t wait to know how it ends/ Soon I’ll be on my way home.”
Drew Parker’s album On My Way Home is a highly recommended record that that has lots of character, is upbeat and fun to listen to and shows all the qualities of an artist who is inspirational and a role model for today.
Samples of Drew’s album and more info can be found on the artist’s website
[etRating value=“ 5”]
