Son Little’s sound travels across genres on “CITYFOLK” 

CITYFOLK is the fourth album from Son Little. Wanting to get to know his ancestry, the West Coast-born and Northeast-bred Son Little now sees his journey heading South. “Just by showing up it brought something out,” Little explained. “I realized in moving here, that my mother’s people all came from this area. From Carolina and Georgia, I thought a lot about how interesting it was that I would just sort of gravitate and migrate to a place where I had history. Sometimes the spirits will guide you to a place when you don’t even know why you found yourself there.”

Throughout his career, Son Little has collaborated with numerous notable artists, including The Roots, RJD2, and Black Pumas. Now living in Atlanta, Little has connected with two-time Grammy winner and Alabama Shakes member, Ben Tanner. Their organic collaboration has helped Little deliver a reflective piece learned from his family history and recent hardships.

The new album, CITYFOLK, opens with the country-rooted tune “Rabbit.” Whistling horses naying off in the distance while Son quickly strums his banjo at a fast pace, immediately speeding your heart rate. Little’s echoing voice haunts his folklore storytelling, letting your imagination run wild. It has the soul of stories handed down from ancestors who sang by firelight, gazing up at the stars. “Devils on the run. Just a punk with a gun. All you did was send one…to the angels.” Little strives for peace in the uncertain times as the deeply Americana-styled track sings about mankind needing to repent for its wickedness, “See this sickness was made by man. Mother Nature’s ashamed of him. Feels like the dream is dead. We got to get him…before he goes to ground.”

Son Little changes the mood completely for something more seductive on “Whip The Wind.” The shift in tone is what makes CITYFOLK a fun listen, having Son Little refuse to be confined to one genre. “The industry likes to keep artists in little boxes, and for Black artists, it has meant being defined by your proximity to “urban”, Little states. “But my music has always had flashes of Country, Rock and Folk, as well as Hip-Hop, Blues and R&B.” Maybe he can add Salsa to his list of genres because there’s a spiciness to “Whip The Wind.” The romanticism oozes on the percussion during Little’s story detailing forbidden love that isn’t meant to last, but those involved are going to tango till the bitter end. 

“It’s Your World” is a blissful track that manages to calm listeners while reinvigorating their self-importance. Little speaks softly over soft guitar and piano chords, spitting truth, “They say it’s a sign of the times, but it’s a state of mind… Baby, it’s your world, I just came to watch you twirl on by. Baby, it’s your world, but the universe is mine.” The dramatic pause before line, “But the universe in mine”, is a gut-punch delivery and a good reminder that we are all capable of making greatness within our lives. It’s almost gospel-like as Little’s godly vocals grow with reverberation. 

It is immediately followed up with the best song on CITYFOLK, “Cherry“. A delightfully sweet R&B song with a catchy chorus where Son Little repeatedly professes his love to someone named Cherry passionately. After one listen, it’ll get stuck in your head, making you wish you could hit the notes like Son Little. I was singing the lyrics over Valentine’s Day weekend to less success. But if you have someone you love deeply and can’t be without, throw “Cherry” on rotation one time and let the sparks fly.

“Be Better” is a motivational track that showcases strength in resiliency and the power of self-belief. The will to shed the pain of broken expectations and hold onto past stories. Little calls on the listener to leave the grudges behind and have the trust in oneself to move forward, even when the road ahead isn’t clear. Its a uplifting track that shines the darkness of uncertainty away.

Son Little’s CITYFOLK was an absolute treat to listen to. He keeps you on your toes as there is a variety of styles on the album. None of it is overwhelming or ruins the pacing. The blending of styles and beautifully crafted storytelling results in Son Little’s pleasant album.

CITYFOLK is available on streaming services. Catch Son Little on tour now in both the USA and Europe. 

Cover image by Jasmin Valcarcel.