By: Michael Bragg (Album Review)
Clint Park
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In a day and time where mainstream radio has seemingly forgotten, or outright denies, where the roots of real country music comes from there lies an underground scene of artists who hold true to those classic values. Ones that towns like Nashville can’t get rid of just by tearing down the foundations of its history at a rapid pace. With artist like Cody Jinks, Whitey Morgan, Sunny Sweeney, Kendell Marvel and more leading the the charge it is evident that a large capacity of music lovers are yearning for that real connection that’s lost in today’s radio waves of noise by filling venues night after night. Joining that group of notable names is Clint Park. Picking up some notoriety by playing guitar for Ward Davis and providing some opening acoustic sets Clint has been gaining his own group of fans as well. No stranger to success Clint has seen his music used as part of a CMA Music Fest special and was a part of the songwriters staff at Warner Chappell Music before the companies closing.
Those years of experience mixed with real life stories help to understand why Park’s self titled EP “Clint Park“ seems to resonate so well with fans.
Originally released back in 2016 the EP has been gaining more attention as of its recent addition to digital platforms in April 2019. Songs filled with truth holding substance and story lines that are easy to relate to. You want find songs about trucks and backroads on this recording but instead lyrics of heartbreak and self reflection. Clint has a way with words that is different from other writers. His use of symbolism and analogies in songs like the opener “Why Can’t It Be Raining” and “Love-Hate Thing” draw you in and force you to have a different perspective on common topics. For me the stand out song of the release is “Nobody Cheats On Me.” By no means taking away from the other compositions, this one just hits home with me personally. A song showcasing a softer side of Clint on a subject matter we’ve all dealt with and the feeling of being better off alone than to deal with the hurt of a relationship. With a powerful raspy yet soulful voice Park’s sings with a since of conviction that just grabs your attention and will not let go.
“One Track Mind” is acoustic driven while the closing song “Nobody Loves You” kicks up the electric guitars a bit with both songs picking up the tempo having a sense of honky tonk, toe-tapping feel to them. Clint provides a well rounded 5 song collection that leaves the listener wanting more. Roughly 20mins is just not enough from this great talent and what he has to offer. Having seen Clint perform live myself their are plenty of other songs I sure hope make it to the studio sooner than later.
