An incoming gem from the Alabama native. These days, songwriting is all the rage. Of course, there are far too many artists to name, but commonly, names such as Zach Bryan, Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Sturgill Simpson and Evan Felker (of Turnpike Troubadours) often populate many best-of lists in the independent/alternative scene. With that being said, Drayton Farley is a name that’s continually overlooked and underappreciated. Debuting in 2018 with his single, “Trouble in the Pines,” the Alabama native would follow it up in 2020 with his first full-length project, Hargrove & Sweet Southern Sadness. Shortly after, he’d catch fire with the release of one of his career staples, the biting critique of the state of our nation, “American Dream,” which currently has over 19 million streams on Spotify alone. Since then, he’s quickly become one of premier songwriters in the genre, delivering heartbreakers year-in and year-out with the likes of “Pitchin’ Fits,” “Carving of a Dove,” “Dreamer” and countless more over the years. Despite consistent releases over the past three years, it’s been quite some time since we’ve seen a full-length project from Farley, with the latest being Twenty on High in March 2023. With that being said, however, that’s all changing VERY soon. Announced this morning, Farley will be releasing his third album, A Heavy Duty Heart, on Friday, March 27 View this post on Instagram In the Instagram caption, the “Blue Collar” singer would note how much the collection of songs means to him while also touching on the complicated relationship he’s had throughout the years with a few of them. “These songs mean a lot to me, top to bottom they’re all true to life and from the heart. A few of them really tested me, a few of them feel like they just ran my way, and one of them I spent over a decade running away from. In the end, I couldn’t love them more and I hope you’ll love them too.” He’d also touch on the brutal, straightforward nature of his songwriting when it comes to his songwriting on A Heavy Duty Heart. “I feel like if you’re going to write about yourself and your life, then just write about the way it is. That honesty is going to translate. People are going to know when you’re bullshitting them or not.” A Heavy Duty Heart will contain 10 tracks, including pre-released songs such as “It’s Called Doubt” (which was recently featured on Landman), “Turn Around” and today’s new release, the incredibly heartfelt “I’ll Hold You.” Recorded live to tape in Nashville with his backing band, the record will be produced by Sadler Vaden, a member of Jason Isbell’s 400 Unit band and who has worked with Farley in the past on Twenty on High, as well as the likes of Morgan Wade, Jonathan Peyton, Reid Haughton and more. Judging by his nearly flawless track record and the quality of the first three pre-released tracks on the album, A Heavy Duty Heart is looking to be yet another gem from Farley. If you’re a fan of introspective songwriting and Americana-esque stylings of the likes of Jason Isbell, Colby Acuff and more, you will not want to miss this album on March 27th. A Heavy Duty Heart Tracklist “Love We Mean” “What You Gonna Do” “It’s Called Doubt” “I’ll Hold You” “I Need Your Love” “Dream Come True” “The Luckier Ones” “Feel Like Getting High” “The Way It Goes” “Turn Around” “I’ll Hold You” The post Drayton Farley Announces New Album, ‘A Heavy Duty Heart,’ Drops New Single, “I’ll Hold You” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.