A tender heart and a Facebook conversation levee the soul of an album that strikes a familiar chord to all Nashvillians. Richard Lynch’s three-decade odyssey has seen its humble beginnings rise to respectable prominence. A former ranch hand that became one of the leading songwriters in what Lynch describes as “pure country”. After rocking his home state of Ohio with his musical talents inherited from his late father, Lynch branched out to keep classic American country alive. The inspiration from artists such as: Conway Twitty, George Strait and Keith Whitley influenced his sound to include swing and honky-tonk. What it resulted is the creation of My Guitar Drips Country, a tribute piece inspired by a Facebook chat Lynch had with the late country music legend Doug Supernaw.
The album summarizes the story of an individual’s lifetime wrapped in substance abuse and other vices. But eventually seeks salvation and personal triumph over their affliction. This notion begins in the suitably named opener, “Starting Now”. Lynch’s religious upbringing and transparency weaves together a soundtrack that becomes interpersonal. But its his ability to resonate and engage all listeners with an appreciation of a feel-good success story, regardless of personal affirmations. Through this respect and lighthearted way, Lynch invites all to listen to his simple message on life and overcoming struggle. These elements and subtle tones find their way in each of the albums 12 tracks. Which strengthen his creed and note that a person is never alone in life.
Lynch touches the subject again in “He’ll make Everything Alright” but with a twist. It’s easy to guess who Lynch odes the song to as he’s not afraid to express his beliefs, though he goes deeper then that. The songwriter loves people and has conveyed that a person should never be lonely. His strong ties to this personality encourage togetherness and friendship through mutual human understandings of sympathetic care. Armed with a classic country swing and slide guitar, Lynch grooves a quick three-minute track that makes die hard country music artists envious of his style. But Lynch doesn’t forget to leave some space for the individual who greatly inspired Lynch to write the album.
Doug Supernaw was one of if not the best-selling country music artist of the early 1990s. In his time, he influenced a new generation of songwriters and established a legacy in Nashville that few could obtain. Lynch’s own personal admiration of the artist allowed him to reach out via Facebook before his untimely passing. The chat between the fan and his hero is shown in the tribute title “Supernaw”. The album’s main title is even taken from a quote the late singer delivered in the chat. Lynch summarizes the career and impact the artist had on the lives of every country music fan. The singer keeps it short and sweet which become a reoccurring theme along with his other messages in each track. But through all the tender moments and bittersweet memorials, Lynch shows that his soft heart can get a little rowdy too.
In “Rodeo Town” Lynch flexes his chops and presents the feel every old school country fan could ever love to hear. The simple structure appeals to its classic vibe like every other track on the album. While there’s no official music video or single release for the track it still manages to build its own anticipation by word of mouth. Since the artist takes a brief departure from the album’s overall form, he keeps it level by the tracks theme of hope and resolution. All the recipe for a memorable ride on a short loop through a southern night.
Faith, family, love, heartbreak and redemption make up for what an older generation will find all too familiar. But Lynch’s ability to mix it up and talk in a language that every generation can relate to makes it that much more of a heart warmer. The optimistic feel breaks away a genre that’s seen its share of wild nights with a pop-oriented style. Still, it’s able to knock on the door of every individual soul and shower it with a simplistic method. Lynch keeps it classic but the message relevant as everyone can hear it for themselves and get the new album available now.
Written by Trenton Luber
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