McGuire writes from the heart; a heart worn by the weariness of the world, but inspired by faith in humanity and in a better day. The Kentucky-based singer/songwriter has a folk flair, infused with blues and Appalachian influences that are fully on display on his album Southern Attraction. With comparisons to artists such as Bob Dylan, Sam Bush and John Prine, McGuire is bound to draw attention from the folk crowd. Don’t let the labels fool you; there is something fresh and alive in McGuire’s earthy voice and songwriting presence. McGuire kicks off with the earthy folk and blues of “Tennessee Tom” a vibrant story song about a man with a penchant for children’s songs on the surface, but ultimately about a striving for joy. McGuire’s voice is elemental and pure with a rough hewn edge that is very appealing. “Stay In Your Lane” is about maintaining your course and having faith that things will work out for the best. It’s delivered in a compact little folk/pop arrangement with some tremendous honky-tonk piano in the break. “Lucy” is a melancholy perseveration on a young woman with no roots and no center. The fluid melody here wraps around you like a warm blanket, and McGuire brings the angst of the situation to life in a brilliantly understated arrangement. “Crazy Lone Star Blues” is a stripped down of Texas blues, rooted in red dirt and a doomed love story. The quietly snappy arrangement moves the story along with a quirky life that’s fueled by sadness and abandon. McGuire brings this all to life over three-and-a-half minutes of brilliant songwriting and performance. McGuire’s songwriting takes on a European flair with “Every Saint Has A Past (Every Sinner Has A Future)”. The elements of faith and hope rise from melancholy in a wonderfully complex and layered arrangement that user the color of strings and what sounds like a Hammond B-3 to flesh out the sound. McGuire simplifies for the melancholy reminiscence of “I Still Miss Someone”. Banjo and guitar are the primary instruments here, shaking out the sadness of being alone in accompaniment to McGuire’s plaintive voice. McGuire closes out with “Thunder Over Clarksville”, an edgy, understated rocker that’s more of a moving still life than a story song. McGuire plaints with a broad lyrical brush while sticking to his minimalist musical mien. It’s a great close, slightly jarring in its tonal change but somehow apropos. Mike McGuire touches on universal truths through personal narration on Southern Attraction. The stripped down arrangements keep McGuire in an elemental range, with the focus on adeptly crafted lyrics. Don’t overlook the music, however, there’s a quiet brilliance in McGuire’s creations. Southern Attraction has universal appeal. Artist: Mike McGuire Review by: Wildy Haskel