[Album] The Drive Home – Emily Lehr

Cogito April 25, 2021 0

The Drive Home is composed of 10 tracks, all variations on an emotional theme, that explore Emily Lehr’s experiences with grief, love, growing up, and faith. The album’s soundscape balances between vulnerability and resilience.

This collection of American roots songs spans over introspective balladry like “Brown Funeral Home” to the lyrical fiddle groove of “The Elbow Tree.” Lehr said, “each song holds a memory of a person, season, or experience as the album progresses.”

Lehr’s inspiration for the album emerged from the idea that life is like one long journey. “The Drive Home is me discovering myself, God, and life over the past few years,” said the West Virginia native. Lehr found inspiration for the album title after a drive home from West Virginia University, where she is currently a senior music therapy student. The theme of driving is at the core of her debut album, as evident in songs “Pennsylvania” and “Sideling Hill.”

Lehr’s sound meets at the juncture of several genres. From the bluegrass influences in the lead single, “Ophelia,” to the smooth folk melody of “Tiger and Jean,” The Drive Home’s reflective harmony-laden lyrics and alluring melodies take listeners on a heartwarming journey that they can connect to.