Multi-talent Charles Esten captures a crisis of faith in his next release, “A Little Right Now,” off his forthcoming debut album. Available today (4/28) across all streaming platforms and digital retailers, listen here.
First announcing the song with CMT Hot 20 Countdown host Cody Alan live from the aqua carpet at the 2023 CMT MUSIC AWARDS earlier this month in Austin, TX (watch here – start 53:34), Esten recently dug in with American Songwriter on the special nuances of the emotional anthem, from the inspiration behind the Esten, Jacob Lyda, and Brian Maher-penned track, to its distinctive tuning – read more here.
“Everybody, in all walks of life, finds themselves at a point in time when they’re not feeling the faith they used to feel, whether it’s a faith in a greater power, in God, faith in their own abilities, or faith in things working out,” Esten shared with American Songwriter. “There are things that are out of your hands, and that’s where faith comes in—but sometimes, you’re just not feeling it.”
Looking to a higher power, “A Little Right Now” surrenders to the heavens as it arrives like a weary, Roots-rocking prayer. Wrapped in comparative and contrasting metaphors – from a farmer waiting on rain, to a dreamer whose ship has yet to come in – the gut-wrenching story finds a main character pleading for the strength to carry on, and desperate for something to give, but even with hope fading fast still strong enough to ask for more and knowing just where to turn. Produced by Marshall Altman with reverb-soaked guitars, a slow-burning gospel organ, and the raw, unvarnished vocal of honesty, he slowly builds back the spirit to face life – head on, and without giving an inch.
Showing yet another facet of Esten’s long-awaited full-length project, he first introduced the album with “One Good Move.” With high-profile appearances on NBC’s The Kelly Clarkson Show and CBS’ THE TALK, “the deeply personal power ballad” was hailed by Billboard, with MusicRow urging, “Lend him your ears.” As featured by Entertainment Tonight, CMT, and more, E! News further claimed it “proves the power of one good move.”
Readying to bring these new songs to the stage, tickets are on sale now for Esten’s headlining show at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville, TN, on June 8. Click here for additional details. Likewise, tickets are selling fast as “NASHVILLE” The Reunion Tour will play Rosemont Theatre in Chicago, IL, on September 23 and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN, on September 25, before kicking off a U.K. run that’s seen overwhelming demand and SOLD-OUT shows. After a five-year hiatus from touring in the U.S. as a collective, “NASHVILLE” The Reunion Tour finds Esten, Clare Bowen, Jonathan Jackson, and Sam Palladio performing classic songs from the hit series, as well as their own original material. Also, in a one-night event, Chris Carmack will join his former cast members for the Rosemont Theatre performance. Ticket information for all U.S. and U.K. shows can be found at www.nashvillereuniontour.com.
