Capping a stunning emergence onto the Country scene, PLATINUM-certified rising star and prolific singer-songwriter Sam Barber has today (11/1) released his expansive album debut, Restless Mind. Go here to stream/download.
Released via Lockeland Springs/Atlantic Records, the 28-track project highlights a unique brand of rootsy, roughhewn Country, and finds a 21-year-old native of Southern Missouri stepping boldly into the spotlight after explosive viral success.
A stark and soulful set of self-penned standouts, Restless Mind showcases Barber’s sharp-elbowed writing style and barrel-chested vocal – two key elements of his fast rise, which have already led American Songwriter to hail the newcomer as a “Singer-Songwriter on the Brink of Stardom,” while Rolling Stone says, “the Country singer-songwriter delivers from the heart.”
“This album means so incredibly much to me. It’s a culmination of the past couple of years making music. I’ve spent almost every single day that I wasn't on the road making this album. I wanted to be able to tie everything together, even down to the cover art, which is the outside of the building that I originally posted tons of my videos from," explains Barber. "The title track ‘Restless Mind’ is my favorite on the album, but ‘V’ is a really special song to me since it’s about my sister and me growing up. I was even able to surprise her and sing it to her for the first time at her wedding just a few days ago! My hope is that everyone can find at least one song that means something special to them. Thanks to everyone from the bottom of my heart for the crazy amount of support so far. Can’t wait to hear what you think.”
Included on the set is Barber’s PLATINUM-certified “Straight and Narrow” – the track which introduced his raw, jaw-dropping vocal growl in 2023. Elsewhere, the album features collaborations with Avery Anna and Lily Fitts, and a massive dose of the talent’s stinging lyrical reflection.
In October Barber released the dusky post-Western anthem “Thought of You,” spotlighting his gut-wrenching vocal on a heartbroken stunner co-written with Billboard chart-topping songwriter Amy Allen (Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso,” “Please Please Please,” and “Taste”; Tate McRae’s “Greedy”; Harry Styles’ “Adore You”; Koe Wetzel’s “Sweet Dreams,” and more) and produced by Elie Rizk (Jessie Murph).
Other early releases include the plaintive “S.O.B.” and “Streetlight,” plus “Better Year” and a rollicking cover of Tyler Childers’ “Jersey Giant,” as the confessional writer and captivating performer continues to make his presence felt.
