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Apr 01, 2021 By Caleb Campbell Photography by Alysse Gafkjen

Robert Finley, described by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach as “the greatest living soul singer,” has returned for a third studio album, Sharecropper’s Son. Co-written and produced by Auerbach, the album sees Finley follow his acclaimed 2017 record Goin’ Platinum! alongside studio legends and bluesmen, some of which have worked with everyone from Elvis Presley to Wilson Pickett. Finley has returned today with the video for his latest single, “Country Boy,” premiering with Under the Radar.

Blues aesthetics have increasingly seen a resurgence in the past decade (thanks in no small part to Finley’s cowriter and producer) but Finley is no nostalgic reimagining. Finley is the real deal, a sixty-seven-year-old carpenter, army vet, and lifelong musician. After losing his sight and retiring from carpentry Finley finally pursued his long-deferred musical dream, telling his story through a rich mix of country, soul, rock and roll, and blues.

There’s an undeniable element of authenticity with Finley’s music and “Country Boy” is no exception. The track has an invigorating spontaneous feel, made all the more effective by the band’s tight blues groove and the soulful interplay of organ, bluesy licks, and Finley’s stream of consciousness lyrics. The lyrics run through classic blues fare—loneliness, money troubles, romantic woes, and more. Yet when delivered through Finley’s cracked falsetto and heart-rending howls every moment rings beautifully true. The result is not only an exceptionally tight song in its own right but a vision into the story of a weathered musical veteran only now getting his due.

The accompanying video, directed by Tim Hardiman, is equally willing to explore Finley’s story and hardships. The video was shot in the fields of Winnsboro Louisiana, where Finley’s family worked in the Jim Crow era, exploring the imagery of Finley’s hometown and the places that have influenced his story.

Finley says of the track, “Some songs Dan and I would sit down and come up with an idea. That’s all you really need is just an idea of what you want to sing and take it from there. ‘Country Boy’ was one of those songs. Dan was just letting me tell my story my way. Dan had never experienced anything like that. We didn’t do anything to prepare for this song. The band just played music and Dan said, “sing something!” and I improved the lyrics and next thing I know, we made a song. We played it back and everyone was like “wow!” We didn’t have to do anything to it. It was perfect.” Check out the song and video below and watch for Sharecropper’s Son, out May 21st on Easy Eye Sound.