Arlo McKinley on Wednesday shared “Back Home”, the third single from his upcoming album, This Mess We’re In. The third LP from the Cincinnati, OH singer-songwriter is out on July 15th via Oh Boy Records.
Though it’s McKinley’s lyricism that endeared him to label founder John Prine—with Arlo being the last artist the Singing Mailman signed before his death in 2020—it’s the depth of his backing band that brings this track to life. With assistance from drummer Ken Coomer (Wilco, Uncle Tupelo), pianist Rick Steff (Lucero, Cat Power), a mess of others, and vocals shared with fellow Midwestern singer-songwriter Logan Halstead, “Back Home” becomes a team effort.
The song’s plain-spoken and sparing lyrics touch on a number of themes central to This Mess We’re In. From the opening “Sweet speed of cocaine / Friends deep in the dope game” to the shameful words of regret to his mother in the refrain (“Well momma I don’t think I’m gone / Don’t think I’m ever gonna make it back home / To you”), “Back Home” takes McKinley to the depths he had to wade through to get to where he is now.
Listen to the new Arlo McKinley single “Back Home” via the player below or on your preferred streaming platform. This Mess We’re In is available here for pre-order. Last month, McKinley shared a stripped-down, acoustic version of the album single “To Die For” recorded live for GemOnVHS, available below. McKinley is currently overseas on his first international tour, but has added over a dozen new domestic tour dates, including singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Great American Ballpark in his hometown of Cincinnati on July 23rd. Scroll down for a full list of dates.
Arlo McKinley – “Back Home” (ft. Logan Halstead)
Arlo McKinley – “To Die For” (Live)
[Video: GemOnVHS]