Well it has taken me too long to review this new single as I was fortunate enough to receive a preview of it from Adam Dawson at Broken Jukebox Media way back on September 18th.  So yes, I am late but definitely wanted  to get some good words out before the full album releases on October 16th.  Strickland is a new artist to me and I was impressed when I pushed play on “I’m Still Poor.”

There are some songs that just jump out at you (or into your mind and spirit actually) when you first hear them and this song hit that mark for me right away.  It comes in on a melancholy, kind of wistful electric guitar offset by a more upbeat acoustic and those two sounds play off each other so well.  The vocal from Strickland is strong and clear throughout, a voice that has a “been around the block a few times” edge to it that gives the lyrics a lived-in vibe.  Aided by a straightforward and clean rhythm section this song delivers vibrant sound and energy. It is a great listen and I highly recommend it to you.

Also – much respect and congratulations to Adam Dawson who is the co-producer on this album along with Strickland.

Vote here to nominate this for my best of 2026 list: 

Musicians on the full album are: Lyal Strickland (vocals, guitar), Kyle Vance (bass), Joe Terry (organ, keyboards), Molly Healey (cello, fiddle), Nick Smith (drums), Oran Thornton (electric guitar), Rachel Laven (duet vocal on “Birds) and background vocals from: Jeff Smith, Damien Thousand and Dillon Hasten. 

You can stream the single here:

https://lyalstrickland.com/home

You can also purchase his prior album Preservation here (still available on vinyl and CD also:)

https://lyalstrickland.com/music

For anyone who has some time and the inclination to listen there is also a really good interview (conducted by Mike Smith) with Strickland courtesy of Music Monday of the Ozarks that you can catch at the link below – I found it insightful and a good way to get to know this artist.  

Lyal Strickland

Please let me know your opinion in the comment section below

Interested in more info on this Artist?

https://lyalstrickland.com

https://www.instagram.com/lyalstrickland

Just a few ideas if you have the time:  purchase music when you can as streaming does not pay much even times a thousand, support and get to know your local community, live well and be a good neighbor 🙂