Vincent Poag’ s latest album, The Unknown, stands as a testament to his mastery of Americana, gospel, and timeless balladry. A deeply introspective and genre-spanning work, the album takes listeners on a journey through life’s uncertainties, weaving vivid imagery and heartfelt melodies into a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling. In his own words, Poag explains the inspiration behind the title track:
We all know through experience that ups and downs are just part of living. Things can change minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day. What inspired me to write “The Unknown” is the idea of the unexpected that awaits us all. Looking at it from a distance, it’s the surprises we are not prepared for that are most unsettling. The uncanny irony and certainty of the unforeseeable. We know it’s coming, but what and when? Ha. Things like sudden death, a bad health diagnosis, an unfaithful lover, a crime against us, a pandemic, and a recession are some examples. Do any of these sound familiar? We all struggle to get to a place that’s safe and secure, only to be surprised by the unexpected. You can’t foresee what’s unforeseeable by definition. The cynical, comical, overwhelming impossibility of this, to which there is no escape. When you think about the perseverance through obstacles every single person has to overcome, people are pretty amazing.
Vincent Poag
“The Unknown,” a kaleidoscopic exploration of life’s mysteries. The lyrics plunge into surreal territory, painting a chaotic yet poignant picture of existence. With phrases like “the twilight zone, filled with stoned misfits” and “thunder-ridden skies,” Vincent Poag captures the duality of life’s beauty and absurdity. The track’s whimsical yet profound tone underscores the album’s central message: life is unpredictable and messy, but it is a journey worth embracing.
Vincent Poag’s lyricism is where the album truly shines. In The Unknown, he captures the raw vulnerability of navigating life’s twists and turns, often with sharp, poetic imagery. Lines like “all aboard, buckle up for the ride of your life” create a vivid sense of adventure, while others like “lightning cracks the sky, thunders rumble” evoke moments of introspection and reckoning. The lyrics feel like snapshots of a surreal, dreamlike journey, grounded by Vincent Poag’s distinctive vocal delivery.
Musically, The Unknown draws from Vincent Poag’s Long Island roots and his early influences in Broadway and American music history. The production, helmed by Frank Marchand, blends rich, technicolor melodies with contemplative soundscapes, creating an album that feels as timeless as it is innovative. From gospel-infused harmonies to Americana’s rustic charm, the record feels like an homage to the diverse sounds that have shaped Vincent Poag’s career.
The album opens with “Use It or Lose It,” an evocative anthem urging listeners to cherish fleeting moments. This theme of impermanence is carried through the album, as Vincent Poag reflects on the passage of time with a mix of wisdom and nostalgia. Songs like “This Love of Mine” and “Oh What a Beautiful Girl” showcase his gift for crafting tender, emotive ballads that resonate with the charm of mid-20th-century love songs.
With The Unknown, Vincent Poag crafts an album that is as much about asking questions as it is about seeking answers. It’s a celebration of life’s unpredictability, a mosaic of joy, heartache, and discovery. Poag invites listeners to step into the unknown with him, offering a soundtrack to the journey that is at once reflective and forward-looking.
