Label: Thirty Tigers

How to describe Melissa Carper‘s new single,”Ramblin’ Soul”? Well, it’s the most original — while also convincing my soul that every note was already an old friend — song around. It’s a tune that lifts your spirit, with a performance that somehow assures you that everything is going to be just fine.

If you’re not yet familiar with Melissa Carper, you’re in a diminishing number of music lovers. Her full album is bound to gain notoriety and a broader audience. (I’ll be ordering it on vinyl. It’s a perfect marriage of form and content.) In the meantime, you have the opportunity to hear her in person at one of her upcoming performances.

Call it country, if you want — especially the kind of timeless country that would be the perfect companion to a small town, dirt road road trip. Ultimately, it is an inspirational song in the best way possible.