Check out the latest single from Canadian singer-songwriter Bob Sumner. Sumner, who has had his own struggles with alcohol, has lost a number of people close to him to alcoholism. ‘Motel Room’ is a lament to a close friend, as Sumner explains: “It reminisces about the carefree days of youth when the drinking still held an aura of magic and adventure. The chorus, however, confronts the harsh reality of alcoholism. ‘But now you got your 2.6. of Bourbon and your party of one, and you’re drinking alone, and it’s 4 in the morning in a motel room.'” The theme and lyrics contrast the upbeat nature of both the music and the video. With fiddle, steel guitar, Dobro, melodic bass and strong rhythms, the song is a feel-good journey through Sumner’s memories of better times with his friend – times he can never return to. Tinged with sadness, that kind of nostalgia is something we can all relate to. The video features Sumner dancing, adding to the good-time feel.
The single is from Sumner’s forthcoming new album, ‘Some Place to Rest Easy’, which is due on 6th September 2024. The new record finds Sumner experimenting with different styles and sounds. He says: “All of my heroes, all the people that did it so well — whether it be George Jones or Willie, Waylon, whoever — they weren’t these museum pieces. They were always creating something new, something different.” Alongside the Dobro and steel guitar, there are countrypolitan strings and synths in an ambitious blend. The beautiful balladry of his debut, 2019’s ‘Wasted Love Songs’, demonstrated that Sumner is an excellent songwriter with a smooth, ranging vocal. His latest album will definitely be one to watch out for. Enjoy.
