Yesterday, 1/30/2026, Oil & Whiskey released the newest single, ‘Apologize.’ To celebrate this brand new off-Broadway country-rock masterpiece, Popfad has collected several other songs to take listeners on a lifelike journey of emotion.
Oil & Whiskey – Apologize
‘Apologize’ is yet another track that shows that musical theatre is still constantly evolving. The overall track has a rock basis, but it still has an emotional vocal twang that puts some character in it all. It works with electronic and acoustic sounds, and the mix makes everything crisp. This track has a lot of strength behind it, and the vocals tune that strength to 11. It works with a vocal growl that packs a serious punch. Also, around 2:10, it picks up with some thrashy guitar power chords that give a bit of a call and a response with the vocals. Lyrically, it comes from the eyes of someone who’s been wronged by a former partner. They take back power by demanding an apology and establishing consequences for the others’ actions.
Alex Krawczyk – When the Road is Uneven
‘When the Road is Uneven’ works similarly with emotional vocals and a crisp production. That being said, it’s more of a laid-back indie track with pop and folk influences. The vocals in this track have a gorgeous vibrato, and they’re generally soft but emotional. Though this track is crisp and utilizes electronic instrumentation, the piano and flow give it a sound that comes across as if it’s from the natural world. The strings, in general, play really well together to build atmosphere and help drive the lyrical narrative. When it comes to the lyrics, this release is about struggles in life, but an optimism that can carry one through the dark times. It also works with the idea of music and its healing properties.
Muo Duo – After The End
‘After The End’ utilizes a vinyl crackle and a low-fidelity production that makes it sound straight out of the 70s or 80s. Where most tracks sacrifice clarity for a vintage sound, this one does well at still making things crisp. The vocals have a bright, nasally tone that delivers warm beauty, but their emotiveness gives a bit of a melancholic vibe. The bass and guitar give a soft sway to things, and the percussion gives almost a jazzy undertone and keeps things lively amidst the softness. Though this track features a full-band sound, there’s something about it that holds a ballad-like nature. This single captures a difficult time that comes after a relationship. It’s about not knowing how to move forward or what to say “after the end.”
Sarah Biddick – Highway 95
‘Highway 95’ is a folk track with a bit of a soft production style. That being said, the bass drum and quick acoustic strumming lead give it an upbeat and exciting quality. This track is adventurous, and it’s nothing short of raw and natural. The bounce it has is addictive, and listening through it in itself feels like taking a journey. Additionally, its chorus picks up the pace, and the overall dynamic flow makes it captivating. In terms of adventure, the lyrics do well at capturing the feeling that resonates in the musicality. It’s about taking off on a highway, no destination in mind, but a taste for something fresh and new.
JGM – Gotta get up
‘Gotta get up’ makes a sound that’s artsy but works off of nostalgic influences. It has an ’80s vibe with its focus on dynamic vocals and full band sound. It has superstar qualities in its delivery, and though the instrumentation is great, the vocals do well at taking the full stage. They find that perfect mix of rhythm and melody. This one is absolutely addictive, and the ‘gotta get up’ hook that’s laden throughout is delivered with a chant that’s almost impossible not to sing along to. This release is a call for self-confidence. It tells the narrative of someone saying they need to get up and find the right path in their life.
Written by Sage Plapp
Cover image by Luis Quintero
