Jonathan Calhoun’s Lifetime on I-79 feels like a deliberate return to essentials. Recorded in his Charleston, West Virginia home studio, the album strips away the denser layers of his past work in favor of something quieter, more direct, and more vulnerable. Where Over the Street Lights to the Stars leaned toward experimentation, this record narrows its focus to the warmth of acoustic textures and straightforward storytelling. I could hear the intimacy in every strum, like he was determined to let the songs breathe without interference.
The reference points are clear. Tom Petty’s Wildflowers, Springsteen’s Nebraska, and Jason Isbell’s softer turns are all in the air here, alongside the shadows of Dylan, Neil Young, and Lucinda Williams. The opener “Once I Had a Dream” reflects on the past while hinting toward the future. It is well structured and I liked how the vocals carried both weariness and resolve. The title track, “Lifetime on I-79,” grounds itself in nostalgia, while “2 Much 2 Love” stands out for its subtle rhythmic drive and unexpected details.
For me, “Between the Moon and Stars” was one of the strongest pieces. Its brooding undercurrent reminded me a bit of Nick Cave, the kind of song that lingers long after it ends. “Sunnyside Blues” was another favorite, built on a melody so classic it felt like it had always existed. “One True Thing” channeled Tom Petty in its delivery, while “A Heart to Call Home” struck me as one of the album’s most intriguing turns. By the time I reached “People Are the Problem” and “Fine Day,” I felt like the record had found a steady rhythm, each track reinforcing its commitment to plainspoken honesty.What I liked most about Lifetime on I-79 is the simplicity.
The production never tries to dress the songs up into something they are not. The guitar sounds warm and unadorned, the vocals are unflinching, and the writing carries just enough detail to make each moment feel lived-in. It is a record that doesn’t overcomplicate its purpose. I enjoyed the straightforwardness of the songs and the unshakable sense of sincerity running through them. It sounds good, and sometimes that is enough.