American Drifter is an eight-track EP by country artist Jacob Jones (serving as a prelude to a 21-song release set for 2026), consisting of the first wave of music setting the tone for his longtime passion for patriotism. These good songs all resonate with anyone who’s been through the military or grew up around that lifestyle of moving around a lot, and everything that comes with it. It’s no surprise Jones takes after his father with these topics and gives a look into his experience from the son of a military man’s perspective, unveiling more about the artist from previous releases in his catalog.
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As mentioned, being the “Son of a Military Man” is where it all starts, with a song about of a drifter of this sort, which immediately tackles the album title and concept. This proper opener takes the listener on the start of a journey from Tacoma to Alabama and all points in-between, without detailing too much for the sake of song, keeping it simple but strongly exemplifying the point. Most of the song titles are pertinent to the subject matter of being raised by a military parent, with “The Fallen Stood” is a song about falling for the greater good and standing for something, and this is where Desert Storm gets a mention.
“Even Heros Need Saving” is a ballad changing the tempo somewhat with a story about heroes and the pride set aside to fight for serving, and what they sacrifice across the board, including relationships, family members and friends on top of duty. But the tempo kicks back up a notch on the folkish “Another Angel” turning out to be one of the more compelling songs on American Drifter, and where the songwriting of Jacob Jones really shines.
“September 12th” is the sixth song, and it’s not hard to guess what the title is about, which is something that happened the day prior we’ll never forget. The world hasn’t been the same since that fateful day, no matter where you live, and it’s a heartfelt based around it and the next day’s aftermath. American Drifter continues with “Homeless Man” somehow appropriately following with a moment to step into the shoes of a vet with no address, and how reflection on their service should always be in mind and thanks always given. This song also shows a rocking side of Jacob Jones with some intricately hot guitar parts.
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“Over A Beer (feat. Michael Warren” plays like a solution to everything from friends in need to catch up over lost time and open opportunities to heal, and even to celebrate the lives of those we lose. Everything on American Drifter is arranged and placed so well it plays like a story, albeit only the starting of what’s to come. And the final track puts the icing on the cake for this release, with “Tears on my Dogtags” reminding of the entire subject of military life and the stories it inspires, told in the image of a soldier, backed soft acoustic guitar lines.
Gwen Waggoner