4/5 stars

On Oct. 17, critically acclaimed Winnipeg roots singer-songwriter William Prince released his latest album, Further From the Country. The collection of nine songs explores a variety of themes, from unrequited love to substance use. While Further From the Country successfully encapsulates the energy and realities of working-class Manitoban life with skillful vocals and poignant lyrics, some of the songs lacked distinctive background instrumentation and style. 

The album begins with the titular track “Further From the Country,” a harmonically spicy track about transitioning from country to city life. Though energetic, this track captures the internal struggles that come with moving — the driving drumbeat, distorted electric guitar and fiddling in the background give way to a slow interlude in the middle, casting doubt on the singer’s move before returning to a lively pace. 

Other songs are much more subdued. “All the Same,” for example, is a pensive reflection on suicide, poverty and substance abuse on reservations, perhaps echoing Prince’s Cree and Ojibwe background and upbringing in Peguis First Nation. Despite the bleak subject matter, Prince sets the song in a major key, suggesting a helpless acceptance of the status quo.

“Damn” is similar to “All the Same.” With the refrain “Another damn shame / Life as we know it will probably stay the same,” this track is a soulful sigh at the harsh realities of life such as loneliness and rent payments. There is an optimistic turn, however, and the song ends with, “Things won’t change until I finally get the will to do something else / with myself / Oh, damn.” Painfully relatable and almost comedic, the track showcases Prince’s talent as a songwriter. 

Living up to Prince’s title as a country-folk singer, “Flowers on the Dash” is a proper honky-tonk tune about rejected romantic advances. With swinging, tongue-in-cheek instrumental solos, this track fits right into a country bar playlist, but might sound over the top to unacquainted listeners. 

The album concludes with “More of the Same,” a song about being content with your life — a reminder to appreciate what you already have and an antithesis to the current obsession with hustling and self-improvement. 

Further From the Country clearly shows Prince’s talent as a singer-songwriter whose works touch upon important aspects of human life that many can relate to. 

Sadly, almost all of the tracks feature fuzzy electric guitar playing and a 4/4 drum beat in the background, causing the songs to blur together. The average listener will likely have a hard time telling each song apart. In addition, most of the songs have an underlying current of quiet frustration and pessimism, and the execution of the only upbeat track, “Flowers on the Dash,” feels almost ironic and gaudy compared to the rest of the album. 

Overall, this album will appeal to country and roots music fans, especially those who share Prince’s background and value authentic storytelling and sensitivity in music. However, those looking for traditional and high-energy folk tunes will probably be left disappointed by Further From the Country. 

Further From the Country is available on streaming platforms. For tickets to William Prince’s upcoming tour stop in Winnipeg on Apr. 25, 2026, visit williamprincemusic.com/tour.