Eddie 9V’s Saratoga: A Southern Soul Masterpiece Full of Stories and Swagger

Review By Halina Wegner

Eddie 9V’s Saratoga is more than an album—it’s a road trip through the highs and lows of life, steeped in Southern soul, blues, rock, and funk. With sharp storytelling and an irresistible groove, this Georgia-born powerhouse delivers 12 tracks that crackle with wit, warmth, and raw emotion. This is an album that takes you places, both musically and emotionally, proving once again why Eddie 9V is one of modern roots music’s brightest stars.

The title track, “Saratoga”, kicks things off with a vibrant blend of disco-tinged harmonies, punchy horns, and Eddie’s soulful slide guitar, capturing the feeling of being stuck in a small town yet yearning for more. It’s an anthem for the restless dreamers. “Halo” dazzles with falsetto-driven funk and a horn section that struts like it owns the room, while “Cry Like A River” and “Love Moves Slow” bring lush, modern soul to life, weaving heartfelt tales of longing and love that feel timeless. “Delta” shifts gears with its brittle riffs and spacey vocal delivery, painting a gritty picture of life along the riverbanks. “Red River“, on the other hand, juxtaposes reflective lyrics with a kinetic groove, making it impossible to sit still.

Eddie’s playful side shines on “Wasp Weather”, a rapid-fire lyrical romp full of quirky imagery that makes you smile and think at the same time: “I got a big mud house that I can’t keep clean, it’s useless.” It’s Eddie at his most delightfully eccentric. The hauntingly beautiful “Truckee” takes us to the riverside under a California sky, with its trilling alt-folk vibe inspired by a psychedelic camping trip. The brass-soaked cover of Mac DeMarco’s “Chamber of Reflection” is a bold reimagining that fits snugly within Eddie’s eclectic world.

Finally, the album closes with “The Road To Nowhere”, a tremolo-drenched country lament that transforms Eddie’s twang into a croon full of wistful resignation. It’s the perfect sendoff for an album that never stops moving. Eddie 9V’s Saratoga is a dazzling showcase of his talent as a storyteller and musician. With its mix of grooves, grit, and gorgeous melodies, it’s an album that feels as intimate as a backyard jam and as expansive as the Southern skies. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer, this is the kind of record you’ll want to spin on repeat. Put on your headphones, start your engines, and let Saratoga take you for the ride of your life.

Essential Tracks: “Saratoga,” “Halo,” “Cry Like A River,” “Truckee,” “The Road To Nowhere”