There’s a confidence in The Unknown that sets it apart from Vincent Poag’ s earlier work. He’s not trying to impress anyone, and maybe that’s what makes the album land. This isn’t a collection of songs chasing relevance. It’s a seasoned songwriter sitting down and telling it like it is.
Vincent Poag has always leaned into lyricism and storytelling, but this time, the themes feel more grounded. The Unknown isn’t about big revelations or flashy production—it’s about perspective. The kind you earn from living a bit, losing a bit, and still deciding to show up.
The title track is the mission statement. It’s reflective, sure, but not fragile. There’s grit behind the lines. You hear a man who’s made peace with the unpredictability of life, and instead of fighting it, he’s riding the wave. The arrangement stays out of its own way—simple, melodic, no frills. That’s all it needs.
Then there’s “Tabernacle Inn,” which is probably the strongest track on the record. It blends Americana with a gospel undercurrent, and it doesn’t feel forced. It feels lived-in. Like something written not in a studio, but somewhere quieter—off the grid, maybe. It’s less about religion, more about belonging. About wanting to believe there’s still a place where things make sense, even if just for a moment.
What works about this album is that it doesn’t reach too far. Every track knows what it’s trying to say, and none of them overstay their welcome. The production is clean but warm. No distractions. Just space for the lyrics to breathe.
Poag isn’t reinventing anything here—and that’s the point. The Unknown doesn’t pretend to be profound. It doesn’t need to. It’s thoughtful. It’s steady. It’s the kind of record that grows on you, because it doesn’t beg to be noticed. It just trusts you’ll get there.
If you’ve ever been drawn to the quieter corners of folk rock—the places where Springsteen goes when he puts down the Telecaster, or where Paul Simon wanders in his more reflective moods—this album might hit home.
It’s not chasing the moment. It’s built to last past it.