Survival is Harry Cleverdon’s debut journey through the heart of country life and human resilience. This self-made collection of ten tracks digs into love’s fragile highs, the sting of heartbreak, and the quiet fight to rise above self-doubt—all wrapped in raw, acoustic warmth.

Survival - Album

Album Review

Author: LambingFlatRecords

Rating: 7/10

Harry Cleverdon’s debut album Survival is a breath of fresh air in a music landscape often cluttered with flash and frills. A country born and raised singer-songwriter, Cleverdon delivers a collection of tracks that feel farm-grown and honest, rooted in timeless acoustic instrumentation and natural-born storytelling—all written, recorded, and produced by Harry himself! Extra points there! 

With grit and grace, he’s making waves quietly, crafting an authentic sound built on passion rather than gimmicks, elevated further by the beautiful mix and shine from Rick O’Neil of TurtleRock Mastering. The album’s key standouts, "Survival" and "Superman (Late Night Trance)," show off Cleverdon’s strong songwriting and vocal skills. They’re the highlights that prove he’s got serious potential. This is no-trends-chasing pop-country hybrid - Survival is pure, soulful music that stands firm in its simplicity and strength, showcasing a humble but unforgettable talent who’s clearly putting in the work.

From the opening strums of "House of Cards" to the tender closer "Know I Am Too," Cleverdon proves himself a soft-spoken yet compelling voice in the modern country scene. The album’s ten tracks weave a tapestry of love, heartbreak, self-doubt, and resilience, all wrapped in easy-listening melodies that are as addictive as they are unpretentious. While ‘Survival’ earns a solid 7/10 for its great songwriting and refreshing production, what shines brightest is Cleverdon’s potential for greatness—a promise that this is just the beginning for an artist carving out his own space with genuine talent.

Key Standouts: Track 4 ‘Survival’ and Track 8 ‘Superman (Late Night Trance)’

Track By Track

  • Kicking off the album with an upbeat wall of sound, "House of Cards" is a melodic and harmonic exploration of a fragile relationship. The faster-paced verses build into big, sing-along choruses that hit like a gust of wind through an open field. Cleverdon’s lyrics—“We’re a house of cards / Cause we fall apart / When things get hard”—are simple, strong, and soulful, capturing the push-pull of love with raw honesty. It’s a perfect introduction to his laid-back but driven style.

  • With a catchy electric guitar riff reminiscent of Uncle Kracker’s carefree vibe, "Empty Bottles" is a toe-tapping country-pop gem. The track’s high-spirited energy belies its bittersweet core—a tale of reckless fun and addictive patterns in a toxic romance. “Empty bottles on the kitchen floor / And I might join ’em there if I drink any more” is delivered with a playful wink, making it an instant earworm that lingers long after the last note.

  • Slowing things down, "Burning Bridges" leans into country blues with rich, warm instrumentation and a standout guitar solo. Cleverdon’s introspection shines here as he laments pushing people away: “I hate that I do it, I feel so damn stupid / But I’m burning bridges again.” It’s a haunting, honest reflection that showcases his ability to blend timeless sound with modern struggles.

  • Album Highlight 1: Survival

    The album’s title track and potential hit single, "Survival" starts with sparse acoustic chords and Cleverdon’s vulnerable vocals before building into a mid-paced, anthemic chorus. “I’m a survivor / A race car driver / I don’t go down without a fight” is a rallying cry for resilience, wrapped in really good songwriting that balances self-doubt with hope. It’s a standout moment that proves his knack for crafting songs that resonate deeply.

  • Upbeat and happier, "Wake Up At Home" is a love letter to simpler times. With its driving rhythm and easy-listening charm, Cleverdon pines for the countryside over city lights: “I just wanna drive / Back to the countryside / I just wanna wake up at home.” It’s a feel-good track that channels his farm-grown roots with infectious sincerity.

  • This folk-country gem pulses with a four-on-the-floor beat and rhythmic guitars, offering a beautiful meditation on ambition and stagnation. “All I want is to be up there on the shelf / Cause I don’t wanna die and have done nothing for myself” is delivered with quiet urgency, making it a soul-stirring highlight that lingers in its simplicity.

  • Channeling a bit of Bob Dylan with harmonica flourishes and slower-paced singer-songwriter vibes, "Drunken Messiah" is a poetic escape. Cleverdon paints a scene of late-night wisdom found in a barroom corner: “I’m overcome with this desire / To talk with the Drunken Messiah.” The storytelling here is natural-born and evocative, proving his humble but unforgettable presence.

  • Album Highlight 2: Superman (Late Night Trance)

    One of the album’s best offerings, "Superman" is a masterpiece of great songwriting and beautiful instrumentation. Cleverdon’s voice soars over fantastic layered acoustics as he wrestles with self-doubt: “I wanna be Superman / But I don’t really think I can.” It’s a late-night confessional that’s both melancholic and mesmerizing, cementing his status as a melodic storyteller. Fantastic!

  • A touch cheesy but undeniably charming, "The Best That I Can" is a sweet love song buoyed by nice guitar work. “I could be buying you flowers / I could be holding your hand” evolves into a promise kept, offering a hopeful arc that rounds out the album’s emotional journey. It’s a decent track that gets away with its earnestness thanks to Cleverdon’s authenticity.

  • The perfect closer, "Know I Am Too" is a gentle, John Mayer-esque ballad with a killer guitar solo. It’s not a radio single, but its easy-listening warmth—“Look up at the moon and / Know I am too”—wraps the album in a tender embrace. It’s a quiet reflection on distance and connection, leaving listeners with a sense of calm and longing.

‘Survival’ is a testament to Harry Cleverdon’s ability to craft simple but addictive melodies that feel like they’ve always existed. The album’s real instrumentation - no synthesized shortcuts here - grounds it in a refreshing, timeless sound that’s as sturdy as an old barn. From the barroom vibes of "Empty Bottles" to the introspective beauty of "Superman," every song tells a story with grit and grace, showcasing a natural-born storyteller at work.

At 7/10, ‘Survival’ is really good - great production, solid songwriting, and a cohesive vibe that’s laid-back but driven. Yet, it’s Cleverdon’s potential that truly excites. This debut feels like a stepping stone to something even greater, a promise of an artist who’s just beginning to tap into his full power. For fans of country, folk, and honest music, ‘Survival’ is a strong, soulful listen that connects on a human level - no flash, no frills, just the real deal. Harry Cleverdon is putting in the work, and if this is where he starts, the future looks bright indeed.