I’ve loved Greta Van Fleet since the minute I first listened to them a couple of summers ago, when "Highway Tune" came up on one of my Spotify mixes. It instantly blew my mind; the opening guitar riff, the now-iconic wail - courtesy of singer Josh Kiszka - at the beginning, everything about it made me want to know more about who these guys were and what they were capable of. Two weeks later, I impulsively bought tickets to see them live on their three-day stint at Terminal 5 in New York, which turned into a night that will surely live in my memory as one of the best shows I have ever attended.
Listening to Greta Van Fleet’s music is like stepping into a time-warp. They deliver a blues-inspired sound, with the classic 70s rock edge and psychedelic influences mixed in, that of which has caused a lot of discourse as to whether or not Greta Van Fleet is the “real deal.” With their previous releases, 2017’s EP From the Fires and their debut album, 2018’s Anthem of the Peaceful Army, the band could not escape the constant associations to the famous rock acts before them. Sure, you can compare them to Led Zeppelin, to Rush, to Wolfmother, but at the end of the day, these classic rock revivalists are here to stay. With their new single, “My Way, Soon,” they have finally put all the nay-sayers in their place, proving their lasting talent in the process.
“My Way, Soon” is an ode to life on tour, to freedom, and to fleeting youth.
The single has been promoted as “a liberating and jubilant track that celebrates and reflects the band’s personal transformation over the past three years”; listening to the track - and watching the accompanying music video - these words could not ring more true. “My Way, Soon” is an ode to life on tour, to freedom, and to fleeting youth. Being such a young band (twins Josh and Jake Kiszka, guitarist, are 24; bassist Sam Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner are 21), it’s truly impressive to see them put out a song that is so mature and sentimental all at once.
The song opens with a joyous, upbeat guitar riff, as Josh Kiszka sings about the people and places the band has encountered in their three years of touring. Leading into the chorus, Kiszka wails on about a new sense of liberation, singing that he’ll “throw out the plans, and live with no burden.”
As Josh goes on to contemplate the fast-paced lifestyle of himself and his bandmates, he sings, “And with so much left to ponder / I choose the road…” admitting that while he knows such a life is not for everyone - nor is it often granted to just anyone - he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“My Way, Soon” is truly a beautiful song; it encompasses all the feelings that Greta Van Fleet have always managed to evoke - those of nostalgia, independence, and peace - but what makes this song, in particular, so astounding is the newfound sense of identity it grants the band. With this single, they have finally found their voice. When I think of Greta Van Fleet, “My Way, Soon” comprises everything about their sound, aesthetic, and voice that fans love so much. From the guitars to the lyrical content, this new single is the perfect step in the right direction towards the band’s assertion of themselves as a stand-out rock band.
Love your GVF piece! Peacefularmy for life🤘