Black Proehl – “Way Back”

Rising country artist Blake Proehl has released his new single, “Way Back”, through MCA as he prepares for the arrival of his debut EP, “Hearts Don’t Break”, on 2 October.

Built around nostalgia and the memories capable of transporting people back to another time, “Way Back” combines Proehl’s smooth vocals with his developing blend of country and pop.

For Proehl, the song captures a feeling he believes many listeners will recognise, while adding another dimension to the forthcoming six track project.

“‘Way Back’ has this nostalgic feeling that I think everyone can connect with,” Proehl says. “We all have memories that can take us back, and I love that music can do the same thing. It felt like an important feeling to have represented on this EP.”

The track arrives two weeks before the release of “Hearts Don’t Break” and follows previously released songs “If He Ain’t Up”, “Wild Magnolia” and “She Got It”.

Review

“Way Back” captures the bittersweet pull of young love through lyrics filled with familiar reminders of a relationship that still lingers. Blake Proehl’s storytelling works best in the everyday details, from unexpectedly seeing an ex’s mother to noticing a Texas number plate and checking an old username. The recurring memory lane imagery gives the song a clear emotional centre, while references to teenage summers create an easy sense of nostalgia. Beneath the warmth is an unresolved longing, particularly as the narrator admits he would welcome that person back. It is sentimental without becoming overly heavy, turning ordinary memories into something genuinely relatable.