9. September 2026
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Media Review

Pokey LaFarge – Rent Money

Florian Buechtingby Florian Buechting

Pokey LaFarge - Rent Money

Pokey LaFarge - Rent Money
4.5

Rating

 4.5/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Nostalgic, variable sound
  • Good storytelling
  • Overall, very fluent, enjoyable listen

Pokey LaFarge is a truly iconic US American musician. He defined a very interesting blend of Americana genres and other influences. On 11th September 2026, he shares a new album. Here is my review of Rent Money.

 

Pokey LaFarge – About The Artist

Pokey LaFarge, born on 26th June 1983 as Andrew Heissler, is a US American musician and singer songwriter. The Bloomington, Illinois, native, is influenced by multiple genres like blues, folk and country – but also swing and jazz. LaFarge turned professional at the age of 23. In 2006, he self-released his debut album Marmalade. So far, he has released twelve albums overall. With Travelin’ with Pokey LaFarge: Voice and Guitar Vol. I, he already had another major release this year.

 

Pokey LaFarge – Rent Money – Track by Track

The ten song album lasts 36 minutes.

1. The Thing

LaFarge has already released three songs of the album. They are all in the first four tracks of Rent Money, including the opener, The Thing. The song has a nice sway, and feels rather traditional. Some bass and guitar and a decent rhythm – that’s all what it needs in here. In the chorus, he is also adding some backing vocals, which overall leads to a nice listen.

2. My Baby Loves Me

My Baby Loves Me is a previously unreleased track. The traditional style and rather medium speed stays. There are influences of rock’n’roll as well as 1960’s country and blues vibes in the song. The percussionist Ben Lumsdaine adds a nice touch to the groovy track as well.

3. Hambone

Like chicken that’s fried in butter, tastes so good makes your s-s-s-s-stutter – I had to smile and think of Zac Brown when I listened to these lyrics. Hambone is faster than the two songs before and by that also has some fun and dancing vibes. The song works quite a lot with backing vocals. A key instrument here is the piano, played by Hank Mehren. A rather zesty and enjoyable listen.

4. Rent Money

The last of the previously released songs is the title track. Rent Money feels comparably modern and melodic. It comes with the the present groove of a blues rock track. I really like that laid back style.

The man got to get his paper
He’s not a giver, he’s a taker
What can you do, what can you say?
Nothing today, hey
The good Lord giveth, the landlord taketh away

5. Stick Together

Stick Together opens with the groovy main theme and backing singers. From the very beginning, LaFarge’s song is very present. Even though the band does work with a wider range of instruments, the song still has a certain simplicity. The storytelling is also nice, which overall leads to a very fine listen.

6. Work

There’s no better time
To get yourself together
If not now, then when?
Yeah, I’m going down to the dollar store
Gonna buy myself some sense
It takes money to pay the rent.

Basic people’s everyday life and problems are a key topic in Rent Money. This slower blues rock track is no exception to that. I get caught by the bass line during the listen. The song stays in your mind, indeed.

7. Stranger

The nostalgic feelings stay, but Stranger is a narrative track with a really nice melodic flow. The focus is on Pokey LaFarge and his storytelling though. The sound of the track is laid back, just in line with the vast part of this record.

8. Can’t Take it With You

The lyrics of Can’t Take it With You already tell you the topic of this song. Pokey LaFarge reflects about the things in life which are really important. The song is very bluesy again, but also has a nice and present bridge. Additionally, a key part of this nice song are the very present background singers.

Don’t care about silver
Don’t care about gold
Everything someday grows old
Can’t take it with you when you go

9. Told You No

The dramatic, vocal centric style of Told You No reminds me of some James Bond movie soundtrack songs. In later parts of the song, there are also some nice instrumental additions, which rather make me feel of Texas-Mexican influences. The song is one of the most striking listens and stays in your mind very well.

10. Big Boss Man

Pokey LaFarge does a very nice vocal performance with a rather wide range of notes in Big Boss Man. Again, he works with backing vocals. The blending of blues, rock, folk and some soul elements leads to a very unique listen. The chorus has a nice ease, which leads to a really nice listen.

11. On and On

Rent Money closes with On and On. The song is defined by a lovely melodic flow, which is driven by the band. Especially the instrumental part has some nice features in stock, like a flute, a saxophone and some nice organ tunes. A really nice way to close this listen.

 

Pokey LaFarge – Rent Money – Spotify

I will add the Spotify widget once the album has been published. 

 

Pokey LaFarge – Rent Money – My View

I absolutely enjoyed listening to Rent Money. You might initially be confused by the rather nostalgic style, but each song comes with a strong, unique character. This leads to a fluent and enjoyable listen. Nonetheless, Pokey LaFarge defines his own signature style. Well done!

Favorite Song: Big Boss Man

 

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