Long Way Back by Sam Varga | REVIEW

“Long Way Back” captures the wreckage and clarity of a relationship, like gazing/glancing back at the trail after a long journey. Sam Varga’s new single continues the path his debut album “Shadow Work” (2024) started with its raw lyrics and stripped-down instrumentals.

Sam conveys the rawness, reflectiveness, and common feeling through its lyrics, music, and singing. The lyrics share themes of reflection, internal conflict, remorse for holding on, having hope in the relationship, and going through a journey. The storytelling was deep and relatable because people felt guilty for not seeing the signs or for missing the signals.

“The longer you stay, the harder it is to leave—and the longer it takes to find your way back,” he shares with Unheard Gems. “It’s like missing your exit on the highway and watching it disappear in the rearview, getting further and further away. Eventually, you have to tear yourself away to save yourself.”

Genres that best fit this song are alt-country and pop-rock, almost genre-bending. Sam’s voice was soulful and sounded a bit remorseful for keeping the relationship as long as it did until there was nowhere else to go but down. Sam best captured the feeling in the first half of the chorus and bridge.

“Long Way Back” has the same vibe as a campfire song. It makes you want to sit down by the fire - alone or snuggled next to someone else, stare into oblivion, and think about the past. If you know someone who’s a fan of alt-country music or wants to listen to a song that reminds them of their ex, this song is perfect. “Long Way Back” is available on all streaming platforms.

About Sam Varga

Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, and based in Nashville, Sam Varga is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His music is heavily inspired by 80s rock, Southern staples, and classic lyricists. His 2024 debut album, “Shadow Work,” combines the best of both worlds to build a musical foundation for his work and makes a genre-blurring sound.

His sound lands between alt-country and rock with acoustic textures and dynamic instrumentation woven in between. Addictive, sharp, and self-aware, Sam's music is emotionally unfiltered and self-deprecating, creating an outlet to be unapologetically open, vulnerable, and human.

Written by Yaba Ahounou