Vincent Poag’ s The Unknown is a record steeped in the complexities of life—a mosaic of ballads, gospel influences, and Americana that navigates the unpredictable course of existence. As the Long Island singer-songwriter weaves through familiar yet elusive themes, his latest album stands out as a deeply introspective and emotionally resonant chapter in his evolving body of work. The Unknown may sound like an ordinary title, but it hints at an extraordinary exploration of what it means to simply live—and to wonder about the mysteries that keep us going.

The album opens with “Use It or Lose It,” a track that acts as a reminder of time’s swift, inevitable passage. Vincent Poag’s words resonate with a sense of urgency, urging listeners to seize life’s fleeting moments before they slip away. This theme of impermanence surfaces again in “This Love of Mine” and “Oh What a Beautiful Girl,” where Poag evokes the timeless beauty of classic ballads, yet his delivery always feels distinctly modern and raw.

At its core, The Unknown is about the journey of self-discovery and the relentless pursuit of meaning. The title track, with its kaleidoscopic imagery and surreal lyrics (“All aboard, buckle up for the ride of your life, every twist, something to learn”), captures the essence of stumbling through existence, making sense of moments that seem fleeting and disjointed. Poag’s lyrics paint life as a chaotic, sometimes absurd, but always fascinating ride.

Vincent Poag’s ability to craft songs that simultaneously feel familiar and groundbreaking comes from his roots in the American musical tradition—his upbringing in a working-class Long Island family steeped in Broadway’s golden age, informs his unique blend of storytelling and musicality. His voice, rich with the echoes of Leonard Cohen and Tom Waits, has always been capable of stirring deep emotional responses, and here, it carries the weight of lived experience, from joy to heartache to the bewilderment of the unknown.

With The Unknown, Poag doesn’t offer answers. Instead, he invites us to join him in the uncertainty of it all—a journey worth taking, even if the destination remains unseen. This is an album for anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world or simply felt the thrill of embracing the ride.