In 2021, Eva Gertz made a decision that many might consider risky to set off on a solo trip across America for five months. This experience, which became the foundation for her album Worth the Drive, was far from an ordinary journey.

photo by @evagertzmusic

The search for oneself, new places, new people, sure, all of that was part of it. But you see, the most important thing is when you’re alone on the road, without noisy distractions, everything becomes crystal clear, especially your own thoughts. Her trip was essentially a conversation with herself over the course of thousands of miles.

You’re behind the wheel, surrounded by nothing but empty roads, time stretching on, and your thoughts pulsing in your mind, impossible to ignore. So much space, and even more time, to finally figure yourself out. For some, this might sound intimidating, but Eva seemed to know this was exactly what she needed. It’s one thing to enjoy the sights of national parks or meet strangers, but it’s a completely different experience to be alone, facing endless landscapes, with nothing but time to reflect.

The very fact that she chose this path – to go alone, without any company – says a lot about her character. Courage? Yes, but not the kind we’re used to seeing. It’s not about ‘having it all under control’ – it’s about embracing the fact that you’re just moving forward, not knowing what’s next, but ready for whatever comes your way.

And of course, Worth the Drive feels like the travel notes of someone who has learned a lot during their journey. Eva Gertz doesn’t impose her answers on you – she offers her own questions. And those questions? They’re all about you. The songs carry that special rhythm of life that comes when you’re far from the hustle and bustle. Nature is all around, and you’re in the silence. Not entirely comforting, but honest in its own way.

As for the music on the album, it’s calm, unhurried, yet still deep. Each song carries that sense of space you feel when driving through endless fields or gazing at distant mountains. These tracks are like pauses along the way, where you step out of the car just to breathe, to stop, and to take in your surroundings. And you know for sure that you needed that pause.

Eva’s lyrics carry something that breathes the life of small towns and endless roads. You can sense moments of her encounters with new people, her reflections on nature, and her candid conversations with herself. At some point, you realize she leaves you room to find your own meaning in her words.

photo by @evagertzmusic

Worth the Drive opens on a light and playful note where Eva Gertz sings directly to her inner child, Little Know It All, embracing themes of self-acceptance and self-care. This dreamy track, with Gertz’s airy and ethereal vocals, sets the tone for the entire album. 

Art Collectors sounds so sunny and positive that it’s hard to stay still—your feet just want to start dancing. This song is like a cocktail of jazz, pop, with hints of reggaeton that pop up and make you smile. It captures you with its lightheartedness and upbeat rhythm, and even leaves you feeling a little swanky.

Pot of Glamour leads you into a world steeped in nostalgia, where the past and present intertwine through the delicate threads of memory. It’s like a whispered secret, where Gertz openly shares her feelings after the breakup that sparked her journey. Soft keys and a smooth melody set the background, where her voice paints a portrait of longing. Even with a more commercial vocal approach, there’s a raw sincerity that draws you into her emotional world with a quiet grace.

Next is Playful Lonesome, which intrigues from the very first seconds. She holds a beautiful space in this song for two powerful feelings to coexist while traveling alone: playfulness and loneliness, with heartarching string arrangements to paint that into musical context. Elk’s Eye, on the other hand, transports us to the wilds of Yellowstone. Inspired by an encounter with an elk, the track feels magical and even a bit mystical. The soft, flowing keys and intimate sound make you ponder the wonders around us every day.

Alone in Every Place is about loneliness. It’s as minimalist as it gets, but there’s something cosmic within it. The space, the quiet—it all plays a part. And yeah, the spotlight here is on Eva Gertz. Her voice seems to scatter among the distant birdsong, like it’s coming from another world. The whole track feels like a conversation with emptiness, but there’s something deep in that exchange, even if you can’t quite put your finger on it right away.

Along the Road sharply changes the album’s mood. Groovy guitars, a pulsing rhythm, and a sense of movement create the vibe of a lively journey. This track musically encapsulates that energizing feeling of driving down a highway; how it helped Eva let go of the relationship from the past, even if it was “little by a little bit.”

Lo & Ry offers a more reflective and calm tone. It’s a song about friendship and the new people she met on her way through Oregon. The title track, Worth the Drive, raises a key question: was the emotional cost of the journey worth it? Eva doesn’t provide clear answers, leaving it open for each listener to decide.

Finally, we arrive at Safe Haven, the closing note where everything seems to pause. Crickets, a nighttime atmosphere, and the peace of solitude create a sense of completion. This track is the perfect ending to the album, reflecting the quiet that so often eludes us in life.

Worth the Drive feels deeply authentic. It doesn’t rush to prove anything or demand instant admiration. It simply exists, breathing in sync with you. This isn’t for those living life at full speed, but for those ready to pause and listen. And, you know, if you’re willing to slow down, this journey through music might be exactly what you need right now. Eva Gertz isn’t offering an answer, but rather asking the question: what does your journey mean to you?

*This review was made possible by SubmitHub