Nashville native Levi Sap Nei Thang is the star of the show today! She is a poet, songwriter, and artist who creates works that speak directly to the soul by fusing heartfelt storytelling with emotional honesty. She creates warm, genuine, and deeply human music and words by drawing on her faith, life experience, and profound, enduring emotion. Her most recent success, a 15-track album called Childhood Memories, was released on January 1st. Every song is a journey, a vivid memory of early years, familial ties, and the significant and insignificant events that mold a person’s life. Allow me to delve further into this remarkable work of art.

The opening track, “Born in September, begins with a clean and isolated acoustic country-infused guitar riff that is bright and rhythmic, like a “morning bell.” There is no heavy production involved here; it’s simple finger-on-string sounds reflecting the “uncluttered beginning” in life itself. Thematically, the song draws directly from the artist’s own birth month, using it as a quiet metaphor for destiny. To be born in the middle of storms is to inherit challenge early, but the song reframes those struggles not as setbacks, but as the raw material that forges resilience, direction, and a deeper sense of purpose. It is a song about arrival and a sense of belonging. It establishes a tone that begins to convey that it was not merely a birth into a family that occurred, but rather a reception into a season of abundance. A heartbeat is evoked by the steady, mid-tempo folk rhythm. It gives the listener a sense of “beginning,” making them reflect on their own birth month and the circumstances surrounding their arrival. This song opens the album with a spark that cannot be extinguished.

“Seer,” the next song on the album. It begins with a warm, welcoming melodic line suffused with country elements, directly engaging the listener from the very start. Thang’s voice comes crashing through the musical setting, with a sense of sudden, brilliance-like clarity, tender yet with absolute authority, reframing the very vulnerability of the musical offering with a subtle power.  Thematically, the song unfolds as a tender portrait of a child who perceives the world with unusual depth from an early age, sensing emotions, truths, and undercurrents others might overlook. This heightened awareness feels less like a blessing at first and more like a weight, something unsettling and difficult to carry in a world that does not always understand sensitivity. The song captures that quiet fear and confusion, but anchors it in warmth. A mother’s love becomes the refuge, offering reassurance, protection, and a steady presence that turns vulnerability into something safe and slowly teaches the child that this gift does not have to be borne alone. Musically, Thang gives a wonderful performance with the support of the excellent instrumentation.

Next on the record is “In My Name”. The song opens with an exquisite interplay of guitar and violin, instantly captivating the listener from the very first notes and setting an emotional, richly textured atmosphere that draws you in before a single word is sung. In “My Name,” Levi Sap Nei Thang uses her name as a powerful symbol of identity, family heritage, honor, and responsibility. The song reflects a deep respect for her grandfather’s legacy, carrying his memory not as a burden but as a source of strength. Even in the face of hardship, she stands firmly in who she is, embracing her roots with pride and allowing her name to become both a declaration of self and a promise to uphold the values passed down to her. Anyone who has ever lived with a “difficult” or unusual name will immediately relate to the melody’s anthemic sweep. A label becomes a badge of honor, transforming what once felt like a burden into a statement of pride. By the song’s conclusion, the listener is inspired to stand tall, take ownership of their story, and confidently embrace who they are.

Next up is the song “I Was the Girl”. A beautiful violin melody opens the song, instantly establishing an intimate and expansive emotional mood. It is softly bolstered by a steady drum beat and a delicate guitar wash, resulting in a multi-layered introduction that captivates the listener and piques their interest, making you want to follow the plot as it develops. The song tells the story of an unexpected daughter in a family that had hoped for a son. Rather than being defined by that initial disappointment, she grows into someone strong, independent, and untamed in spirit. Raised without rigid boundaries, she runs, climbs, plays sports, and chases adventure, embracing a life shaped more by freedom than by traditional expectations placed on girls. The song celebrates that upbringing as formative, showing how it forged resilience, confidence, and a sense of self that refuses to be boxed in.  The lively, playful tempo of the song reflects the joy and freedom of youth. Everyone has a past self that we remember with equal parts pride and nostalgia, realizing how those early experiences shaped who we are today. This is why its emotional appeal feels so profoundly human.

“PaPa” is the song that follows on this album. An intimate atmosphere is created as the instrumentation gradually fades throughout the song, leaving only a gentle, slow-picked guitar. It draws the listener in and lets the emotion of the lyrics resonate with soft, intimate clarity, much like a lullaby whispered in a quiet room. This song is a touching tribute to a working father, chronicling the unwavering sacrifices he makes throughout his life to ensure a better life for his children. The song celebrates his untiring love, steadfast responsibility, and quiet dedication, inviting listeners to feel a deep sense of gratitude for the often unseen efforts that shape a family’s life. The vocals are really breathy and tender. It’s one of those songs that hits right in your chest, reminding you of your childhood guardians and how safe you felt when they embraced you. This song was so damn beautiful.

The seventh song on the album is “Radio”. You are immediately transported by the song’s upbeat, country-infused melody, which makes you feel as though you have entered a rodeo. Enthralled by the contagious energy of the music, you can practically picture yourself putting on a cowboy hat and boots and getting ready to line dance from dawn to dusk. When it comes to theme, this song is a nostalgic journey through childhood memories, capturing the warmth of community and the simple joys that shaped early life. The song traces personal growth from a wide-eyed listener to a confident broadcaster, all while weaving in a profound faith that life unfolds beautifully in God’s perfect timing. Music becomes the thread linking past and present, glowing softly like a gentle light under a moonlit sky, reminding the listener of continuity, hope, and the quiet magic of memory.  The song’s infectious, high-energy rhythms make it impossible not to move along. It serves as a happy reminder that sometimes happiness is meant to be experienced in the present, cherished, and celebrated simply for existing.

“Sunday”  is the next song on the album. The song begins with a splash of bright strumming chords that is like a ray of sunshine entering a room, warm, inspirational, and immediately lighting it up. “She’s Out of My Life” begins with a splash of bright strumming chords that is like a ray of sunshine entering a room. The vocal delivery was amazing from the very start. This song is a heartfelt reflection on childhood Sundays spent in a village, where church, family, and faith formed the rhythm of life. The song celebrates the simple joys, gentle guidance from parents, and the warm, comforting memories that linger long into adulthood, shaping the singer’s sense of home, identity, and enduring faith. This song has a nostalgic feeling that listeners will enjoy from the beginning to the end.

“Secret Farm Trip” is the ninth song on the album.  The song begins with a rhythmic mix of drums and guitar, interspersed with clicks that resemble the sounds of sticks tapping together. You want to go outside and play in the sun while listening to music because of the delightfully “outdoor” and organic effect that instantly evokes the feeling of open air and sunlit play. This song takes listeners back to a hidden childhood adventure on a farm, alive with excitement, freedom, and the simple pleasures of youth. The song captures the innocence and curiosity of those treasured moments, turning them into memories that remain quietly precious, tucked close to the heart yet vivid enough to relive with every note.

Next up is “Fishing Trip”. The song begins with a rich, welcoming soundscape created by a delicate tapestry of melodic guitar and violin. The song’s emotion is powerfully and gracefully conveyed by Thang’s vocals, which function as the bow that unites everything. Thematically, the song is a nostalgic reflection on a childhood adventure by the river with her father, where catching crabs and cooking together embodied the pure, uncomplicated joys of youth. The song contrasts those carefree moments with adulthood, highlighting how such simple pleasures now exist only as cherished memories, warm, vivid, and quietly treasured in the heart.

“Farmer” is the eleventh song on the record. Another upbeat, country-inspired guitar and drum melody opens the song, drawing listeners in right away. Thang’s voice serves as the ideal bow, flowing naturally over the captivating introduction and enhancing it with warmth, nuance, and passion. This song tells the story of a child captivated by the farmers and their enigmatic work beyond the mountains, sparking a curiosity and imagination that lingered through the years. As adulthood arrives, those early dreams come to life, driving a tractor becomes a symbol of freedom, while working the land offers both purpose and a profound sense of peace, fulfilling the wonder that began in childhood. The song has a “salt-of-the-earth” feel to it; it is straightforward, solid, and incredibly honest, reflecting the quiet strength and commitment that go into the daily tasks that mould people’s lives. It grounds the listener in a sense of respect and admiration for life’s steady rhythms by serving as a reminder of the unseen effort and tenacity that underlie so many stories.

Up next is “Gum & Sweet”. The song begins with a lovely, dreamy melody that envelops the listener in a soft, delicate, and utterly breathtaking atmosphere. As usual, Thang’s voice effortlessly soars above the accompaniment, leaving a lasting impression that lasts long after the last note. It is unforgettable, captivating, and breathtakingly beautiful.  When it comes to theme, this is a whimsical journey back to the carefree days of childhood, where tiny adventures carried the weight of the world’s wonders. The singer recalls secretly trading chewing gum for corn and grass buds, a small, mischievous act that brims with curiosity, delight, and a sense of daring only innocence can allow. The song dances through the rhythms of village life, celebrating friendship, laughter, and the quiet magic of ordinary moments. Each note evokes the sweet simplicity of youth, a time when joy was found in the smallest exchanges, and the world felt both vast and intimately close, tucked in the heart like a cherished secret. The song, which is brief, lovely, and radiant, serves as a revitalizing “palate cleanser” on the album and serves as a gentle reminder that, despite life’s weighty themes, it’s frequently the little, straightforward moments that hold the greatest joy and significance.

Moving on, we have “Helicopter”. The song begins with an intense, heart-pounding beat that grabs your attention right away. A lush, breathtakingly beautiful string melody soon follows, leaving you speechless. I was engrossed in the music from the first note on because of its intensity and the arrangement’s exquisite beauty. This song reflects on a childhood journey shaped by long walks and bouts of illness, moments that might have felt slow or challenging at the time. Amid these struggles, catching sight of a helicopter sparked a sense of wonder and a dream of flight, an early glimpse of freedom and possibility. The song beautifully traces how that small, magical moment from youth eventually comes full circle, showing how the seeds of our earliest experiences can take root and blossom into the fulfillment of lifelong dreams.

“Oil Lamp” is the second-to-last song. The album keeps following the well-known, reassuring path of country music with this song, but it never feels the same. The song exudes excitement and freshness from the very first note, fusing traditional elements with a lively energy that keeps the listener interested and anticipating what will happen next. The song is a moving meditation on a childhood characterized by hardship and silent resolve. The singer spent long nights studying under the flickering light of an oil lamp while growing up in a remote mountain village. Each tiny flame cast both light and shadow on her dreams. The song encapsulates the tenacity, endurance, and fortitude that emerged from those modest beginnings, transforming adversity into motivation for aspiration. As she gets older, those early challenges serve as a source of inspiration and strength, leading her to success in the oil and gas sector, a path that turns tenacity into accomplishment. The song’s lyrics and melody convey the weight of mountains, the warmth of that little lamp, and the timeless reality that even the smallest light can illuminate a path to greatness. It envelops the listener in a feeling of cosiness and familiarity with the warmth and closeness of a campfire song. No matter where you are, the music makes you feel secure, rooted, and “at home,” as though the soft strumming of a guitar and the flickering light of the fire could take away all of your worries.

The album closes with “I Was Bullied”. With this song, the electric guitar that starts playing right away gives the sound a heavier, more country-rock edge. Grit and melody work together to create a new, daring energy that feels distinct from the rest of the album and is utterly captivating. The song is a powerful and deeply personal recounting of childhood bullying that casts long shadows into adulthood. The song doesn’t dwell in fear, however; instead, it highlights resilience, courage, and unwavering integrity. Through its narrative, the singer refuses to yield to intimidation or threats, choosing instead to stand firmly in truth and freedom, transforming past pain into a testament of strength and the triumph of the human spirit. This song of bravery and resilience brings the album to a close.

This album, a rich tapestry of sound and narrative that transports listeners to the artist’s early years, is nothing short of a masterpiece. Every song presents a different window into moments of happiness, hardship, love, and discovery, unfolding like a meticulously painted scene. The album becomes more than just music through a skillful fusion of poignant storytelling and complex, evocative melodies; it becomes a living tribute to childhood memories, familial ties, and the experiences that subtly shape who we are. Listeners are in awe of Thang’s artistry and the breadth of her vision as she shares bits of herself with honesty, vulnerability, and grace, opening a window into her life and past. In addition to its musicality, this collection’s emotional resonance and ability to convey the universal human experiences of love, growth, and resiliency are what make it so beautiful. I am honored to have heard her music, to have been asked to walk alongside her memories, and I look forward to the adventures her future work will take us on. She demonstrates with each note that she is not only gifted but also incredibly talented, a storyteller whose songs endure long after the music fades.

Stream “Childhood Memories” on Spotify

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