have to be sappy. they can be visceral, poetic, and haunting. such as this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeKzEo4MalY

two or three times a year i listen to the album this tune came from, and just sigh. mr. whitley was a gigantic talent, but just couldn't break through the wall of what was "popular" in his time on earth. he took delta blues guitar, infused with a  rich understanding of higher (jazz influenced) harmony, while ultimately enhancing both.

decades from now, his place in the musical pantheon will be recognized. i'll be gone by then, but i saw (and heard it) in real time.

r.i.p., guitarist/poet.