Throughout 40 Miler, the rough-hewn characters populating Barry's lyrics refuse to surrender even in the face of long odds. 40 Miler also finds Barry taking his spare Folk-Country sound in a different direction. This time around Barry opts for more raucous, rocking approach on several tracks, adding more electric guitar, organ, piano, harmonica, as well as the gorgeous voice of Richmond songstress Julie Karr to the mix.