Week of 04/26/2024
Drinkin’ Buddies – Lee Brice, Nate Smith, Hailey Whitters Written By Brandon Iozzo
Immediately transported to the outdated and embarrassing tones of bro-country from over a decade ago, listeners are met with “Drinkin’ Buddies,” an awkward trio collaboration between Lee Brice, Nate Smith, and Hailey Whitters. With some recent anticipation for the track to be a high-quality summer anthem, it’s clear that the lousy attempt at a “feel good” song barely qualifies as casual background music for the weekend. With production credits by Ben Glover and Jarrod Niemenn, the opening seconds of the track include the sound of cracking a beer can coupled with an all-too-familiar guitar line to the likings of Blake Shelton’s “Boys ‘Round Here. Together, this dismal mess sets the scene for a dumb ditty utterly devoid of meaning. Even more disappointing is Whitters’s feature to seemingly level off Brice and Smith’s male perspectives; we’re used to seeing Hailey on well-crafted tracks that better represent her artistry. It’s best for “Drinkin’ Buddies” to remain a non-album single for the trio and save listeners this return to Lee Brice’s “Parking Lot Party” days.
2.8
Next To You – Ole 60 Written By Adam Delahoussaye
With only six singles under their belt, the Kentucky five-piece Ole 60 veers again into uncharted waters, releasing their most poignant track thus far. A thematic left-turn into a more subdued musical space, “Next To You” is understated, mimicking the quasi-folk sounds of an old City and Colour track that feels like a distant memory creeping back into the subconscious. Its fuzzy, repressed prose and arrangement give the impression that feelings felt are being altered for a better look at what once was. It’s a far more exciting track in structure and schematics than anything Ole 60 has released. This new sandbox of sonics will surely allow frontman Jacob Young to push boundaries into new territories as a country singer. As alternative music bleeds into honky-tonks more and more, Ole 60 could be on the cutting edge of a new movement.
7.5
Johnny Moonshine – Maggie Antone Written By Creed Miller
Maggie Antone is one of country music’s most interesting rising stars, and her latest single, “Johnny Moonshine,” proves precisely why. The fresh, upbeat track is about a fictional love interest named Johnny Moonshine. Antone teamed up with Natalie Hemby and Aaron Raitere to write the single, encapsulating the essence of the man and the developing love felt by the central character, who serves as the song’s lens. Antone’s vocals are strong throughout, even drawing some parallels to Miranda Lambert with her careless, twangy sound. At its heart, “Johnny Moonshine” is more of a “vibe” song than an incisive lyrical masterwork. Its greatest strength lies in its clever production, which combines country music with 60s rock and roll; the drums keep a steady beat, and the electric guitar takes charge with a tremendously catchy riff. With a memorable hook and Maggie Antone’s equally memorable Virginian inflections, the toe-tapping track is one of her best to date.
8.6
Easier – Evan Honer Written By Creed Miller
After receiving three “nos” on American Idol in 2023, Evan Honer has been on the fast track to becoming one of the most prominent names in country and folk music. His latest song, “Easier,” is yet another heart-wrencher that will be instantly relatable to his audience. Honer has proved time and time again that his penchant for conveying real pain in his lyrics is right there with the best. His lyrics have always been sincere and vulnerable, and “Easier” is no different. Honer wrote it about the endlessly tragic cycle of expecting life to get better, and it never does. As life goes on for him, everything continues to fall apart. Like many of his other tracks, this one cuts deep for many listeners. His honesty is part of what makes him thrive as an artist. The one “knock” is that it doesn’t vary much from his other work, but at this point, he doesn’t need to. Evan Honer has a brand and is off to a solid start as a performer. “Easier” is another feather in his cap, a great reminder of the young poet’s talent.
8.8
Good Trucks Rust – Clayton Mullen Written By Cam Greene
Clayton Mullen is an inspiring individual in country music at the moment. Although never breaking through with a massive hit, his newest single, “Good Trucks Rust,” could very well be that song. Catchy and classy, the track was written by Clayton alongside Beau Bailey and Andrew DeRoberts. This single has all the components of a solid radio single: a great voice, a smooth wind-riding rhythm, and a kick-ass drum. Mullen is starting to master his sound, and compared to songs from earlier in his career, you can see how he’s found his sound as an artist. The story is pretty simple: Mullen compares a relationship to a good truck; no matter what, that truck will rust out but still run just as well, much like the relationship. It’s exactly the type of kitschy twist that plays on country radio, and it’s another example that not every track needs to be overly thoughtful. Most of the time, it’s the simple songs that always stick out to casual listeners. A stand-out track, “Good Trucks Rust,” shows Mullen’s potential as an artist with some solid singles.
8.9
I Should Have Known It – Chris Stapleton Written By Ryan Lippe
A deeper cut from Petty’s days with the Heartbreakers, Chris Stapleton stays faithful to the original with the iconic opening guitar lick and the groovy cadence throughout. Stapleton has been lending his talents to a wide variety of projects lately, with this effort painting him as simply a ‘musician’ rather than just a country singer. Produced by Stapleton and Dave Cobb, this record keeps that southern rock edge for which Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers were known. Each thump of the drums sends a powerful message to the listener that Tom Petty’s legacy transcends any genre of music and is ultimately for everyone to enjoy. This rendition may be a half step faster than the original, but it’s still just as enjoyable. Petty’s voice is as iconic as they come, but so is Stapleton’s, and he and Cobb made sure that this arrangement doesn’t strain his voice on lines that don’t need it. Stapleton made this his song in every way but still true to the rock and roll titan that came before him.
8.5
Something You Can Hold – Mason Ramsey Written By Ryan Lippe
As of late, Mason Ramsey’s output has been nothing short of surprising and exciting. Though still full of youth in his voice, he has a more mature tone since his debut EP. He maneuvers in and out of each verse with crisp annunciation as a more seasoned singer. Having written and produced for others with feet more profound in the pop world, Dan Fernandez has created a single with a heavy traditional country undertone. Between this song and his last single, “Blue Over You,” Fernandez and Ramsey are creating an effectively contemporary twist on the country music that Mason grew up on. The musical structure and word choice are also eerily similar to the way Willie Nelson may structure a song; while there may not be any vivid word choices that Willie would’ve used, it’s still a great tune to sit back and enjoy at the end of the day. Since “Before I Knew It” went viral on TikTok, Ramsey has yet to have a breakout song with that same level of energy. Still, the sentiment behind these last new releases makes fans believe that he’s content with his career trajectory and wants to make the authentic country music he wants.
8.0
Tiera Kennedy (I Ain’t A Cowgirl) Written By Christina Bosch
Turning rejection into redirection, Tiera Kennedy bounds high on empowerment as a newly independent artist. Her redemption track, “I Ain’t A Cowgirl,” comes just weeks after her feature on Beyonce’s cover of “Blackbird,” which showed off her abilities as a vocalist. The track, written by Tiera with help from David DeVaul, Cameron Bedell, and Joe Fox, is a clapback to those who didn’t believe in her in the past. Recalling monumental Western figures such as John Wayne, saddling up, chasing sunsets, and breaking in boots, she embraces the creative freedom of an artist releasing music on her terms. Poignantly pausing on the bridge with the line “never looking back again,” the moment marks a new creative beginning for Kennedy. Her delicate delivery, the uncomplicated production by Cameron Bedell, and the simple story make for a fresh start for this talented artist, who has much more to share.
9.2
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