Single Reviews – Week of 12/15/2023
Always On My Mind – Chris Stapleton Written By Ryan Lippe
One of the more unique covers from this very sentimental project, Chris Stapleton lends his always-stellar vocals to one of the most timeless songs in Willie Nelson’s legendary catalog. Recorded for a live album, listeners can hear how the echoes play to Stapleton’s benefit and carry his notes to a longer and fuller extent. Knowing how he dedicates a lot of music to his wife Morgane, it’s easy to believe that the passion in his delivery is coming straight from the heart. Going into the bridge, the dueling melody between the guitar and piano adds a uniquely groovy flare to the song that only Stapleton can bring. In this extensive celebration of Willie Nelson’s life and career, Chris Stapleton stands above the rest bringing such an iconic song to a new generation, but keeping the same classic touch of the original.
9.0
Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout You – Greylan James Written By Brandon Iozzo
With only a few singles released this year from Big Machine’s newcomer artist Greylan James, the songwriter’s latest single, “Ain’t Thinkin’ Bout You” leans more into R&B and subtle trap sounds with James fantasizing over a girl whom he feels should be paying more attention to him. Written by Brock Berryhill, Rocky Block, and James himself, the hick-hop feel of the track is certainly a departure from his more adult contemporary country catalog. The single closely resembles James’s own “Anything Cold,” and even with its mediocre lyrics, it feels more of a Morgan Wallen knockoff with close melodic similarities to Wallen’s own “Thinkin’ Bout Me.” Based on Greylan’s catalog – and even before his major-label debut, it seems like listeners expect higher standards of more unique material without low-riding bass and buzzed beats from the hit songwriter.
5.9
Up in Texas – Midland Written By Max Buondonno
Following the release of the band’s cover of “Wichita Lineman” last month, Midland is back with an original song that pays homage to their roots in the Lonestar State. Written by band members Jess Carson and Cameron Duddy alongside Josh Osborne and Bryan Simpson, the track celebrates Texas in ways that are all too familiar to anyone proud of where they come from: the stars are brighter, heartbreaks hurt differently, the bars are better, and even those in Heaven are jealous. It’s far from the most lyrically interesting song Midland has recorded, but the band’s vintage saloon aesthetic, three-part harmonies, and relaxed tempo make it fun enough to listen to. If anything, it’s the Texas pride song Cody Johnson should’ve recorded over the manic “That’s Texas.”
7.4
One More Lie // Eddie Flint (feat. Max McNown) Written By Creed Miller
Newcomers Eddie Flint and Max McNown team up for an emotional single. Right off the bat, the song’s production stands out in a big way. There is an echoing sound to the two artists’ voices, which gives it a cool, ethereal effect. The acoustic tune is musically straightforward with some light drums in the back that channel the folksy singer-songwriters of the 1990s. Flint and McNown join together on the last chorus in harmony, and the chemistry is excellent. It’s clear they put a lot of time and effort in with each other to really gel together as duet partners. Written by both Flint and McNown, the song tells the story of getting over a breakup and the toll it takes on our narrator. They paint a clear picture of not only the hurt they are dealing with, but also how lost they are trying to navigate their confused feelings. Flint has been on the rise in 2023 and “One More Lie” shows a lot of promise as a sleeper hit in 2024.
8.3
18 Days – Cody Hibbard Written By Cam Greene
“18 Days” is a harrowing tune filled with questions that we never quite find the answer to. Our embattled narrator is forced to clash his pessimism with his hope that someday things will all work out. Hibbard’s commanding vocals work well to deliver these awesome lyrics written by Jared Weeks and Jason Null. It’s a uniquely heartfelt song for Hibbard, and although it probably won’t end up being the best song in this rising artist’s arsenal, it has everything you need from a piece of mainstream country music with this type of story; Hibbard sells the song’s message with an approachably catchy hook. Most notably, the tremendous instrumental pieces shine through above all else in this song; its collection of steel guitars and drums rock out and lift the less exciting lyrical moments to create a quality contemporary slice-of-life piece.
8.0
Deathbed – Troy Cartwright Written By Christina Bosch
Ending the year with his eighth independent release, Troy Cartwright reflects on the important moments in life that he’ll remember until he takes his last breath. “Deathbed” was written by Cartwright with Justin Ebach and does a solid job balancing his pop sensibilities with country storytelling. The echoey tone reverberates through his bittersweet sentiments and almost projects the sense that the narrator is already looking back into the past at the moment, grasping onto the memory. The chorus taps into his spiritual outlook at the end of life, mentioning St. Peter and the race of life. Troy’s vocals are ethereal and densely-layered, but delivery stays mostly simple and vulnerable except for towards the end of the track as the production builds to a climax.
7.5
King Of California – Dasha Written By Christina Bosch
Newcomer singer-songwriter Dasha has a profound way of writing story songs that plant you right in the middle of her narrative, whether it be loss, longing, or reminiscing. In her latest and last release of the year, Dasha collaborated with Louis Castle of LA to fast forward into the future and remember lost love. “King Of California” is filled with a stunning fiddle arrangement that drives the track forward while Dasha’s painful memories and raw vocal delivery leave the listener hanging on every word. The melody is catchy and the lyrics tell a full, complete story; you feel the regret and every question Dasha tries to wrap her head around. The California native now lives in Nashville, and her easygoing, heartfelt songwriting style seamlessly blends both worlds together, making her an artist worth watching in the new year.
8.1
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