Single Reviews – Week of 12/2/2023
Mine Never Could – Trey Lewis Written By Brandon Iozzo
Trey Lewis marks a massive departure from the rated-R novelty song that put him on the map with “Mine Never Could,” a track finding Lewis once again as a jilted man. Thanks to co-writing credits from seasoned songwriters Matt Jenkins, Deric Ruttan, and Zachary Kale, the track truly feels like a breath of fresh air from Trey Lewis substance-wise. He channels a bit of much-needed sentimentality in his delivery that really gives this song heart, He may still be another boring dude singing would-be radio singles, but “Mine Could Never” feels like we’re coming closer to getting to know Trey Lewis’s truest self.
7.1
Cigarettes – Laci Kaye Booth Written By Brandon Iozzo
The highs and lows of Laci Kaye Booth’s personal life and career are quite showcased in the raw lyrics of “Cigarettes,” a track taking listeners back in time to Booth’s musical beginnings and dreams to the crushing emotions of being dropped from her label. Starting with Booth’s early years at 13, the track recalls her childhood curiosity towards cigarettes before becoming a poignant metaphor comparing smoke to the complexities of her career and the music industry. Written by Ben West and Booth herself, “Cigarettes” might be the most vulnerable material we’ve heard from the very underrated artist, echoing the bittersweet sentiment of being touted as the “next big thing” in her lyrics.
8.9
3 Feet Tall – Cole Swindell Written By Creed Miller
After riding the hype from “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” for as long as he could, Cole Swindell is back with a heartbreaking new single. The song explores the struggles of a little boy dealing with his parents getting divorced. Penned by Jordan Walker, Trannie Anderson, and Trey Lewis, the track almost feels too personal not to be written by Swindell himself. He is singing about something that’s so real to so many people, creating the challenge of fully capturing the emotional depth of another person’s story. That said, this is still an excellent tune; Swindell connected with his fans in other heartfelt hits like “You Should Be Here,” and “3 Feet Tall” has a similarly relatable sadness to it. Still, there’s a certain personal touch that you wish could’ve come across here.
7.8
Southeast Oklahoma Pines – Corey Kent Written By Creed Miller
Corey Kent seems to be moving a million miles an hour in the last year, but the Oklahoma native slows down the tempo on “Southeast Oklahoma Pines,” presenting an acoustic-driven homage to his old stomping grounds. The nostalgic track reminds Kent that when life gets difficult, his home will always be there to give him peace. It’s refreshing to hear this back-to-basics approach from Kent; he doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder, he just wants to sing about things that matter to him. This is a straightforward country lifestyle single that feels authentically necessary for him. Even so, this isn’t really a must-listen for new-coming listeners and probably lacks potential as a future chart-topper.
7.4
Suburban Outlaw – Maggie Antone Written By Cam Greene
Antone delivers another story about being misled by a boy whom she labels as “suburban trash.” It’s a fantastic track instrumentally and vocally; Antone has such a vulnerable voice that plays into the pensive writing, and the way she attacks this guy’s character is a big step up from her last single. It shows a sort of weakness in the way the narrator deals with rejection. The song’s most gripping strength is in the way it’s written; it feels more akin to a personal diary entry or a heartfelt letter rather than a direct conversation with the heartbreaker. Consequently, the song seems to capture a higher degree of youthful honesty. Delicate and believably written, Antone proves that she’s not only good at writing sad songs but also challenges the mainstream clichés often found in country music, offering a refreshing take on the genre.
8.0
This Ol’ Rodeo – Chayce Beckham Written By Cam Greene
Strong and catchy, Chayce Beckham’s new single “This Ol’ Rodeo” is an impressive song for and about cowboys and cowgirls that will have you tapping along with the song’s feisty kick drum. Comparing it to some of his older stuff doesn’t do this song justice; rather, it boldly separates from his adult-contemporary country style of singles gone by with some Texas country twang. The seamless blend of striking instrumentals and compelling vocals creates a song that beckons you to immerse yourself in its charm. It’s a mix of Western and Southern energy, flowing from a rootsy acoustic ensemble to a full-blown electric guitar solo, which absolutely rocks. It’s a great song for Beckham at the right time, and it will be very interesting to see where he takes his next creative venture.
7.7
Sober Thing – Cody Jinks Written By Ryan Lippe
With the announcement of his 11th album, Cody Jinks takes a contemplative turn, inviting fans to reconnect with the raw essence of his music—his brooding, soulful voice. This introspective solo-write gives the listeners a chance to peek into his mind as he battles with personal issues but also gives them something to relate to. Despite the implications of the title, it doesn’t explicitly mention alcohol or other numbing agents and allows listeners to interpret the song as it makes sense in their own lives. Soft strings, steel, and piano set a somber backdrop, allowing Jinks to deliver the chorus with graceful, lingering resonance. Jinks has more than enough sad songs that people can use to self-reflect, but this latest release promises to stand out as a compelling addition to his forthcoming album, offering a space for introspection and connection among his listeners.
9.3
Check out more of our reviews here!
