Week of 04/12/2024
Would If I Could (feat. Lainey Wilson) – ERNEST Written By Max Buondonno
It isn’t often that an artist can produce multiple songs that, upon first listening, sound like they could be inducted into some sort of Hall of Fame. Ernest’s career as a recording artist was only cemented a couple of years ago with his acclaimed duet with Morgan Wallen, “Flower Shops”. Amidst the saloon tunes, sad songs, and barn-burners on his latest LP, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, you’ll find an absolute gem slotted at track #9 titled “Would If I Could.” In a duet with Lainey Wilson, Ernest delivers a heartbreaking tale about wanting to amend a relationship when it’s already too far gone. Lyrically, it’s an absolute standout in Ernest’s catalog, while Lainey’s vocal performance may be her best yet. It reminds you of the excellence of the timeless duets between Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, honoring country music in a way that both genre purists and casual listeners alike can enjoy. It would be an outright crime against humanity if this single-in-waiting isn’t remembered in 50 years.
9.7
Jesus Saves – Riley Green Written By Creed Miller
Riley Green released his new EP, which, to no one’s surprise, was full of quality songs. The clear standout was the opening track, “Jesus Saves.” Green has had a powerful capacity to write a heartfelt single, but this one surpasses everything else in his catalog from an emotional standpoint. Its profundity is heightened because it was self-penned, a solo effort from Green. Whether the prolific story told is true or not, the level of sincerity makes it feel like a genuine experience for Riley. It’s the moving chronicle of a homeless man sitting by the side of the road telling his story to one of the few who took the time to listen. With each verse, the narrative reveals details of unfortunate events that have transpired in this man’s life, evoking real compassion for this fictional character. It brings to light difficult conversations such as homelessness, caring for our veterans, and miscarriage, but does so in a tasteful manner. Produced by Dann Huff, the single sounds simple in the best way possible. An acoustic guitar drives the melody while a quiet fiddle comes into play right after the chorus, elevating the track to the next level. Bluntly stated, “Jesus Saves” is flawless in its execution, needing no changes. As a strong effort to elicit awareness, it should certainly be in early contention as a possible Song of the Year.
10.0
Yearnin’ For You – 49 Winchester Written By Adam Delahoussaye
Ushering in the newly named “49 Winchester Day” and the announcement of the group’s new album “Leavin’ This Holler,” the six-piece soul train from Russell County, Virginia, harkens back to home one last time before they prepare for an exodus of their own. On a legendary run of barn-burning shows, it feels poignant yet necessary that these backwood bards pay homage to the roots that raised them as they hit a new peak in their careers. “Yearnin’ For You” seems aware that moments of fame are fleeting; home and those that make it are eternal. The group feels like a perfect candidate for this new slew of ballads from acts that pride places and faces with far more grace than their newfound fifteen minutes would grant them. Those odes are found in timeless sounds, witty lyricism, and a soul behind frontman Isaac Gibson’s voice that immediately makes ears perk and feet tap. It feels like there’s nothing these homegrown hillbillies can’t accomplish with the picture of the ones they love perched on the dashboard as they set off on the road to fame and fortune.
9.5
Strong – Tyler Hubbard Written By Cam Greene
To be fair to Tyler Hubbard, he knows how to make a catchy track perfect for the summertime. The title track of his newest album, “Strong,” is one of those songs. As the writing goes, it’s certainly cliche, just another love song about holding a girl’s hand; however, at this point, it doesn’t seem fair to maintain high lyrical standards for THubb or his output. There’s never any substance or lines of interest; these are great background songs to listen to while taking in the sights and sounds of summer. It’s not genre-defining stuff; it just sort of exists, so you have to give it some dubious props. Hubbard’s time as a trend-setter is long dead at this point, but the guy continues to pour out the same fluff over and over; eventually, it’s hard not to throw up your hands and respect the guy’s commitment to mediocrity. This isn’t good music but bad music; at this stage in Hubbard’s career, we have to keep expectations low. Is “Strong” the best Hubbard single since FGL? Not even close. However, is it catchy and fun to listen to? Sure.
5.5
Livin’ Proof – Vincent Mason Written By Creed Miller
Newcomer Vincent Mason is back with his third single of 2024 and first since his break-out hit “Hell is a Dance Floor.” “Livin’ Proof” dives into the battle someone deals with as they lose themselves after a breakup. Mason narrates the story of a broken man living in a swirl of regret and alcohol. It’s abundantly clear that this is the shell of a person his loved ones once knew as he drinks his sorrows away. It doesn’t vary much from his other music, but that isn’t necessarily bad. Mason is already establishing his sound in the early stages of his career; the slide guitar catches the listener’s attention and keeps the song interesting, adding a cool, mellow sound to the track. The post-breakup bar song has been done many times before, but Mason and his co-writers Brett Truitt, Forrest Finn, and Joe Whelan impressively avoid cliches, so it doesn’t feel like a slow of tired tropes. Mason has been gaining traction on TikTok and is off to a commanding start to his career. “Livin’ Proof” is yet another quality single from the 23-year-old as he continues to gain recognition.
8.2
I’m Your Man – The Wilder Blue Written By Ryan Lippe
Fresh off their 2023 album Super Natural, The Wilder Blue is back with their signature groovy, red dirt country sound. Zane Williams may not be a poet in this song, but he can still create a very clever tune with a simple premise. This anthem of confidence rides a fine line between boasting about oneself and remaining humble in the narrator’s promises as a partner. However, it’s once again the harmonies and production that set this band apart from the rest. On lead vocals, Williams leads the five-part harmony perfectly in and out of each note, carrying a peaceful rhythm for the listener. Once again, the band is country through and through, but adding their rocking flare to a Texas country scene keeps things fresh and innovative throughout. Drawing on influences from James Taylor on their last project, it’s clear they’re in a similar mindset in how a song’s cadence should carry itself.
8.3
Sober – Gavin Adcock Written By Ryan Lippe
With his third release of the year, Gavin Adcock continues to release music that allows the listener to see right through to his soul with his transparent lyrics. As our narrator refers to alcohol as a coping mechanism, listeners are met with his brutal reality in the post-break-up world, searching to find a new direction in life while analyzing the poor decisions that may come next. The single comes in two verses, presenting the duality of the process, filtering the raw emotions in the first and coming to terms with the events in the second. The bridge brings heavier guitar strumming and arguably the song’s emotional climax as Adcock’s gritty rasp strengthens. Sticking with clean guitar picking for most of the song allows fans to really grasp Gavin’s vocal talents, whereas, in the past, a louder production style has taken away that opportunity. Already boosting his extensive catalog of breakup anthems, “Sober” stands apart from the rest with its colder narrative and crisp production style.
8.0
Settling’s For Dust – Walker County Written By Brandon Iozzo
Newly free of their old label, female duo Walker County proves that their once-passed-on records stand the test of time with curated quality on tracks like “Settling’s For Dust.” Focusing on the current dating scene, the single reassures listeners that if you haven’t found “the one” who will be with you for the rest of your life, it’s better than settling for less. The track offers its fair share of twang tucked in with Ivy and Sophie’s harmonies, and even without uptempo production, the song is topically anthemic; it covers the self-empowerment beats with cheery optimism and comes off as genuinely enjoyable. Though a now independent act, the duo’s work is some of their most seasoned yet, and its recognition is long overdue.
8.4
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