Week of 1/19/2024
Breaking My Heart – Mitchell Tenpenny Written By Brandon Iozzo
Mitchell Tenpenny wishes his ex would take a break from “breaking his heart” after being constantly reminded of her throughout his daily life. Co-written by A-list songwriters Chase McGill, Jordan Schmidt, Ashley Gorley, and Tenpenny himself, the single marks his poppiest cut to date with only a few hints of pedal steel combined with familiarly formulaic guitar riffs throughout the infectious chorus. Though uncredited, the song may have listeners hearing pieces of Matchbox 20’s “3 AM” in the chorus that actually lift the thematically dry heartbreak tune. Heavily influenced by pop and rock styles, the lyrics are straightforward and tell a relatable story, but this track should be geared more toward mainstream adult-contemporary audiences rather than country radio.
7.9
If You’re Up – Logan Mize, Jessie James Decker Written By Brandon Iozzo
Most recently collaborating with his wife on previous releases, Logan Mize pairs up with Jessie James Decker on “If You’re Up,” a sly exchange between two people looking to get physical after-hours. The cheery, mid-tempo track isn’t co-written by either artist (Abe Stoklasa, Daniel Tashian, and Sarah Buxton are its co-writers), it kind of shows, as the feel-good sound of the track is met with juvenile lyrics that don’t fit either artist, especially at this point in their respective careers. Aside from its goofy message, Mize and Decker display their signature vocals exceptionally well, but don’t have the best vocal chemistry together. “If You’re Up” isn’t a terrible track, but as a formulaic duet, it sounds more meant for a pair of emerging male and female artists.
6.8
No Caller ID – Megan Moroney Written By Creed Miller
After months of anticipation, Megan Moroney finally released the fan-favorite “No Caller ID.” This single sees Meg discussing the damage a toxic ex did even after the protagonist has gotten back up on her feet. The guy in the story looks to re-ignite the flame as the girl is finally beginning to move on from their harmful connection. Megan Moroney continues to embrace her “emo cowgirl” nickname, embodying the exhaustion and pain the relationship left her with. These somber lyrics exemplify how broken down and sick of it she is. The soft instrumentals and high-pitched melodies are a big part of what makes this track great; she expresses the pain in her voice with a crystal clear picture of her battle against toxicity. Moroney’s vocals continue to stand out and help bring the song to the next level. After an exciting 2023, Meg is keeping her foot on the gas, as “No Caller ID” was definitely worth the wait.
8.8
Dollar Bill Bar – Sierra Ferrell Written By Creed Miller
Showing out with the second single to her upcoming album, Sierra Ferrell is back with “Dollar Bill Bar.” It is a remarkably fun listen about a girl catching the attention of the guys at the bar, only to reject their advances time and time again. Ferrell shows off her songwriting pedigree with cleverly sassy lyrics, while producer Eddie Spear delivers a track that compliments Ferrell’s storytelling perfectly. There seems to be a darker side to our protagonist in the story as she continues to point out how she prefers to be alone, adding an interesting paradox to the song; she seems perfectly content with the loneliness in her life but still wants to be noticed. Sierra Ferrell has always had a very unique aesthetic that has made her stand out, and “Dollar Bill Bar” is yet another example of how she does her own thing and always makes it work.
9.2
Mrs. Lonely – Carson Jeffrey Written By Cam Greene
In an overall pretty solid outing for Carson Jeffrey, “Mrs. Lonely” tells the tale of a young man trying to win the love of a woman who keeps on leaving him in the dust. It has a robust sound that lifts up some downer lyrics into a great medium of cheerful, sad-boy music. Jeffrey plays a great role in narrating this song, giving us an apparent image in the story department that brings the single a lot of life. This Texas native has mastered a very thought-provoking writing style and with this track in particular, it seems like things are coming together for him, pointing towards a bright future ahead for Jeffrey.
8.2
We All Grow Up – Chase Matthew Written By Cam Greene
With the impending release of Chase Matthew’s We All Grow Up EP next month, we’re met with its weary title track. The premise of the song is about growing up in the country, and the many different paths life takes people on. There is a universe in which this single is a great tune, but unfortunately, Matthew really missed the mark in this one. Without anything to really set it apart, the question arises: “Who was this made for?” These same tired musing about growing up have been covered in hundreds of other country songs; as you may expect, Chase Matthew’s song is chock-full of the same sleepy tropes like circling around the fire, drinking beer, dirt road driving, and finding your first love in the shotgun seat. In other words, nothing to take you by surprise. There’s a droning trap beat that rattles along, a suitable backdrop for this woefully safe song. It’s written with the same verve (or lack thereof) as any other flat, bro-country song with the twist that it’s all about growing up. Country music in recent years has strayed away from songs like this, and for Chase Matthew, this is definitely a large step back.
4.0
All the Way – Shane Smith and the Saints Written By Ryan Lippe
Frontman Shane Smith has always had a rich and husky voice that portrays a volume of emotion that few others can match. Produced by Beau Bedford, the production is completely stripped down with Smith accompanied by a single piano. The soft chords set a delicate mood that falls right in line with Shane’s captivating delivery. Throughout the years, the band put out numerous love songs about longing and wanting to be together, but the passion and gentle energy behind this track is simply unmatched. Written alongside his wife, Lauren Smith, the two crafted a promise that they’ll be together no matter what. It’s not filled with the similes and kitsch that would play on the radio, but the simplicity still sends the right message and combines with the delivery for a gorgeous finished product.
9.5
Eldora – Low Gap Written By Ryan Lippe
Starting 2024 with a monstrous burst of energy, Low Gap looks to elevate their young career and change things up with a barn burner after a string of more somber singles. Brothers Phin and Gus Johnson wrote this track with Ryan Youmans, a long-time collaborator of Muscadine Bloodline; the similarities to that duo are on full display with quick-witted hooks and sharp turns into each verse. Comparisons can also be drawn from the modern blend of southern rock and fiddle, primed and ready to fill a room when performed live. Annunciation has been a noticeable flaw of some of Low Gap’s previous tracks, but here, they’re able to go in and out of each note with remarkable precision. Considering their age, it’s really impressive that they’ve been able to nail down such specific vocal techniques this early in their career.
8.7
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