Single Reviews – Week of 01/05/2023
What Are You Listening To? – Megan Moroney Written By Brandon Iozzo
Covering Chris Stapleton’s first single release from a decade ago, Megan Moroney puts a sultry, forlorn spin on “What Are You Listening To?” It’s a down-tempo track that has her wondering what song an ex is listening to, as she plays the one that once defined their relationship. Originally penned by Stapleton and Lee Thomas Miller, Moroney’s version has a cleaner, more polished feel with the smooth assistance of Kristian Bush’s acclaimed production. While Megan brings an elegant feminine touch to the track, there are parts of this song that lack the punch and passion of the original, particularly in the bridge. Still, this is a pretty slick cover by one of country music’s brightest young stars.
8.3
Been There Before – Shaylen Written By Brandon Iozzo
Looking back on the rollercoaster of breakups and makeups of her 20s, Shaylen delivers a powerful anthem in “Been There Before,” demonstrating wisened maturity and personal growth in romance. Written by Andrew Baylis, Michael Whitworth, Nick Bailey, and Shaylen herself, the song covers the experience of encountering someone with unmistakable red flags. The former pop artist still manages to bend subtle pop influences in the track’s primarily country sound, reminiscent of a mix of Halsey and Morgan Wade with its heavy guitar production and just the right amount of twang. “Been There Before” could be an exceptional breakout single for the Tennessee native following her recent cover of Hinder’s “Lips Of An Angel.”
9.0
LIGHTS ON NOBODY’S HOME – Graham Barham Written By Cam Greene
Graham Barham displayed lots of potential following his NORTH OF HELL EP in July of last year. The Louisiana native has a knack for poppy beats and easily digestible radio tunes. That being said, with his newest single, “LIGHTS ON NOBODY’S HOME,” listeners must confront the same issue that has been plaguing his young career so far, he just feels like another long-haired radio bro chasing Morgan Wallen’s loose, southern appeal. The problem here is that Barham has all the tools necessary to become a very strong artist in his own right, but it doesn’t feel like he really makes the effort to stand out with his own personal flair. Where Wallen’s strength lies in weaving unique narratives into upbeat tracks, Barham falls short. While the surface-level storytelling is engaging, the absence of that deeper emotional core is noticeable. Despite this, for those unconcerned with clever storytelling, the song proves fairly enjoyable. Despite its underlying sadness, the modern southern pop twang, Barham’s signature style, is easy on the ears. He missed the mark a bit lyrically here, but Barham continues to demonstrate promise as an emerging artist on the rise.
6.8
Coulda Been Love – Randall King Written By Cam Greene
Randall King finds his inner honky-tonker once again with “Coulda Been Love.” King’s career has always been propelled by bold ’90s country influence, and his latest single is no exception. Telling the classic story of running into a girl at the bar and not seizing the moment, our protagonist regrets his decision as the question of “what could’ve been?” enters his mind. It’s a fun tune that will can any jukebox junky out of their seats to dance. Even so, it doesn’t differ much from any of King’s prior bar tunes; there isn’t much that’s unique to this song robbing it of any sort of “it” factor. Worse still, the double chorus at the end feels rather repetitive and unnecessary. Still, this wasn’t a bad song by any means; in fact, it’s quite good, but more witty wordplay could’ve made it great. Randall King’s album Into The Neon is just a couple of weeks away, and “Coulda Been Love” is yet another solid single to whet fans’ appetites.
8.0
What Makes the World Go Around – Charley Crockett feat. Willie Nelson Written By Cam Greene
Charley Crockett teamed up with legend Willie Nelson for a duet with “What Makes the World Go Around.” The track has a very relaxed feeling that fits perfectly Charley’s stoically self-assured vibe. Penned by Crockett, Kullen Fuchs, Rich Brotherton, and Taylor Grace, the song tells the story of a young woman imagining a more fun-filled honky tonk life as she watches the children play in the street. As the song progresses, she finds herself involved in the nightlife, but drinking to remember the simpler days. The cool, waltz production allows the story to take charge and serve as the stand-out aspect of the song. Charley Crockett and Willie Nelson may not make perfect sense on paper together, but they have great chemistry and complement each other’s ranges nicely. In the first batch of country singles of the New Year, Charley Crockett and Willie Nelson gave traditional country a definite moment.
8.2
I Know It’ll Never End – The Castellows Written By Ryan Lippe
Prior to their debut EP release in February, the sisters from Georgia are embracing traditional country elements while infusing contemporary pacing. Their songwriting flows effortlessly, although, at times, it ventures into cheesy territory, particularly when name-checking various states and areas of the US. However, the group’s lush, country production and impeccable harmonies remain standout features of their growing repertoire. The Castellows’ respectively gentle vocals in the verses transition seamlessly into striking harmonies, showcasing the sisters’ musical maturity and their ability to complement each other’s energy. Even so, compared to their previous singles like “Hurricane” and “No. 7 Road,” this track lacks the same heart and substance that have resonated deeply with their growing audiences so far.
7.8
Sounds Like the Radio – Zach Top Written By Will Chapman
Zach Top comes out swinging with a track that sounds straight out of the ‘90s. “Sounds Like The Radio” is pure country gold with an upbeat shuffle that just feels awesome. It prominently features pedal steel, fiddle, and some hot Telecaster licks; even as great as the music is, Top’s vocal delivery is still the song’s most striking feature. Written by Top, Carson Chamberlain, and Wyatt McCubbin, the song’s crisp production quite literally sounds like the radio in 1994, just like the chorus says. “Sounds Like The Radio” is arguably Top’s strongest release yet; the Washington native gives hope that vintage country music isn’t dead just yet. Zach Top and his golden voice are poised to have a huge 2024, it’s already a blast to watch.
9.7
Check out more of our reviews here!
