Goes Without Saying – Post Malone, Brad Paisley Written By Will Chapman
Post Malone first caught the attention of the country music world back in 2021 when he covered Brad Paisley’s 2002 number-one hit “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song).” Now three years later, that connection comes full circle with the release of “Goes Without Saying” on Malone’s debut country album F-1 Trillion. The song is a total standout and features one of the most addictive melodies on the record. Its production consists of big, crisp drums and upfront, cutting vocals, creating a polished yet powerful sound. However, Brad Paisley’s guitar virtuosity really sets the track apart; his telecaster takes center stage throughout the verses, building up to a blazing solo that adds a layer of energy and excitement. Lyrically, the track is both clever and poignant. The narrator reflects on a failed relationship, acknowledging the mistakes that led to his downfall, stating that it “goes without saying” why she left. He then flips the phrase in a perfectly executed hook: “There she goes without saying goodbye.” “Goes Without Saying” is a perfect example of what makes Post Malone’s country debut compelling. It perfectly blends the signature styles of both artists, Post Malone’s polished vocal and Brad Paisley’s guitar-forward twang, in a way that captivates audiences across the musical spectrum.
9.3
One Man War – Muscadine Bloodline Written By Jack Humphrey
Muscadine Bloodline has earned a lot of credit for their artful, incisive storytelling and deft talent as musicians. Still, their sly ability to dabble in so many different genres so well often goes overlooked. Whether it’s steely Southern rock or lively Red Dirt country, there isn’t much under the country umbrella that’s outside the duo’s wheelhouse. With “One Man War,” Charlie and Gary continue to flex their versatility with a rhythmic folk-rock jam that almost calls to mind an early Mumford & Sons track. Their always-immaculate harmonies are an ideal fit for this brisk style, and together, the boys deliver a sing-along-ready hook that may be the strongest on The Coastal Plain. Lyrically, this short anthem hits the sweet spot between rousingly inspiring but never annoyingly corny. Relating one’s battles with their personal demons to a literal war of Biblical proportions paints a vivid picture and makes this far more than a throwaway “hype song.” If there’s a key takeaway, it’s that right now, there’s very little that Muscadine Bloodline doesn’t excel at.
8.6
Warren Zeiders – Intoxicated Written By Adam Delahoussaye
With shaggy hair flowing in the wind and a raspy drawl smothering these grungy guitar licks, Warren Zeiders is like the ghost of hair bands past in today’s country landscape. As he rapidly builds his ethos, a track like “Intoxicated” punctuates and even pronounces the angst growing in Zeiders parallel to his luscious locks. Being drunk and in love (or maybe even drunk on love) is probably the most believable scenario we’ve heard him in yet. Feelings so strong they inhibit your cognitive abilities are a good pairing for his hazy, sometimes slurred delivery. Zeiders is a naturally brash guy, and this track is no exception. It’s loud, in your face, yet presented with enough soul to leave you hanging onto every note just as he is. Ironically, the grime that persists through his expanding catalog is where his charm comes from. Steeped in the blood of his rock and roll forefathers, Zeiders’s latest proves once again that he’s at his best when his heart is at the wheel rather than his mind.
7.6
Haw River – Chase Rice Written By Creed Miller
In a week dominated by Post Malone, Chase Rice quietly had one of the best new releases with “Haw River.” The bone-chilling story takes place hundreds of years ago when a white priest committed a series of murders against Native Americans. Ultimately, one of his victims’ sisters gets the last laugh and sends him down the “Haw River.” Since Rice shifted his musical approach on his last album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, his storytelling has greatly improved. In this specific song, Rice and his co-writer, Blake Pendergrass, do an excellent job setting the scene and building the tension throughout the track. Oscar Charles builds off that intensity with the heavy and aggressive production. Its sound is reminiscent of “Way Down Yonder” from Rice’s last album. After the last chorus, the instrumental provides an added fire before the song closes out, reciting the hair-raising opening lines, “Oh, holy man, Why do you do the things you do? Oh, holy man, There’s a place in Hell for you.” As the release of his next album approaches, Chase Rice continues to deliver creative music that falls criminally under the radar.
8.0
In Time – The Lowdown Drifters Written By Jack Humphrey
Fans of Southern rock’s current, contemporary class (think 49 Winchester and Whiskey Myers) should relish the blazing hot hook and fast-paced riffage of the Lowdown Drifters’ latest single. Gruff lead vocalist “Big John” Cannon delivers a punchy barrage of frustrations through its verses and resolves them just as quickly in the scream-able, concert-ready chorus. Even though “In Time” recalls classic rock acts like 38 Special and Blue Oyster Cult, its textured guitar lines and squeaky-clean production make it sound undeniably contemporary. Indeed, this kind of peppy earworm would be just as fun to turn up in any decade. Producer Wes Sharon (Turnpike Troubadours) injects some modern, red-dirt structure into the gritty, unpolished band’s personality, which comes through like a fresh breeze in a hot pickup. The Lowdown Drifters have always had the talent to vie for independent country’s most prominent stages; now, “In Time” suggests they’ve found the creative direction they need to get there.
8.2
Missin’ You Like This – Post Malone, Luke Combs Written By Max Buondonno
Post Malone has firmly cemented his place in country music thanks to F-1 Trillion, showcasing his undeniable talent as a songwriter and vocalist who respects the genre as any other high-profile act. His second collaboration with Luke Combs, “Missin’ You Like This,” is a particular high point in the album, completely overshadowing “Guy For That” for the better. Written by Malone, Ashley Gorley, Charlie Handsome, James McNair, Louis Bell, Luke Combs, and Hardy, the song offers a heart-wrenching look into a man’s regretful actions that led to the end of a relationship he struggles to move on from. Malone and Combs deliver exceptional vocal performances, with the track’s lyrical flow and subject matter perfectly fitting each singer’s artistic stylings to a T. Comb’s powerful, growling registry adds plenty of emotion to the second chorus. At the same time, Malone’s sonorous vibrato wraps up the song with power and goosebump-inducing panache. After just one listen, you’ll want to keep coming back to it over and over again.
9.2
Have The Heart – Post Malone, Dolly Parton Written By Max Buondonno
F-1 Trillion is one of the strongest albums released this year, but it’s not without an occasional low point. Unfortunately, the lowest point of them all resides at track five. Called “Have The Heart,” Malone collaborates with country music legend Dolly Parton for a song about someone who can’t break up with the one they love, even though they know their relationship is far from sustainable. Lyrically, the song flows well and fits perfectly with the rest of the tracks on the album, and Malone delivers a solid performance on his own. It’s when Dolly enters the scene that things get awkward, fast. Her solo verse and background vocals are quintessentially Dolly with plenty of playful, flirty attributes, but her voice is barely as strong as it used to be, and it’s mastered in a way that sounds completely over-processed. The worst part is there seems to be no chemistry between Malone and Parton, with each simply singing words into microphones with a singular mission: to make a song, not a duet. Having Dolly Parton on one of your songs is quite an achievement, and it’s perfectly acceptable to keep her on the song simply because she’s a legend beloved by millions of music fans worldwide. But if she’s going to appear anywhere, the song must align with what she can pull off vocally, and “Have The Heart” isn’t that song.
6.8
