Single Reviews – Week of 9/28/2023
Mamaw’s House – Thomas Rhett & Morgan Wallen Written By Creed Miller
Two of the biggest names in country music team up for a wholesome new single. Paying homage to heartfelt memories from their respective grandmas’ houses, this is sure to be a relatable track for just about any country music fan. Each artist has their verse looking back on their unique memories about their grandma and what they did there. Together, Rhett and Wallen have surprisingly great chemistry throughout the song and paint pictures that really do stick in the listener’s mind. The mid-tempo pace puts an emphasis on the sweet sentiment and pure nostalgia that the pair is able to channel. Both guys made some pretty weird ventures beyond country music with singles like ‘You Proof’ and ‘Vacation,’ but rest assured, ‘Mamaw’s House’ is a straight-down-the-middle classic country song. A Thomas Rhett/Morgan Wallen was probably not on anyone’s bingo card for the year, but this one already sounds like a massive hit.
9.6/10
Cancel – Randy Houser Written By Brandon Iozzo
If the title doesn’t give it away already, Randy Houser takes aim at cancel culture and glazes over political divisiveness on ‘Cancel.’ Written solely by Houser, the song is little more than a few vague musings about the decline of society. Unlike Oliver Anthony’s poignant lament, this cut gives listeners nothing to think about or read into. Whether it’s supposed to take a stance for his political beliefs, faith, or both, it just comes across as confusing in its shallowness. We never get anything really specific or relatable to rally around; in the end, it really just feels like Randy Houser is trying to seize this moment in country music where whiny protest songs are selling, though his efforts feel more derivative than authentically angry.
4.5/10
Pill – Elvie Shane Written By Brandon Iozzo
Elvie Shane makes a valiant comeback with a personal response to the opioid crisis. This is a track that spotlights loved ones who have fallen into drug addictions and struggled to escape. Personally affected by his own addiction and trying times with his loved ones, Shane co-wrote the weighty track with Lee Starr and Nick Columbia, and recruited fellow producer Oscar Charles to complete this raw and vulnerable cut. In years past, this may have felt like an imprudent or weird single to release for a country fan’s consumption, but Shane continues to break boundaries even after the success of ‘My Boy.’ ‘Pill’ offers a sense of humanity and implores listeners a helping hand to others who feel like they’re in a losing battle with personal hardships.
8.9/10
The Greys Between – Shane Smith and the Saints Written By Ryan Lippe
One of the premier acts in the red dirt scene, Shane Smith and the Saints have been known for non-stop energy and climactic hooks for over a decade now. Continuing that same vibe, producer Beau Bedford does another excellent job building the band’s epic sound to a point that delivers on all the right notes. Frontman Shane Smith’s earthy vocals have always been a highlight, but he’s also a phenomenal storyteller as well, this time musing over a broken relationship. After being featured on Yellowstone and putting out a live album in 2021, fans are eager for new music from one of the most popular and mysterious bands in Texas country music.
8.7/10
They Don’t Make ‘Em Like That No More – Riley Green Written By Cam Greene
With a mouthful of a title, Riley’s delivers exactly what you’d expect from Riley Green. It’s become a norm in Green’s songs to reminisce on things from his early years, as if they’re that much better than the life he lives today. This has a checklist of down-home stereotypes, like handmade shotguns, chewing Red Man, and grandma praying. It’s a tribute to a simpler time in southern life and a lamentation on how fast it feels like things move nowadays. The single is performed well, and yes, though it sounds a lot like the rest of Riley Green’s catalog, that’s not a bad thing at all; the Alabama native has always been good at crafting simple hooks that still sound great. Production-wise, this one is blended perfectly with some light-rock sounds and as always, plenty of twang.
8.6/10
Mornings With You – Flatland Cavalry Written By Creed Miller
Penned alongside Ashley Monroe and Nick Walsh, ‘Mornings With You’ exemplifies the love that Cleto and Kaitlin have for one another. Comparing their love to other unique, little things that make life better like the smell of rain makes this single incredibly endearing. That being said, there is just nothing to write home about when it comes to this track. Produced by Dwight A. Baker, it feels a bit blase compared to some of the band’s older love songs. Sure, it’s a slower-paced tune, but the production just feels pretty boring; there is nothing that grabs the listener’s attention and really gets them into the song. Flatland Cavalry has been putting out some strong singles as of late, but ‘Mornings With You,’ while not bad at all, just seems to kill that momentum heading into the release of their fourth album.
7.3/10
can’t stop falling apart – Troy Cartwright Written By Christina Bosch
When an artist bares his soul, their music often ends up sounding more like a journal entry or therapy session set to a melody. With that foundation, country music usually thrives. Here, Troy Cartwright is impressively honest about striving for success in this industry and the good and bad that come with these dreams. “Can’t Stop Falling Apart” definitely leans towards R&B and pop sonically, but the songwriting and emotive conviction still make it very relatable. Written with a twinge of sarcasm by Cartwright with Jaida Dreyer and Thomas Salter, the trio does a terrific job pulling back the curtain and revealing a more personal side of an artist’s life. While this won’t be a huge radio hit, it allows fans to connect with Troy on a deeper level, and fans who appreciate the blending and fluidity of genres will probably like this one.
7.2/10
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