Single Reviews – Week of 11/24/2023
In Between – Treaty Oak Revival Written By Cam Greene
Rock n’ Roll-enthused Texas country band Treaty Oak Revival has been making serious headway since the release of their new album Have a Nice Day. It seems like a break-away from previous outings with a more energetic punch and a little less folk sounds than we’ve heard from the group since their debut album No Vacancy. “In Between” is a perfect example; it has a swinging rock rhythm mixed with fantastic storytelling about denial, being stuck between real love and fake dreams, and just wanting more from the girl who holds our narrator’s heart. Doused with both steel guitar and bangin’ kick drums, this song comes alive with youthful fire. It’s an overwhelmingly impressive sound that brings back memories of good old Texas country rock, hallmarking the start of a very impressive era for the band.
8.7
Redbird – Mike and the Moonpies Written By Cam Greene
Neo-traditional country group Mike and the Moonpies showed out this weekend with two new singles for all to enjoy. “Redbird” is a clever story about a man getting robbed but talking to his would-be thief into sparing his life; he argues that he has money on the Redbirds’ college football game tonight, and if they win, he’ll split the winnings with the robber. It’s classic country storytelling in that every witty verse furthers the plot, and the rhythmic acoustic strumming and light drums reflect a simpler time in country music. It’s an easy song to enjoy, and with impressive lyrical world-building that builds the narrative like a TV episode; as the track unfolds, Mike Harmeier and his crew keep listeners smiling from ear to ear.
8.4
Runnin’ Outta Love – Tim McGraw Written By Creed Miller
Just a couple of months after the release of his whopping 17th studio album, Tim McGraw is already back with a surprise EP, Poet’s Resumé. Sitting at the top of the six-song collection is “Runnin’ out of Love.” The opening track serves as the focus song of the project; full of romance and passion, McGraw takes the listener through the emotional journey of holding down a relationship. Despite running out of patience, touch, and time, the narrator will never “run out of love.” Produced by McGraw alongside Byron Gallimore, the chorus gives a sense of triumph and hope. There is an accomplished feeling that the storyteller will always continue to love even though things haven’t necessarily gone their way in the past. As sweet of a concept as this is though, there isn’t much of an “it” factor, especially when putting it against some of the strong cuts from his recent album. McGraw’s longevity has been incredible to behold, and there are some quality aspects to “Runnin’ Outta Love,” though it won’t be a song that stands the test of time for him.
7.5
Bless My Bones – The Wilder Blue Written By Ryan Lippe
The opener to their latest album, Zane Williams pens a riveting story of life on the road with a genius twist at the end. For years, Williams has narrated numerous captivating stories but this one immediately catches a listener’s ear as he discusses his band traveling between shows in a gleefully self-referential way. While the whole song is engaging, it’s the last verse that throws the listener for a loop, jumping 30 years into the future. Before a Midland show, it’s revealed that the Wilder Blue has actually been dead for years. Under a new light, the last chorus is an uplifting end to the song but carries a darker undertone. This is an incredibly detail-oriented song, and it’s possible for the listener to get lost in the narrative; even so, Zane Williams has delivered one of the best-written stories of the year with this one, and The Wilder Blue continues to make a case for themselves as a topflight band in country music.
9.3
Country Little Christmas – Kyle Clark Written By Brandon Iozzo
Up-and-coming artist Kyle Clark makes a small foray into Christmas music for the holiday season with “Country Little Christmas,” showing his affection for his wife and being thankful for the simple things life offers in a quaint country setting. Co-written and produced by Clark himself, the Georgia native has done a handful of Christmas covers over the last few years, but this is his first original effort. The track’s production doesn’t come with typical holiday song jingling bells or other apparent elements to hint at being a Christmas song, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The acoustic production and catchy holiday-centric lyrics give the song a seasonal charm of its own and might have listeners getting cozy by the fire this season.
8.1
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