On Friday, Ty Myers released his first-ever full-length project, The Select. If you liked “Drinkin’ Alone” or “Tie That Binds,” this album is made for you. At just seventeen years old, Ty Myers has released one of the most concise debut LPs in recent years, leaving out all copycat qualities to generate his youthful yet mature sound. The Select showcases the talent and lasting potential of the Texas native, with each of its sixteen tracks laying the foundation for what will likely be the beginning of a very successful career.
One of the standout traits of The Select is Ty Myers’ remarkable versatility in songwriting and performance. This becomes immediately apparent during a front-to-back listen, as Myers effortlessly shifts between the soft sorrow of “Thought It Was Love” and the raw, angsty energy of “Too Far Gone.” These are also two great examples of Ty’s ability to write about a broken heart from many angles. Aided by his flawless vocal delivery, Myers doesn’t just sing these songs; he inhabits them, making each narrative feel authentic and deeply personal.
Another defining aspect of this record lies in its musicality. This release is full of unique chords and melodies, which differ from what you may hear on modern country radio. Ty takes influence from blues, soul, and rock, which he portrays in songs like “Can’t Hold Me Down.” However, he isn’t afraid to keep things simple when the song calls for it. On “Firefly,” for instance, he leans into simplicity, delivering an infectious melody and a heartfelt message without using any complex chords to distract listeners from the song’s meaning.
After seeing one or two videos of Ty Myers with a guitar in his hand, you may have already figured out that Mayer played a significant role in his musical influence. With his cover of Mayer’s “Man On The Side”,” Ty pays his respect while adding his own flair to make the song his own, even including a bluesy steel guitar on his version.
Instrumentally, The Select is full of experimentation, with excellent breakdowns, solos, and even the use of horns on “Somewhere Over You.” With his masterful background in guitar, Myers adds musical flavor to his music that elevates each track. Known for playing electric guitar during live performances, Ty is likely to shred on many of the album’s solos himself on stage for his shows. There is something so impressive about the emotional connection in his music when paired with his musical talent.
With twelve solo writers, this album shows Myers’ proficiency in writing. The lyrics of each song read like a full thought or conversation without any loose ends. Some themes seem a bit out of place, based on Ty’s age, especially with two songs containing “Drinkin’” and “Drunk” in the title. However, the realism in each track comes across strongly, making it clear that Ty writes straight from the heart. Although the writing compiled in this record is thoughtful and well executed, in the future, it would be exciting to hear more storytelling-based songs from Ty, keeping away from writing solely about his own love, pain, and desire.
As a debut album, The Select serves as a welcoming introduction to Ty Myers as an artist, offering a glimpse into the depth of his songwriting and musical versatility as he continues to expand his audience. This project is perfectly curated without any droning repetition, with each song feeling fresh, creating a satisfying listening experience. With this release, Myers has effectively capitalized on his upward momentum, delivering a collection of high-quality music that will satisfy the desire of many listeners. If The Select is any indication, Myers’ career is on a trajectory of continued growth, with even greater things to come as he refines his sound and cements his place in the country music scene.
