Week of 04/05/2024
Going Home – Tyler Childers Written By Adam Delahoussaye
After last year’s release of “Rustin’ In The Rain,” everyone’s favorite redheaded redneck is back to unearth a track that’s been in concert halls for almost a decade. A small piece of the new live album “Live From Mountain Stage – Outlaws & Outliers,” the song harkens back to Timmy’s days of running red lights and absentee crowds. For his cult following, or those with an ear for his stylized storytelling, it’s a superb return-to-form for Childers, recalling the music of his “Bottles and Bibles” days. While it’s abundantly clear why this track never got an official studio release, peeks into the scribbles on Childers’s storied notebook are an excellent consolation, soaked in wit and whiskey as usual. It’s a good thing he didn’t listen to his mother’s advice or tracks like “Going Home” may not have seen the light of day. 8.0
Pirates & Parrots (Ft. Mac McAnally) – Zac Brown Band Written By Cam Greene
Plainly stated, Zac Brown Band’s newest single is excellent. It’s very much akin to some of their earlier stuff, playing into that tropical feel that You Get What You Give was full of. Most importantly, it pays tribute to the life and legacy of country music legend Jimmy Buffett. “Pirates & Parrots” is a soothing track with that tropical feel that makes Buffett proud and stirs real emotion with its heartbreakingly personal homages to the star. There isn’t too much to scoff at here; it blends the feeling of sitting on a beach on your last day of vacation with all the bliss that comes with it, but also those quiet anxieties of returning to the real world. This is a solid song; it’s not a game-changer for Zac in his career, but it’s still a worthy goodbye to his friend and hero. 7.5
Rust – Corey Kent Written By Creed Miller
Corey Kent is back with his second single of 2024, this time bringing a romantic ballad. The track explores the strength of his love for this girl, written alongside Casey Brown, Jacob Davis, and Travis Wood. Even when times get hard, their love won’t rust as they “weather that storm.” Kent stays within his comfort zone, and this track carries many similarities to his other work. The band gives the chorus an electric feel, and though it takes the focus off Corey’s voice a bit, the song has much more passion. Even though this is a fairly decent single, it’s still fairly forgettable; there are no distinctive characteristics to make this an easy song to come back to. While there is room for improvement, “Rust” could still see some radio success as Kent looks to pick up his second career #1. 6.5
Under Them Neons – Braxton Keith Written By Creed Miller
Artists like Zach Top, Randall King, and Braxton Keith have been instrumental in reviving traditional Texas country. Keith sticks to his guns with the ’90s sound on his latest single; the track tells the story of a guy waiting to dance with a girl at the bar. At 23 years old, Keith is off to an impressive start to his career, mainly credited to his strong ’90s influence in both his voice and the production of his music, which is becoming increasingly popular. The steel guitar helps carry the instrumentals and solidifies that classic sound Keith is so indebted to. The story of seeing a girl across the bar has been told many times, and Keith doesn’t break the narrative mold with his take. It’s still an undoubtedly good single overall, but it certainly could’ve benefited from a few more unique traits. Braxton Keith is exactly what neo-traditional country fans love, and “Under Them Neons” should be right in their wheelhouse. 7.8
Milestones – Anne Wilson Written By Christina Bosch
Anne Wilson just released her debut country record, and the GRAMMY-nominated writer and artist boldly steps into the genre with REBEL. Throughout the project, she seamlessly blends her passion for her faith and Christian music roots with a newfound country flair that makes these songs that much more exciting. On the track “Milestones,” written by Wilson with Nicolle Galyon and Lauren Hungate, the trio concocts an honest representation of what success as a performing artist looks like and the sacrifices it entails. Between missing significant family events, wishing you could have a home-cooked meal, or putting the hopes of your own family on pause, the life of a traveling musician chasing their dreams is not all glitz and glamour. Anne delicately expresses her gratitude for the triumphs she’s enjoyed but stays soberingly conscious of what it’s taken to earn them. Her distinctly powerful vocal carves out a deeper lane for neo-traditional enthusiasts who appreciate the intersection of faith and country music. 9.3
Long Time Ago – Gabe Lee, Rylie Bourne, Lucciana Costa Written By Ryan Lippe
Upon first listening, fans are greeted with some of the brightest lyrical and vocal gems that country music has to offer, and that sentiment stands tall after each repetition of this vibrant hook. Laced in sorrow and delicacy, Gabe Lee shares a story of someone reminiscing about their relationship with their parents and the world around them that built their character. Known for using vivid rhetorical devices, the song falls back on the vocal powers of Rylie Bourne, Lucciana Costa, and Gabe himself to paint a transparent picture into the mind of someone who’s been shown the worst of what the world has to offer. When the three harmonize, it’s an artistic sensation unlike any other. The earthy production by Alex Torrez, David Dorn, and Lee may be too bare and rough around the edges for some, but those akin to Lee’s music will feel right at home when the harmonica chimes in before the last chorus. The authenticity of the uncut production adds layers to the song’s emotion, making for an exceptional surprise from the Nashville storyteller. 9.5
Gin & Juice – HARDY Written By Ryan Lippe
HARDY samples the iconic Snoop Dogg song in a track that no one saw coming, assembling a clever combination of ’90s country and hip-hop. HARDY has had a questionable track record of blending rock and country lately, but surprisingly enough, he hit the nail on the head with this cross-genre fusion. With no way to gauge expectations upon its release, the single accomplished what it was set out to do: have a good time. The countrified lyrics are far from Shakespearian but are still good for a laugh, especially for those familiar with the original “Gin & Juice.” Throughout the song, there are numerous callbacks to Snoop’s writing. HARDY’s cadence remains similar to the original; it’s a fun homage but still establishes itself as a song of its own. The production is a fresh balance of drum loops and groovy guitar licks that never really get old. Destined to go down as a guilty pleasure for most, it’s a fun offering that should surprise the music community on all ends of the spectrum. 8.3
Younger & Wiser – Danielle Bradbery Written By Brandon Iozzo
With her latest track, Danielle Bradbery’s artistic growth and maturity are finally on the horizon. This is only her second single since extending her partnership with her longtime label, Big Machine Records; it explores the bliss and fearlessness of adolescence and how growing older can sometimes dim that vitality. Written by Emily Weisband, Lydia Vaughan, and Sam Bergeson, the song is a refreshing revamp for Bradbery following countless career singles with the same goal met with commercial failure and mediocre critical acclaim. Though “Younger and Wiser” has greater depth and meaning than most of her catalog, it may be a track that’s too little too late to separate listeners from “The Heart of Dixie” singer from ten years prior. 7.8
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