The Man He Sees In Me – Luke Combs Written By Adam Delahoussaye
Knowing Luke Combs, it was only a matter of time before his artistry and life in music became a family affair. His upcoming record and its first single, “The Man He Sees In Me,” shows Combs and co-writer Josh Phillips masterfully crafted prose in the most delicate of senses. The track presumably acts as a thesis statement for Luke’s coming Fathers & Sons LP; it’s about sons’ lofty expectations for their fathers that Combs hopes to meet. Admirably, he continues to embody the role of a relatable everyman in country music, and this new project is expected to further showcase his growth as an artist and person. Combs always takes his musical predecessors’ schicks and gimmicks and repackages them with a sense of earnestness that feels incredibly singular when he’s behind the pen or microphone. The persona he portrays is admirable, and this new single adds to that sincere sense of self he’s developed.
8.9
Gone Country – Thomas Rhett Written By Jack Humphrey
In a truly diabolical concoction of boring lyrics, stale melody, and droning trap beats, Thomas Rhett distances himself further from the winsome profundity of the Country Again era. Like “Beautiful As You” before it, the song is firmly entrenched in the flavorless trends of 2017 country radio with no country instruments to anchor the track or fresh ideas to redeem its checklist writing. The most frustrating thing about this song is the tragic juxtaposition between its lyrics about a girl’s commitment to the country lifestyle and the ugly production asserting that when Thomas Rhett “goes country,” he can most certainly turn on a dime and ignore those influences on his next project. Between “Gone Country” and the simpering single that preceded it, TR’s next LP looks like a rough outing for one of pop-country’s most likeable troubadours.
3.4
Purple Gas – Zach Bryan & Noeline Hofmann Written By Adam Delahoussaye
The second glimpse into Zach Bryan’s anticipated The Great American Bar Scene shows some immediate familiarity with his continued exploration of color-based themes. “Purple Gas” is Noeline’s first-ever official release and the second time Zach has hopped on a song that he has not had a hand in writing. Bryan’s signature gruff baritone and Hofmann’s penetrating alto are a marriage of sounds that blend perfectly. More than that, it’s also commendable to see Bryan using his platform to elevate new voices like Hofmann’s, reflecting a genuine desire to support fellow artists. Overall, it’s cool to see Zach join forces with such a unique voice and lift an excellent song about being true to oneself. Most importantly, he charges Noeline Hofmann with some well-deserved inertia.
8.1
Man on the Moon – Megan Moroney Written By Cam Greene
Megan Moroney’s latest track, “Man on the Moon,” is a fun-filled romp through our frazzled protagonist’s dating dilemmas. Her solution is to send the man causing her trouble as far away as possible – perhaps to the moon. The playful lyrics are accompanied by a thrilling, bar-ready instrumental packed with Telecaster, steel guitar, and hand claps, culminating in a powerful crescendo that perfectly complements the lyrics. Co-written by Meg with Ashley Gorley, Casey Smith, and David Mescon, the quartet hit its stride here, with good vibes radiating in each line. Overall, “Man on the Moon” may not be the most popular single on “Am I Okay?” when released in July, but it stands tall as one of the most creative songs this year.
8.0
Already Had It – Tucker Wetmore Written By Cam Greene
Tucker Wetmore is one of country music’s hottest commodities at this moment. It’s starting to seem like everything he touches turns to gold, and his newest track on the Twisters: The Album, “Already Had It,” is such a quick boot-tappin’ track very akin to 90s country and keeps groovin’. “Already Had It” is lyrically lacking at times, but like the artist he’s occasionally compared to, Morgan Wallen, it doesn’t matter. It’s simple and sweet and full of zealous, excitable energy. Conceptually, it’s a sassy kiss-off reminding an old lover who moved to the city about everything she’s missing in the country. These songs are always a joy to listen to, with an effortlessly fun hook and enough good zingers to keep listeners grinning.
9.4
Cleaning Out Your Closet – Sara Evans Written By Brandon Iozzo
Sounds of early Sara Evans records echo throughout the veteran artist’s eleventh studio album, Unbroke, as the Missouri native accounts the chapters of abuse, divorce, and reconciliation on “Cleaning Out Your Closet.” Written by Alex Kline, Allison Veltz Cruz, and Evans herself, there’s a melancholy Tammy Wynette feeling behind the track, with fiddles and isolated pedal steel lines. Evans describes the exhausting repetitiveness of being the glue to her relationship. With production from Evans and Jeff Trott, the song recalls Sheryl Crow’s style but certainly sounds like Sara’s older records as well. While her vocals aren’t as crisp in the bridge, “Cleaning Out Your Closet” is one of the catchiest and most memorable songs on the record, taking audiences back to her expansive catalog of hit singles.
8.0
Six Feet Under – HARDY Written By Christina Bosch
“SIX FEET UNDER (Caleigh’s Song)” is a solo write by HARDY, reminding us all why he’s one of the best to do it today. It’s an eloquent love song, specific enough to be true to his relationship and powerful enough to resonate with his massive fanbase. While some fans have had mixed opinions about HARDY’s decision to release rock and country music simultaneously, fans of his creative, confessional approach to songcraft should be satisfied by “SIX FEET UNDER.” This song is impacting country radio, following his #1 songs “wait in the truck” and “TRUCK BED,” which all have different sounds and storylines. On this single, HARDY remembers his traumatic near-death bus accident and his fear of never seeing the love of his life again. In the song, he’s certain that heaven is his life on earth with Caleigh, giving hope to those who question if love is real.
9.2
trust issues – Carly Pearce Written By Brandon Iozzo
Carly Pearce’s fourth album, hummingbird, sees her turning the page on divorce and heartache with optimistic and heartwarming tracks, with “trust issues” being a particular standout. The song has been teased in live shows since last year, reflecting Carly’s exploration of new relationships and personal connections. Written by Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, and Pearce herself, “trust issues” effectively bridges the gap between Carly’s previous record and the current phase of her personal life. The redeeming track leans into Pearce’s bluegrass sound with subtle hints of catchy, pop influence; it also marks the first true love song we’ve heard from the artist since her sophomore record, which feels like a much-needed change of pace at this point in Carly’s career. With “We Don’t Fight Anymore” seemingly running its course on the radio charts, the heartfelt and twangy “trust issues” could be a worthy single to usher in the next era of her career.
8.4
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