This Is Country Music
  • Home
  • Album Reviews
  • Other Stuff
  • Archives

Single Review: Randy Houser - "We Went"

7/22/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
Randy…..why? You seemed to be doing just fine at radio. “Like A Cowboy” had a respectable top 5 peak, and you were riding high from two No. 1’s. So why did you feel the need to record a total bro-country song?

Granted, it’s not like Randy hasn’t done this before. Both “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” and “Goodnight Kiss” had their respective “bro” elements, but at least they made sense when they were released. The fad was riding high when those songs were climbing the charts. Now, it seems as if everyone is ready to move on from bro-country, as we have already seen a new trend of incorporating R&B and Pop sounds into Country, albeit with at least somewhat more original lyrics. So this begs the question, why release this now? Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m NOT saying that I wanted Randy to go the R&B route, but I WAS hoping that someone with his vocal ability would have tried to come up with something more original for the lead single from his yet to be named fourth studio album.

The songs itself is… well… exactly what you’d expect from a song like this. There’s talk of a man and woman escaping in a car to a spot nobody knows with some good moonlight so that they can “get crazy”. But wait it gets better! There’s mentions of running from the cops because you know, THAT’S original and cool right? Wrong. Lyrically, this is actually more embarrassing than the bulk of these types of songs. The only saving grace about this song is Randy’s vocal ability, which is thankfully very noticeable on this track.

However, a killer vocal performance unfortunately can’t save this song. This song is the same thing you’ve heard over and over again. There’s not much more to say other than I hope that Randy delivers some much more quality material on his next album, otherwise I will be sorely disappointed.

Grade: D
Listen: “We Went”

Author: Zackary Kephart

0 Comments

Single Review: A Thousand Horses- "(This Ain't No) Drunk Dial"

7/16/2015

1 Comment

 
Picture
After breaking out with the On the Verge supported "Smoke", A Thousand Horses is back with a new, better single titled "(This Ain't No) Drunk Dial", and it promises to continue their trajectory as one of country music's more consistent hit-making bands.

Centered around the theme of a man calling up his presumably ex-love and having to confirm that he is in fact not intoxicated via alcohol. While it doesn't break new ground, it is a well-written song built around a big, memorable hook, and, as with their debut, is melodically sound.

Sonically, "Drunk Dial" follows in the footsteps "Smoke", with a southern-rock influenced sound that manages to stay open and light while remaining edgy at the same time. The vocals are given room to shine, both from a technical and emotional standpoint.

Overall, "(This Ain't No) Drunk Dial" is a solid record that's executed well on all fronts that should be successful for this rising group. 

Grade: B+
Listen: "(This Ain't No) Drunk Dial"



1 Comment

Single Review: Tyler Farr - "Withdrawals"

7/15/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Two years ago I thought Tyler Farr was just another bro trying to cash in on a trend. When his 2nd album, Suffer In Peace, came out, I was surprised at how much Tyler had grown as an artist. He made to sure to carve out his own niche as an artist by recording many heartbreak songs, some with a country-rock feel and some leaning more towards traditional country. His lead single for the project, “A Guy Walks Into A Bar”, was a prime example of this growth as an artist and now we see it yet again in “Withdrawals”.

The song itself paints the picture of a man who is tortured by a lost love. Without her, he is essentially nothing. She was his drug and now he’s going through “withdrawals”. The theme of comparing a woman to a drug has been done to death but luckily there’s other traits that make this a solid song. For those who don’t know, Tyler is a classically trained Opera singer. That training is very evident as Tyler delivers arguably the best vocal performance of his career. I also enjoy the more country-rock feel of this one, as it establishes the needed moody atmosphere. Tyler also pours a lot of passion into this song, making the listener sympathize and connect to the pain.

Overall, while this may not be the most original of songs, it does show major growth in Tyler. I personally feel that Tyler is very good at handling heartbreak songs and “Withdrawals” is an excellent example of this.

Grade: B+
Listen: “Withdrawals”

​
Author: Zackary Kephart

0 Comments

Song Review: Mo Pitney - "Country"

7/3/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
​When glancing at the title of Mo Pitney’s debut single, you may roll your eyes. However, this simple title carries a big message and is honestly more than just a single, it’s a symbol of someone fighting to get traditional country music back into the spotlight.

Yes that’s right folks! Now you’ll have to excuse my language as I’m about to use the “s” and “f” words, but I was happy when I heard, wait for it, wait for it……steel guitar AND fiddle! The thing is, they’re also very heavily used in here as well! It’s 2015 and I have to praise that a country song actually used country instruments. It’s sad but true. Another plus of this song is Mo’s voice. It was made for country music, plain and simple. It’s the type that makes you turn your head and listen to what this guy has to say. Now, as much as I have praised the vocals, instrumentation, and production, I will admit that this song is a bit clichéd lyrically. I’m pretty sure Mo uses every definition of the term “country” in here.  There’s talk of things they do in the country, talk of listening to some country, and talk of someone dying for their country. I could use without the pandering to the southern lifestyle, but I understand what Mo is trying to do. Mo is simply trying to find an audience, and the single does a good job, lyrically, of appealing to the masses. I just wish it connected more as a song is all. There is one line here however, that resembles EXACTLY how I feel about Country music.

Country ain’t even a place on a map, it’s a place in your heart

That’s really what country is, a lyrically driven genre that connects to the listeners soul, regardless of location.
Overall, Mo is truly talented as an artist. What’s surprising is that “Country” isn’t even his first song. If you want a true testament to Mo’s talent, check out his heartbreaking performance of “Clean Up On Aisle Five”. Mo is the type of guy that Country needs right now. “Country” may not be the best use of his talent, but it does show that he has a bright future ahead of him.
​
Grade: B
Listen:  “Country”

0 Comments

    Like us on Facebook! Also, follow us on Twitter @TICMWeebly!

    Writers

    Markus Meyer
    A country music fan from B.C., Canada. You can find his work at theshotgunseat.com. You can follow Markus on twitter at @Markus_Meyer27.

    Contributors

    Chris Baggs
    A country music and Buffalo Sabres fan from Buffalo.

    Zackary Kephart
    A country music fan from Buffalo, New York. 
    ​
    Comment Policy

    TICM is dedicated to the respect of readers and authors, and their opinions. Any comments that contain derogatory language will be deleted.
    ​

    More Country Music Content:

    All Access
    ​B-Sides & Badlands
    Country Exclusive
    ​
    Country Perspective
    Country Universe
    Farce the Music
    ​Grady Smith on Country
    Highway Queens
    Pulse Music Board
    Queens Of Country
    Roughstock
    Saving Country Music
    Shore2Shore Country
    The Shotgun Seat
    ​The Musical Divide
    ​The Word

    Tweets by @Markus_Meyer27

    Categories

    All
    3 Up 3 Down
    5 Second Single Reviews
    5 Second Single Reviews
    Aaron Watson
    Alan Jackson
    American Aquarium
    Ash Bowers
    Ash Bowers
    Ashley Campbell
    Ashley McBryde
    Ashley Monroe
    A Thousand Horses
    Austin Webb
    Autumn Hill
    Awards
    Bebe Rexha
    Best Of 2012
    Big & Rich
    Billy Currington
    Blackjack Billy
    Blake Shelton
    Blanco Brown
    Brad Paisley
    Brantley Gilbert
    Brett Eldredge
    Brett Young
    Brooks & Dunn
    Brothers Osborne
    Cam
    Canaan Smith
    Candi Carpenter
    Carly Pearce
    Carrie Underwood
    Casey James
    Cassadee Pope
    Chad Brownlee
    Charlie Worsham
    Chase Bryant
    Chase Rice
    Chris Cagle
    Chris Janson
    Chris Lane
    Chris Stapleton
    Chris Young
    Chris Young
    Cole Swindell
    Colt Ford
    Craig Campbell
    Craig Morgan
    Craig Morgan
    Dallas Smith
    Danielle Bradbery
    Dan + Shay
    Darius Rucker
    David Lee Murphy
    David Nail
    Dean Brody
    Devin Dawson
    Dierks Bentley
    Doc Walker
    Dustin Lynch
    Dylan Scott
    Easton Corbin
    Edens Edge
    Eli Young Band
    Eric Church
    Eric Paslay
    Faith Hill
    Florida Georgia Line
    Florida Georgia Line
    Frankie Ballard
    Garth Brooks
    Gary Allan
    George Strait
    Gloriana
    Greg Bates
    Hayden Panettiere
    Hunter Hayes
    Ingrid Andress
    Jake Owen
    Jake Owen
    James Wesley
    Jana Kramer
    Jason Aldean
    Jason Aldean
    Jason Blaine
    Jason Mitchell
    Jennifer Nettles
    Jerrod Niemann
    Joe Diffie
    Joel Crouse
    Joe Nichols
    Joey Hyde
    John Mayer
    Jon Pardi
    Jordan Davis
    Justin Moore
    Kacey Musgraves
    Kane Brown
    Karen Fairchild
    Keith Urban
    Kelleigh Bannen
    Kellie Pickler
    Kelly Clarkson
    Kelsea Ballerini
    Kenny Chesney
    Kip Moore
    Kristian Bush
    Lady Antebellum
    LANCO
    Laura Bell Bundy
    Lauren Alaina
    Leann Rimes
    Lee Brice
    Lindsay Ell
    Little Big Town
    LoCash
    Locash Cowboys
    Lonestar
    Love And Theft
    Luke Bryan
    Luke Combs
    Maddie & Tae
    Maggie Rose
    Maren Morris
    Martina Mcbride
    Michael Bublé
    Michael Ray
    Mickey Guyton
    Midland
    Miranda Lambert
    Montgomery Gentry
    Mo Pitney
    Morgan Wallen
    Nashville
    Natasha Bedingfield
    Nelly
    News
    Niko Moon
    Old Dominion
    Parmalee
    Pat Green
    Pistol Annies
    Raelynn
    Rainey Qualley
    Randy Houser
    Randy Rogers Band
    Rascal Flatts
    Riley Green
    Robert Counts
    Rodney Atkins
    Ronnie Dunn
    Runaway June
    Russell Dickerson
    Sam Hunt
    Sara Evans
    Sarah Buxton
    Sarah Darling
    Scotty McCreery
    Seth Ennis
    Shania Twain
    Sheryl Crow
    Single Reviews
    Single Reviews
    Single Round Up
    Striking Matches
    Sugarland
    Sunny Sweeney
    Tate Stevens
    Taylor Swift
    Tebey
    Tenille Townes
    The Band Perry
    The Chicks
    The Civil Wars
    The Farm
    The Henningsens
    The Last Bandoleros
    Thomas Rhett
    Thompson Square
    Tim Hicks
    Tim Mcgraw
    Toby Keith
    Todd O' Neill
    Trace Adkins
    Train
    Travis Denning
    Tucker Beathard
    Turnpike Troubadours
    Tyler Farr
    Tyminski
    Vince Gill
    Walker Hayes
    Walker McGuire
    William Michael Morgan
    Willie Nelson
    Worst Of 2013
    Worst Of 2014
    Worst Of 2020
    Year End Countdowns
    Zac Brown Band

    Archives

    December 2022
    November 2022
    September 2022
    July 2022
    December 2021
    August 2021
    December 2020
    April 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    April 2019
    January 2019
    August 2018
    June 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Album Reviews
  • Other Stuff
  • Archives