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

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"

​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

​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”