Let’s talk for a moment about charisma, because really, it’s a quality that I feel tends to get overshadowed by a lot of critics. The ability to really be able to sell almost anything you’re singing about is harder than it seems. To make it look easy isn’t learned over time, it’s a gift. Now, I’ve been on record as saying that I care more about delivery and passion rather than sheer vocal power when it comes to artists, and that’s why I’ve always enjoyed guys like Jake Owen or our artist in question today, Billy Currington.

Back in the mid 2000’s, Billy Currington was always the kind of artist who had that sort of easy going, likable attitude to him, even with the simplest of songs. Heck, you could probably argue that he’s the type of artist that a guy like Kenny Chesney was trying to be like. It’s that kind of easy going charisma that made me enjoy songs like “Good Directions”, “People Are Crazy” and even his fluffier material such as “Don’t”, or “I’ve Got A Feelin’”.

Once we left that era of country music and headed into the “dark ages” of what the 2010’s has sort of been so far, I still sort of liked him. Sure, “Hey Girl” was a very stupid song, but once again, his charisma was able to help him deliver these bro songs with some real heartfelt sincerity and energy. I brought up Jake Owen earlier, and really, if there are two artists who did bro-country in a way that was likable, it was these guys.

Of course, we’re far removed from that era of country music, so what was a guy like Billy Currington to do? That’s sort of been the million dollar question. Don’t get me wrong, Billy has mostly seen success from his album Summer Forever, but there’s also a sense that he’s sort of beginning to fade into the background, and that’s a damn shame.

His newest single, “Do I Make You Wanna” probably won’t help that either. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like this song more than I don’t, but at the same time you have to wonder they’re releasing a song like this after the great “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” established some real momentum for him.

So alright, let’s get back to the song in question. “Do I Make You Wanna” is more enjoyable than it’s not. Sure, it’s more pop than country, but if you’re like me and don’t really care all that much about it then this is damn solid. The guitars are very crisp and breezy, and I swear to God there’s a mandolin buried in the mix supporting the verses and choruses even if I can’t really determine it. The drums, much like the guitars are very breezy and help to establish a light, easy-going atmosphere that’s easy to enjoy.

Vocally, Billy does a great job of selling this song as always. Sure, it’s nothing more than a straight forward hook up track, but Billy is selling this song in a manner that’s heartfelt and sincere. It’s easy to enjoy. It fits well within his range and while this song doesn’t necessarily require any real energy or anything, it’s also got that sort of relaxed vibe that Billy handles well.

Of course, I’ve already stated the problem with this song – it’s a straightforward hook up song. Don’t get me wrong, lyrics don’t necessarily have to be excellent in order for a song to be great, but the lyrics on this song definitely could use some more meat to them. They’re fine, but they also establish the foundation for a song that’s alright, but not really great. There’s no sense of urgency as the narrator wonders if his lover feels the same way about him that he does for her, and the hook is admittedly a little corny.Like I said, this song is very agreeable, but there’s really not enough here for me to warrant any higher praise than that. It will most likely do fine at country radio, but at the same time it’s not exactly a song that’s going to stick in the listener’s mind for long.

Grade: B-
Listen: "Do I Make You Wanna"

Author: Zackary Kephart

After failing to make any sort of significant commercial impact with his last radio attempt, the uptempo "Drinkin' Town With a Football Problem", Billy Currington is back in the upper echelons of the airplay chart with the melancholic "It Don't Hurt Like It Used To". When on his game, the 42-year-old hitmaker is among mainstream country's finest, and this is most certainly one of those moments.

Unlike many of his recent hits, which rely on somewhat fluffy lyrics and pleasant-if-forgettable productions, "It Don't Hurt Like It Used To" shines in it's strong narrative and even better backing track. The track depicts the story of a man who, slowly but surely, is getting over a past love, and while he won't declare victory over the pain, concedes that it is indeed getting better with time. He moves on with his life, getting married, and crafting a new path, but admittedly isn't fully over his past love just yet. In a musical society that relies heavily on either a 'tear in your beer' or a 'ha, you are so gonna miss me' mentality, finding one that takes the best of both worlds is a refreshing change of pace.

The production, meanwhile, is admirable. The strong percussion and bouncy guitars add a layer of intensity to an already strong lyric, and while it takes a back seat to the vocal throughout the verses, explodes into an anthemic chorus built for heavy repetition. Currington is, as usual, on his game from a purely technical standpoint, while seamlessly blending the line between frustration and relief through his interpretive performance. What truly makes Currington's latest hit shine, however, is its melody. The record is a textbook ear worm that makes it easy to reach for the repeat button, only helping the song's case for entry in to heavy airplay rotation. 

"It Don't Hurt Liked It Used To" fires on all cylinders, checking off every box from the vocals, to the melody, to the performance. A veteran relative to his peers, Currington has found a song that is not only developing into a commercial blockbuster, but also a definite standout among the class of 2016. Who knows what we'll get next from the often hit-or-miss Currington, but one thing's for certain, and that's that this one is a homerun.

Grade: A
Listen: "It Don't Hurt Like It Used To"

​Billy Currington sort of took a weird turn with his latest album, Summer Forever, an album that I never got the chance to review. I will say that in terms if the overall experience, it was a rocky listen. Most of it actually sounded ok, but not for Country music. One song off that album was actually pretty good to my ears however. That song is Billy’s current single, the cleverly titled, “Drinkin’ Town With A Football Problem”.

Now, on its surface, this can read as some cliche ode to small towns that we’ve heard before, and admittedly, the first verse backs up that notion, but thankfully, the song progresses into a story of a town that loves football and drinking. Granted, this theme has more than certainly worn out its welcome before, but there’s more to like about this song besides the lyrics. The production makes this song sound like it could have come out of the mid 2000’s, and yes, this sounds Country. Besides the small throwback feel, Currington’s easy going vocals make this track a fun, energetic number that’s hard not to like.

Overall, Billy Currington’s “Drinkin’ Town With A Football Problem” is one that is familiar, but feels like it’s more than just an average ode to small towns. It’s the perfect single for the summer, and should easily be a hit for Currington.
​
Grade: B
Listen: “Drinkin’ Town With A Football Problem”

​Author: Zackary Kephart

At first glance, Billy Currington's latest comes off as moderately enjoyable radio fodder.

And there is something to that, the lyrics are fairly one-dimensional and really fail to do anything to keep the listener engaged.

But a lively melody backed up by tasteful production, all reeled in  by a solid Currington vocal make this one notch above the typical,  middle of the road fluff.

"We Are Tonight" doesn't do any one thing greatly, but everything comes together to make a solid single.

Grade: B

Listen: "We Are Tonight"