On The Verge has been essentially as useless as Brian Kelley is to Florida Georgia Line, but it's done a few things right. The most notable example of this is the success of Cam's “Burning House” back in 2015. In another era, it would have been fine on its own. However, radio politics and the ever present sexism in mainstream country along with a slow as molasses tempo meant that “Burning House” needed a little push. Thankfully it got to #2, but ever since then we've heard very little from Cam. Her followup, “Mayday” only made the top forty, and it had to be wondered if “Burning House” might be an unfortunate one-off scenario.
Her new single, “Diane” also has a lot going against it despite being a good song. However, it may have a chance to succeed given how it's being pushed as an answer song to Dolly Parton's “Jolene”. While I'd say that's kind of a stretch, that comparison could help in terms of garnering buzz. Going beyond that, there's a lot to commend about this song as well.
The lyricism is easily the best part about this track, as I don't think we've seen a song coming from the “other woman” point of view since Sugarland's “Stay”. There are also some good lines in here such as the narrator rather having Diane hate her than not understanding the situation. After all, she didn't know he was married. She knows there might not be any room for forgiveness either way, but the important part is trying to make it as right as possible.
As for the rest of the song, admittedly I'm torn. I like this, and I will root for it, but I don't love it, and trying to place my finger on exactly “why” is so tricky. Ultimately I think it just comes down to some little things. For starters, the non-dominant melody can make it hard to really be drawn in. There are some fantastic harmonies during the chorus, but it also feels like the production is a little too thick here, with Cam feeling like she's shouting to be heard. While I do also commend the choice to go for some simpler production and instrumentation choices with acoustic guitar and a driving beat, it still feels a little lacking and cheap for someone on a major label. Normally I'd say less equals more, but here it just seems to be a factor that makes it hard for me to get more into this.
Still, it's a good song, and it might just be what Cam needs to get back into the game. Then again it's hard to tell. In terms of critical acclaim...hell, it's already got it. However, in terms of radio success this has literally everything going against it, so time will tell what Cam's future as a mainstream country star holds. For now, we've got a good song to hold us over, so take it as you will.
Grade: B-
Listen: "Diane"
Author: Zackary Kephart
Her new single, “Diane” also has a lot going against it despite being a good song. However, it may have a chance to succeed given how it's being pushed as an answer song to Dolly Parton's “Jolene”. While I'd say that's kind of a stretch, that comparison could help in terms of garnering buzz. Going beyond that, there's a lot to commend about this song as well.
The lyricism is easily the best part about this track, as I don't think we've seen a song coming from the “other woman” point of view since Sugarland's “Stay”. There are also some good lines in here such as the narrator rather having Diane hate her than not understanding the situation. After all, she didn't know he was married. She knows there might not be any room for forgiveness either way, but the important part is trying to make it as right as possible.
As for the rest of the song, admittedly I'm torn. I like this, and I will root for it, but I don't love it, and trying to place my finger on exactly “why” is so tricky. Ultimately I think it just comes down to some little things. For starters, the non-dominant melody can make it hard to really be drawn in. There are some fantastic harmonies during the chorus, but it also feels like the production is a little too thick here, with Cam feeling like she's shouting to be heard. While I do also commend the choice to go for some simpler production and instrumentation choices with acoustic guitar and a driving beat, it still feels a little lacking and cheap for someone on a major label. Normally I'd say less equals more, but here it just seems to be a factor that makes it hard for me to get more into this.
Still, it's a good song, and it might just be what Cam needs to get back into the game. Then again it's hard to tell. In terms of critical acclaim...hell, it's already got it. However, in terms of radio success this has literally everything going against it, so time will tell what Cam's future as a mainstream country star holds. For now, we've got a good song to hold us over, so take it as you will.
Grade: B-
Listen: "Diane"
Author: Zackary Kephart
