Chris Lane's debut single gets a couple things right, and a lot of things wrong.
Let's start with the positives: Lane sounds fully committed here, like he really believes in what he's singing, something I greatly appreciate. Furthermore, he clearly has the vocal chops to be an effective artist.
The chorus is also melodically sound. It's not insanely catchy but little nuggets like "our Friday nights might get a little black and blue" get lodged in your brain for hours.
That's where the positives abruptly stop. Despite the occasional catchy hook, it's yet another bro-song hidden beneath a big title hook. Think of the most average country-pride anthem you can imagine, then think of the most average bro-country song of all time. That is basically what "Broken Windshield View" is.
It doesn't help matters that Joey Moi smothers it with the loudest, most obnoxious production in existence. Yes, there is some token banjo thrown in, but Mr. Moi cranks up the guitars to make sure you can't hear it. Can't have country instruments on a mainstream single now can we.
Chris Lane might have potential to be a decent artist one day, but first he has to ditch Joey Moi and find a different producer, then he has to branch out lyrically. For now I'll file him in with the other Florida Georgia Line wannabees. This is just one big (loud) pile of blah.
Grade: D+
Listen: "Broken Windshield View"
Let's start with the positives: Lane sounds fully committed here, like he really believes in what he's singing, something I greatly appreciate. Furthermore, he clearly has the vocal chops to be an effective artist.
The chorus is also melodically sound. It's not insanely catchy but little nuggets like "our Friday nights might get a little black and blue" get lodged in your brain for hours.
That's where the positives abruptly stop. Despite the occasional catchy hook, it's yet another bro-song hidden beneath a big title hook. Think of the most average country-pride anthem you can imagine, then think of the most average bro-country song of all time. That is basically what "Broken Windshield View" is.
It doesn't help matters that Joey Moi smothers it with the loudest, most obnoxious production in existence. Yes, there is some token banjo thrown in, but Mr. Moi cranks up the guitars to make sure you can't hear it. Can't have country instruments on a mainstream single now can we.
Chris Lane might have potential to be a decent artist one day, but first he has to ditch Joey Moi and find a different producer, then he has to branch out lyrically. For now I'll file him in with the other Florida Georgia Line wannabees. This is just one big (loud) pile of blah.
Grade: D+
Listen: "Broken Windshield View"
