This is a new duo of Warner Music Nashville. And I do mean new. These guys have only known each other since last December. But if you listen to "19 You + Me" you'd never know it. Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney have found a contemporary country sound that had never been heard before on country radio. Their debut single is a story of a young summer love that is just a distant memory. It's lyrics are very effective at painting the emotion of the song. Shay Mooney's voice is a strong one, and has to be on this song, cause its not an easy song to sing. The chorus is this songs bread and butter.
"Watching that blond hair swing. With every song I'd sing. You were California beautiful. I was playing anything but cool. And I can still hear that sound. Of every wave crashing down. Like the tears we cried that day we had to leave. It was everything we wanted it to be. The summer of 19 you + me".
Credit Dan + Shay for writing a song that perfectly fits Shays voice. He is able to convince the listener of his vivid memory of that summer. With spot on voice inflections and emotion. The song however is very "pop" country. Some have pointed out a little too pop for country. I mysef am a advocate for more traditional sounds in country and have criticized modern day country radio. But it's been for the recent singles by Bryan, Aldean, Chase Rice, and Dallas Smith. This is however a better musical effort in every category....Vocals, songwriting, imagery, production. These guys are already in the top 30 in country airplay, and not slowing down. Overall, even though it leans pop country is by far one of the best efforts of 2013 and Warner Music just might have struck gold in Dan + Shay.
Grade: A
Listen: "19 You + Me"
"Watching that blond hair swing. With every song I'd sing. You were California beautiful. I was playing anything but cool. And I can still hear that sound. Of every wave crashing down. Like the tears we cried that day we had to leave. It was everything we wanted it to be. The summer of 19 you + me".
Credit Dan + Shay for writing a song that perfectly fits Shays voice. He is able to convince the listener of his vivid memory of that summer. With spot on voice inflections and emotion. The song however is very "pop" country. Some have pointed out a little too pop for country. I mysef am a advocate for more traditional sounds in country and have criticized modern day country radio. But it's been for the recent singles by Bryan, Aldean, Chase Rice, and Dallas Smith. This is however a better musical effort in every category....Vocals, songwriting, imagery, production. These guys are already in the top 30 in country airplay, and not slowing down. Overall, even though it leans pop country is by far one of the best efforts of 2013 and Warner Music just might have struck gold in Dan + Shay.
Grade: A
Listen: "19 You + Me"
