It’s quite fitting that the holiday season is upon us, since receiving new Vince Gill music feels like Christmas in itself. But seriously how else can you describe it? We haven’t heard much from Vince since 2013 when he teamed up with Paul Franklin for the album, Bakersfield. Now, that was a monster album all its own, but the last time we really got any new original music from Vince goes all the way back to 2011 to the release of his album, Guitar Slinger (which by the way, featured the No. 1 smash “Threaten With Me Heaven…..ok, well it SHOULD have been a smash…..thanks country radio).
Now we’re being treated to news of a new album from Vince set for February 12th called Down To My Last Bad Habit. From what we know about the album, Vince has a hand in writing every single track, including a tribute to George Jones as well as guest appearances by Cam, Ashley Monroe, and Little Big Town. Needless to say, this looks like it’s going to be a big project. For now, we’ve been serviced to the lead single from the album called “Take Me Down”. With that in mind, how is the taste of new music from Vince after four years?
Well, I could see it being pretty polarizing honestly, but if you ask me, I think it’s a solid song from Vince and a great appetizer from Vince’s upcoming album. The reason the song might be viewed as polarizing is because of the sound. The opening chords feel very “Rihannon” esque, and with the inclusion of Little Big Town on this song, that Fleetwood Mac vibe remains present throughout the song. That’s not to say we need to go calling the lawyers however. There’s still plenty to enjoy on this song even if the sound isn’t your thing. Vince has one of the strongest voices in country music, and that voice certainly hasn’t deteriorated in power over time. His voice sounds as good as ever, especially on the chorus. The subject of the song is rather simple, this one revolving around a man who is overcome by the pleasures of his woman every time she comes around. It’s a good enough song that doesn’t sound cheesy or sleazy. It sounds sincere, and again, Vince’s vocals make this song a lot better, especially when combined with Little Big Town’s.
When it comes to looking back at the greatest country singers of our time, Vince Gill is sure to make many lists. However, don’t let this think I’m throwing bonus points his way just for being who he is or giving him sympathy points since radio won’t play him. This song is a great song on its own merit, and proves that Vince hasn’t slowed down one bit over the years. 2016 is already crowded with great releases from the Randy Rogers Band, Brandy Clark, and Brothers Osborne, and now we can add one more to that list too with Vince. And I don’t know about you, but he might have just topped my list of most anticipated albums.
Grade: B
Listen: “Take Me Down”
Author: Zackary Kephart
Now we’re being treated to news of a new album from Vince set for February 12th called Down To My Last Bad Habit. From what we know about the album, Vince has a hand in writing every single track, including a tribute to George Jones as well as guest appearances by Cam, Ashley Monroe, and Little Big Town. Needless to say, this looks like it’s going to be a big project. For now, we’ve been serviced to the lead single from the album called “Take Me Down”. With that in mind, how is the taste of new music from Vince after four years?
Well, I could see it being pretty polarizing honestly, but if you ask me, I think it’s a solid song from Vince and a great appetizer from Vince’s upcoming album. The reason the song might be viewed as polarizing is because of the sound. The opening chords feel very “Rihannon” esque, and with the inclusion of Little Big Town on this song, that Fleetwood Mac vibe remains present throughout the song. That’s not to say we need to go calling the lawyers however. There’s still plenty to enjoy on this song even if the sound isn’t your thing. Vince has one of the strongest voices in country music, and that voice certainly hasn’t deteriorated in power over time. His voice sounds as good as ever, especially on the chorus. The subject of the song is rather simple, this one revolving around a man who is overcome by the pleasures of his woman every time she comes around. It’s a good enough song that doesn’t sound cheesy or sleazy. It sounds sincere, and again, Vince’s vocals make this song a lot better, especially when combined with Little Big Town’s.
When it comes to looking back at the greatest country singers of our time, Vince Gill is sure to make many lists. However, don’t let this think I’m throwing bonus points his way just for being who he is or giving him sympathy points since radio won’t play him. This song is a great song on its own merit, and proves that Vince hasn’t slowed down one bit over the years. 2016 is already crowded with great releases from the Randy Rogers Band, Brandy Clark, and Brothers Osborne, and now we can add one more to that list too with Vince. And I don’t know about you, but he might have just topped my list of most anticipated albums.
Grade: B
Listen: “Take Me Down”
Author: Zackary Kephart
