We’re nearly a month into 2024, and it seems like new releases are finally hitting their stride after the post-new year lag. There are some great tracks this week, ranging from indie powerhouses, Wyatt Flores and Josh Abbott Band, to a surprise re-release from Morgan Wallen.
Without further ado, let’s get to the reviews.
Milwaukee – Wyatt Flores
Milwaukee feels like a natural evolution of Flores’ music sonically while still keeping the core of what makes him stand out in today’s country landscape: his lyrics.
The way that Flores continuously builds off of the cold, desolate setpiece that he set up in the first verse is brilliant. He plays with the concept of being bitter from the cold while simultaneously trying to ease the pain that was left by his leaving. These verses crescendo into a poppy albeit extremely catchy chorus that is bound to play incredibly well at his live shows.
The final line of the chorus, “Please don’t hate my heart“ is such a simple yet powerful lyric that perfectly encapsulates everything that the song is built towards. It’s also an incredibly honest lyric that takes a realistic look at a broken relationship. 8.5/10
Roulette On The Heart (feat. Hailey Whitters) – Conner Smith
Although extremely catchy and successful on social media (most notably TikTok), I’ll be the first one to say that I was skeptical of Conner Smith after the release of I Hate Alabama. That being said, between Meanwhile In Carolina and Roulette On The Heart, my tune has changed.
Roulette On The Heart is a delightfully light track depicting a complicated relationship. The central lyric, “Loving you, baby, is roulette on the heart” is an incredibly unique way to frame a volatile relationship.
Smith and Whitters’ vocals pair incredibly well throughout the track. Between their soft vocals and the light, twangy production, the song is an incredibly easy listen and a fantastic addition to his debut album, Smoky Mountains. 8/10
Strangers – Kameron Marlowe & Ella Langley
Co-written by Marlowe, Langley, Will Bundy, and Chase McGill, Strangers shares an undeniable resemblance to John Mayer’s 2009 deep cut, Friends, Lovers or Nothing. While sonically much different due to Strangers’ undeniable country-blues influences compared to Friends, Lovers or Nothing’s traditional rock sound, the tracks share a similar theme of rejecting the notion that a failed relationship can be remedied by simply being friends.
Strangers does an excellent job building up to the chorus. The walk up to it feels so satisfying once the chorus hits, and their vocals truly shine. Marlowe’s powerful entry here is contrasted beautifully by Langley’s soft harmonies underneath him.
In a period where duets seem like the go-to route in order to garner streams and crossover listeners, Strangers feels as authentic and natural as it could possibly be due to the chemistry between Marlowe and Langley on the track. 8/10
Brutus, Judas and You – Josh Abbott Band
Josh Abbott Band is one of those bands that have never quite caught my ear the way they’ve caught many others. That being said, Brutus, Judas and You is an absolute delight to listen to.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to say there’s never been a cheating song framed in this way. Comparing your cheating ex to historical figures, Judas and Brutus, is such an odd yet admittedly endearing concept.
Sonically, the song is an absolute barn-burner filled with thick guitar and hot fiddle lyrics. The chorus is easily the highlight of the song, begging you to sing along. 7.5/10
Spin You Around (1/24) – Morgan Wallen
After an interesting turn of events that resulted in Morgan Wallen denouncing the release of a collection of unreleased songs, the Last Night singer did his best Taylor Swift impression and released his version of the 2015 fan-favorite, Spin You Around.
This acoustic version of the song is the definitive version, in my opinion. While the original has all the ingredients that have made Wallen the powerhouse that he is today, this new version is a much more nuanced take on the song. The removal of the electronic drum beats does wonders to make this song feel much more authentic compared to the original. 7/10
This Heart – Corey Kent
Written by Thomas Archer, Blake Bollinger, Jacob Hackworth and Michael Tyler, This Heart perfectly captures the feeling of despair following a breakup. The sultry, building intro and first verse give way to a rockin’ chorus, feeling like a satisfying slow burn with an excellent payoff.
The bridge is particularly interesting when Kent laments “I got a problem, and it ain’t even you,” seemingly placing the blame on himself and his heart rather than his ex-lover. It’s an interesting diversion from the tired breakup song formula that solely places blame on the other leaving.
Overall, This Heart is a solid rock-inspired track that is sure to please fans of the Wild As Her singer. Though I wouldn’t say that the song is the most challenging one lyrically, it provides an interesting take on the tired breakup song archetype. 8/10
What Doesn’t Kill You – Randall King
On paper, the hook, “What doesn’t kill you makes you drink stronger,” shouldn’t really work. However, Randall King’s crooning vocals and smooth delivery make this song better than it has any business being.
The chunky guitar riffs in the intro pair perfectly with King’s baritone in the intro. Once the chorus hits with the inclusion of steel, it simply makes you want to stomp your boots, have a good time and grab a beer or two.
It’s admittedly not a particularly strong song lyrically, but the excellent instrumentation throughout is reminiscent of that classic eighties and nineties sound that many have fallen in love with. 7/10
Other new singles/projects include:
- Charley Crockett – $10 Cowboy
- Lee Brice – Neon Highway
- Phillip Bowen – Dogwoods
- Tyler Halverson – Takes 8
- Runaway June – Smoke, Wine & Whiskey (album)
- LECADE – We Made
- Chase McDaniel – Somebody Like Me
- MacKenzie Porter – Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart (the first few)
- Tyler Hubbard – Turn