Chart-topping Country singer Chris Lane has been fairly quiet since the release of his number one smash ‘Big, Big Plans, back in 2019. Like all artists, his ability to tour was brought to an abrupt end during the pandemic and in 2021 he released the single ‘Fill Them Boots’ followed by a series of non-album singles including a cover of Toploader’s ‘Dancin’ in the Moonlight’ with Lauren Alaina and the Nelly collaboration ‘Birthday Girl’. Earlier this year, Lane debuted ‘Find Another Bar’, the lead single from his new EP “From Where I’m Sippin’”, his first release for new label home Red Street Records.
Having had plenty of time during the pandemic to concentrate on his songwriting, Lane is using this new EP as a taster of what’s to come with a planned full-length album, his first since 2018’s ‘Laps Around the Sun’, due for release in 2024. “From Where I’m Sippin’” features five new songs, all but one of which were co-written by Lane. Opening with ‘Mistake’, the Derek Wells produced-collection gets off to a mid-tempo Country-pop start. Using a play on words in the chorus, Lane sings about keeping hold of a girl who’s too good to lose. The song leans into Lane’s romantic side, something he’s shown off frequently across his career so far.
‘Way to Go Girl’, the only song on here that Lane didn’t have a hand in writing, was co-penned by hit-maker Ashley Gorley and it’s a meditation of a past relationship. Again, there’s a play on words around the title but the song is steeped in nostalgia and pondering of what could have been. ‘Betcha’, the EP’s third track, puts guitars at the centre of the mix for one of the more uptempo moments. Lane is confident on the song, as he sings about feeling sure that there’s a future with a girl that he’s just met in a bar. This song is geared a little more towards radio and is an obvious single.
‘Find Another Bar’, the lead single from the project, is a mature take on Lane’s signature sound. His voice drives the track as he sings about wishing a former lover would stop visiting the haunts they used to visit together. There’s a little R&B mixed into the chorus delivery, and fans of Lane will love this one. The strongest moment comes on the title track, and the EP’s final song, “From Where I’m Sippin’”. Unexpectedly, the song is a nod to 90s and more traditional Country, and it’s a real joy to hear Lane singing about being satisfied with life. I’d like to hear him explore this sound more on whatever comes next.
“From Where I’m Sippin’” isn’t going to alienate Lane’s existing fans. While he’s not reinventing the wheel, he’s pushing his sound and his lyrics into a more mature place. There’s plenty of variety across these five songs and there’s promise for what’s to come next. With Lane having promised us that he’s going to be releasing the most music he’s been able to in his career so far thanks to his new label home, I can’t wait to see what else he’s got up his sleeve.
Track list: 1. Mistake 2. Way to Go Girl 3. Betcha 4. Find Another Bar 5. From Where I’m Sippin’ Record label: Red Street Records Release date: 20th October 2023 Buy “From Where I’m Sippin’” now
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