Chart-topping award-winning Country music duo Dan + Shay hit a significant milestone this week as their debut album ‘Where It All Began’ hit its 10th anniversary.
To mark the occasion the duo is releasing the album on vinyl for the first time and fans can pre-order autographed limited edition blue splatter vinyls through the official Dan + Shay online store. The vinyl release will arrive on 26th April 2024.
Since arriving on the scene Dan Myers and Shay Mooney have amassed more than 10 billion global career streams, had 10 number 1s at Country radio and received more than 120 RIAA Multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold certifications.
We thought we’d take a look back at ‘Where It All Began’ and rank the tracks. Find out our order by reading on…
12. Party Girl
The penultimate track on the record, ‘Party Girl’ leaned heavily into R&B Country. As always Shay’s vocal is stellar but the song is one that didn’t really warrant repeat listens. It’s not a bad track, it’s just not as strong as the rest of the songs on the record.
11. Somewhere Only We Know
Throwing a little hint of rock into the mix, ‘Somewhere Only We Know’ features a harder beat than some of the other songs on the record. There’s nothing wrong with the song but there’s nothing overly remarkable either. A solid album track.
10. Parking Brake
A fun little ditty, ‘Parking Brake’ celebrates young love and it’s a breezy Country/pop track with a catchy chorus. It’s further evidence that Dan + Shay were already on the path to ‘boyfriend Country’ long before the label became associated with them.
9. First Time Feeling
Capturing the feeling of a forbidden relationship, ‘First Time Feeling’ played on a few Country cliches and throws in a George Strait reference for good measure. It was perfect for young couples at the time and the earnest delivery of the vocals ensured that it became an anthem for loved up youngsters.
8. Close Your Eyes
Actually one of the more traditional Country moments on the record, ‘Close Your Eyes’ is underscored by a banjo rhythm. Hushed harmonies drive the verses on this understated mid-tempo gem that succeeds thanks to its simplicity.
7. What You Do To Me
This song was indicative of the sound that was emerging at Country radio at the time. Part ballad, part R&B slow-jam, the song showed just what a versatile vocalist Shay is. It’s a catchy tune and arriving at the mid-point of the record, it’s a laidback gem that’s easy to listen to.
6. I Heard Goodbye
You think ‘Tequila’ is the first big piano-led ballad that Dan + Shay did? We refer you to the emotive ‘I Heard Goodbye’. If there were any doubts about the incredible talent of Shay as a vocalist, this song cleared them up. It’s stunning.
5. Can’t Say No
If every Dan + Shay recorded a song that would predict their future sound, it was this acoustic number. People seemed to think ‘10,000 Hours’ with Justin Bieber came out of nowhere but this was the original template. Stripped-back with a focus on the vocals, it’s pure Dan + Shay bliss.
4. Stop Drop + Roll
If you’ve ever seen Dan + Shay live, you’ll know this one goes down an absolute storm. Perfect geared for Country radio, ‘Stop Drop + Roll’ is an uptempo jam that you can blast out of the speakers. 10 years on and it hasn’t aged a day.
3. Show You Off
We didn’t know it back in 2014 but Dan + Shay have a real knack for a memorable melody, as ‘Show You Off’ proves. The harmony vocals throughout the song combined with the Country/Pop production that has very much become their signature sound, is pretty irresistible.
2. Nothin’ Like You
The duo’s first number one, “Nothin’ Like You” is the perfect blend of Country/pop, elevated by harmonies and a hell of a catchy chorus. This is the song that really started Dan + Shay on a career trajectory that took them from newbies to global Country stars.
1. 19 You + Me
It was the song that started our long love affair with the duo so it has to be number 1. More acoustic than much of the rest of the record, it was the first time we truly understood the power of Dan + Shay as a Country music force. That soaring chorus, Shay’s insane vocals and a hook so catchy you can’t help but sing it, it’s the album’s crowning glory.
Dan + Shay’s ‘Where It All Began’ is available to stream now and the vinyl will be released on 26th April 2024.
