Scotty McCreery’s latest album, ‘Rise and Fall,’ takes listeners on a poignant journey through the highs and lows of life, love, and the timeless allure of country music. From the opening track, ‘Little More Gone,’ McCreery sets the stage with a classic honky-tonk vibe and Garth Brooks-esque tremors in his vocals, inviting listeners into a world of heartbreak and longing.
Throughout the album, McCreery expertly weaves narratives of love, loss, and redemption, drawing on retro country influences and heartfelt lyricism. Tracks like ‘Cab in a Solo’ and ‘Lonely’ delve into themes of heartbreak and loneliness, set against a backdrop of smooth, bluesy melodies that showcase McCreery’s rich vocals and emotive delivery. The former has gifted McCreery with his most recent number one and is awash with retro steel and heartbreak. “Heartbreak turned into broke up,” McCreery sings, watching the shadows kiss in his (now former) girlfriend’s bedroom whilst ‘Lonely’ finds him venturing to the bar in what could be an eventual extension of the story portrayed in ‘Cab in a Solo.’ This time, however, he’s ’grinning from ear to ear’ by the second verse as the booze and good times begins to take over! The song has a mid-tempo, bluesy, boozy vibe that mirrors the nature of the lyrics to a tee.
There are two standout tracks on ‘Rise and Fall.’ ‘Hey Rose’ offers a tender exploration of love and vulnerability, with McCreery pleading for a chance to break down the walls around a woman’s heart. The song’s acoustic-driven sound and infectious chorus make it a standout moment on the album, showcasing McCreery’s ability to craft compelling narratives with universal appeal. Similarly, ‘Fall of Summer,’ the de facto title track, begins life as a wistful, nostalgic song about times and a girl gone by. McCreery highlights all the memories ‘that stick around like sand in the floorboard’ as the song builds to a long, elongated chorus that rolls along with a lovely melody and a kind of late summer, early Autumn glow and vibe. ‘Fall of Summer’ would make a great ‘end of summer’ radio single and is a sure fire number one hit to come for McCreery from this album.
As the album progresses, McCreery delves into themes of family, faith, and the passage of time. Tracks like ‘Love Like This’ and ‘Stuck Behind a Tractor’ celebrate the joys of fatherhood and the simple pleasures of home, while ‘No Country for Old Men’ offers a nostalgic reflection on the changing landscape of country music. Here we find more super retro country music with smooth steel and George Strait overtones. The listener runs into an old timer in a bar shaking his head about the state of modern country music. “Those days are gone and they ain’t coming back again….There’s no country for old men,” he bemoans, rueing the lack of twin fiddles and a steel guitar in modern Country music. Scotty McCreery is definitely trying to keep that style and sound alive on this song that echoes the classics of old and he does a damn fine job of it throughout the album.
Closing out the album, ‘Porch’ delivers a poignant finale with its acoustic-driven sound and plaintive harmonica, offering a reflection on finding peace and solace in life’s simple pleasures. With its nursery rhyme-like chorus and heartfelt sentiment, the song encapsulates the overarching narrative of the album – a journey of finding peace, contentment, and joy in the midst of life’s challenges.
‘Rise and Fall’ is a testament to Scotty McCreery’s artistry and storytelling prowess. With its blend of retro country vibes, heartfelt lyricism, and timeless melodies, the album offers a captivating listening experience that will resonate with fans old and new. Through its themes of love, family, and faith, ‘Rise and Fall’ invites listeners to embrace life’s journey with open hearts and open ears.
Tracklist: 1. Little More Gone 2. Cab in a Solo 3. Lonely 4. Can’t Pass the Bar 5. Hey Rose 6. Fall of Summer 7. Love Like This 8. Slow Dance 9. No Country for Old Men 10. And Countin’ 11. Stuck Behind a Tractor 12. Red Letter Blueprint 13. Porch Release Date: 10th May Record Label: Triple Tigers Buy ‘Rise and Fall’ right here
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