Singer-songwriter Chase Rice is set to release his new independent album, Go Down Singin’ on September 20. Following the success of his 2023 album ‘I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell' which Billboard hailed as “one of 2023’s most unexpected artistic pivots,” Rice continues to delve into personal and introspective themes with this new project.
The cover art for ‘Go Down Singin’' mirrors that of ‘I Hate Cowboys,' featuring a recreated image of Rice’s late father holding two Coors Banquets, paying tribute to the man who greatly influenced his life and music.
Reflecting on his journey, Rice considers this 11-song collection an important milestone. “I’m 38 now, and I’ve journaled since I was 15 years old, but there’s something about being able to tell other people. I’m a deep person, but I don’t know how to show it in real life, so I’m trying to do it in my music,” Rice says. “Go Down Singin’ is everything about where I am and what I want. I’m starting to see myself as who I want to be, not who I thought I should be. That’s a good start. And I think a lot of men struggle with this stuff, too.”
‘Go Down Singin' is a testament to Chase Rice's evolution as a songwriter and musician. Stripping back to raw, acoustic elements, the album presents an authentic and deeply personal exploration of Rice’s life, career, and the emotional experiences that come with it. Blending folk, country, and rock influences, Rice crafts songs that are both musically diverse and lyrically profound.
The album kicks off with the title track, a quiet and largely acoustic piece that showcases Rice’s resilience. Reflecting on the highs and lows of his career, he confidently sings, “I did my best, I went for broke.” This tender and melodic song sets the tone for the album, allowing listeners to relate to his journey of perseverance and independence.
‘Fireside,' co-written with Jackson Dean, brings a contrasting energy with its anthemic, folk-inspired vibe. The track builds from a soft beginning into a full-blown Mumford & Sons-style rocker, complete with explosive choruses and a dynamic fiddle performance. Rice’s invitation to “Come burn with me” captures the song's fiery spirit, marking it as a standout with its highs and lows. As the album continues Rice treats listeners to a mix of styles and sounds that remain always organic, earthy and honest.
‘That Word Don’t Work No More' takes a more somber turn, telling the story of a marriage from its inception to its sudden end. Co-written with Lori McKenna, (interestingly, it is one of four McKenna co-writes on this album!) the song features Rice’s deep, rich vocals, blending seamlessly with acoustic guitars and fiddles. The clever, impactful storytelling is a hallmark of McKenna's influence, and the song’s abrupt ending leaves a lingering sense of loss. Similarly, ‘If Drinkin’ Helped' (another Lori McKenna co-write) strips back to a quiet, acoustic foundation, with Rice’s vocals mixed high to give an intimate, room-like presence. The song captures the struggles of a troubadour lifestyle, exploring themes of loneliness and loss with haunting poignancy.
In ‘Hey God, It’s Me Again' Rice takes another quieter, folk-leaning approach. The track builds to a larger chorus, exploring themes of gratitude and the need for grounding. With lyrics like, “I need a different kind of rock in my roll,” Rice expresses a longing for stability amid his ongoing pursuit of dreams. This deep, meaningful song echoes the rawness of an Eric Church classic, capturing both vulnerability and strength.
‘Oh Tennessee' is perhaps the album’s crowning achievement. Rice’s vocals embody more Eric Church-style grittiness as he sings about self-destruction amidst Tennessee's allure. The song's final third transforms into an intense jam session, complete with darker gang vocals and wild guitars. Its mixture of raw emotion and a chaotic instrumental break gives the track a powerful, almost cathartic edge.
Rice keeps the intensity of the listen and the journey high on ‘Haw River.' Here he delves into darker storytelling reminiscent of Appalachian murder ballads, inspired by the ‘Yellowstone 1923' TV show. Depicting an abusive holy man, the song builds into a bombastic chorus filled with anger and vitriol. The story's climax, where a brave girl takes justice into her own hands, is punctuated by an extended guitar solo that drives the song toward its dramatic conclusion.
The album's emotional depth continues with ‘Numbers.' another track influenced by Eric Church. With rich, earthy instrumentation, Rice links numbers to life experiences, emphasising the importance of making the most of our days. His father's advice, “Put a few numbers in your days while you can,” resonates throughout this organic and earthy anthem.
‘Arkansas' brings a bit of levity to an intense listen, beginning with a spoken word intro about duck hunting at Christmas. The song unfolds into a folky, gang vocal-filled chorus, propelled by thumping drums and fiddle. The central refrain, “Boys, get your guns ready, we’re hunting on Christmas,” captures the song’s lively, almost communal spirit, promising to be a fan favourite at live shows. ‘Little Red Race Car,' meanwhile, is a classic three-part country song that evolves with each verse, reflecting on different stages of life. From childhood to adulthood, Rice uses his strong vocals and a hint of growl to convey nostalgia and the passage of time. The song's muscle-filled chorus gives it a powerful emotional punch.
The fourth Lori McKenna co-write and album closer, ‘You in ‘85' stands as a tribute to Rice's late father, framed within an '80s-inspired production complete with a big Elton John-style piano refrain. Rice touches on family memories, expressing a yearning for his father to witness his life's current path. The melodic guitar solo and final, uplifting third make this song an emotionally charged closer and the poster child for a varied, intense and emotional project.
‘Go Down Singin' is a deeply personal and musically diverse album that captures Chase Rice’s evolution as an artist. From soulful acoustic ballads to anthemic rockers, each track tells a story, offering listeners a raw and heartfelt glimpse into Rice's world. With its blend of introspection, nostalgia, and storytelling, this album solidifies Chase Rice’s growing reputation as a nuanced and mature voice in country music.
Tracklist: 1. Go Down Singin 2. Fireside 3. That Word Don't Work No More 4. Hey God, It's Me Again 5. Oh Tennessee 6. Haw River 7. Arkansas 8. Numbers 9. If Drinkin Helped 10. Little Red Race Car 11. You in '85 Release Date: September 20th Record Label: Independent Buy ‘Go Down Singin' right here
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