Tanner Usrey, a native of Prosper, Texas, has steadily carved his niche in the country-rock and Americana sphere. Singing since age five and raised on legends like Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Wade Bowen, and Whiskey Myers, he picked up guitar in high school and began gigging soon after . After independently releasing EPs like Medicine Man (2019) and SÕL Sessions (2021)—with standout singles such as ‘Come Back Down' ‘Beautiful Lies' and ‘The Light' (the latter featured in Yellowstone’s Season 4 finale)—Usrey’s raw storytelling and fiery stage presence earned him massive exposure, over 300 million streams, and a reputation as a relentless performer. In 2023, he put out his full‑length debut ‘Crossing Lines' via Atlantic Records and you can read our interview with him about that album right here.
Usrey’s sophomore album ‘These Days,' produced by Grammy‑winner Dave Cobb, marks his most personal work yet. Recorded between Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A and Cobb’s Georgia Mae Studio in Savannah, the ten‑track effort delves into mental‑health struggles, relationship highs and lows and introspection, all delivered in Usrey’s signature country‑rock style. Reflecting on the album, Usrey shared that working with Cobb—an influence behind his favourite albums by Whiskey Myers, Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell—“really pushes my voice in a way that I haven’t before,” an evolution that he and his band are eager to bring to life this summer on the extensive Bad Love Tour alongside Cody Jinks and Ella Langley.
On ‘These Days,' Tanner Usrey swings for the fences—and hits a soulful, scorching home run. This isn’t just a follow-up to ‘Crossing Lines'; it’s a statement of intent, a bold step forward that fuses Muscle Shoals soul with Southern rock grit, full of blues, bruises, and hard-won growth.
Usrey kicks things off with a bang in ‘Do It To Myself,' a funky barroom romp laced with dirty guitars, swaggering piano licks, and a confessional tone. “It ain’t killed me yet!” he hollers. “There ain’t no one else to blame.” It’s a raucous Southern rock anthem dripping with Americana and road-weary honesty—think Whiskey Myers meets early Black Crowes—with enough live energy to tear the roof off a dive bar. He lets loose again later on in the album on ‘Bad Love,' a Southern rock banger soaked in 70s swagger. Dirty guitars, pounding drums, and Hendrix-meets-Kravitz energy power this tale of a woman he can’t resist, no matter the cost. “She’s got a hold on me,” he growls—and you believe it.
The mood shifts on ‘If You Call Me Again,' a lush, aching ballad that oozes the unmistakable touch of producer Dave Cobb. The Muscle Shoals influence is deep here, from the bluesy steel guitar to the spacious, emotive piano. Usrey channels Chris Stapleton on the chorus—“I don’t think I’d let it ring if you called me again”—as he unpacks the weight of love lost and the torment of unfinished goodbyes. Similarly, ‘Better Weather' strips things back with a vulnerable, acoustic meditation on burned bridges and self-sabotage. “You’re the last one that I had. I can’t say I blame you if you never do come back.” It’s a reflective look at growing older and not always getting it right—echoes of Jason Isbell in both its honesty and arrangement. The sparse, tasteful guitar solo gives it an added depth that hits harder than any overblown crescendo could.
Usrey brings a dose of nostalgia to the mix on ‘4th of July,' with harmonica and Southern guitars backing a coming-of-age story that could’ve rolled straight out of a Tom Petty or Springsteen songbook. From pickup trucks and first love to adult responsibilities, it’s a bittersweet tale of holding on to youthful romance even as life marches on.
The emotional centre piece of the album, however, is undoubtedly ‘Smoke in the Air.' A bluesy, brooding anthem that recalls ‘Bringing Down the Horse'-era Wallflowers, it’s a searing depiction of a toxic love story. “Everything I touch goes up in flames,” Usrey sings, capturing the helpless self-awareness of someone who can’t stop the destruction. It’s big, bold, and brutally human—a future singalong staple with the lyrical maturity of Wade Bowen and the melodic punch to match.
‘Don’t Let Go (Hold Me Close)' brings things back to soulful intimacy. “It’s 4am and we’re both drunk again, I don’t want this night to end,” Usrey sings over a warm, bluesy arrangement. It’s another Stapleton-esque moment, where Cobb’s production and Usrey’s voice become a perfect storm of Muscle Shoals R&B and country-blues.
The title track, ‘These Days,' is quiet but devastating. “I’ve gotten damn good at fucking things up,” he admits. “I count every day these days as a win.” It’s a raw, honest portrayal of trying to hold on when you’re your own worst enemy—evidence of Usrey’s growing lyrical depth and artistic maturity.
‘With You' lightens the tone a little, as the Hammond organ grooves into a soulful, bluesy love song full of swagger and sweetness. “Leave your clothes and your worries at the door,” he sings—classic, heartfelt stuff with that retro Muscle Shoals sound and a full-throated, loving declaration.
The final track, “Gasoline and Adderall,” tears the whole thing down in a fiery blaze. A fast-paced, guitar-driven rocker straight from a Texas roadhouse, it finds Usrey railing against a world that’s let him down: “Nobody makes it out alive… everything’s a lie.” It’s loud, angry, and cathartic—a fitting bookend to an album full of contrasts, contradictions and conviction.
‘These Days' is Tanner Usrey’s most complete and compelling work to date. It’s an album that balances grit with grace, blues with bravado and road-worn wisdom with emotional vulnerability. Cobb’s production helps bring out the best in Usrey, and the mix of Muscle Shoals soul, Texas rock and Americana storytelling shows an artist not just finding his voice—but owning it. For fans of Chris Stapleton, Tom Petty and Whiskey Myers, ‘These Days' is essential listening.
Track list: 1. Do It To Myself 2. If You Call Me Again 3. Better Weather 4. 4th of July 5. Smoke in the Air 6. Bad Love 7. Don't Let Go (Hold Me Close) 8. These Days 9. With You 10. Gasoline and Adderoll Record Label: Atlantic Records Release Date: 11th July Buy ‘These Days' right here
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