Brett Kissel has firmly established himself as one of Canada's most celebrated country artists, blending traditional roots with modern flair. With an impressive career spanning multiple CCMA and JUNO awards, Gold-certified albums, and a series of chart-topping hits, Kissel has built a reputation as both a dynamic performer and a skilled storyteller. Over the years, he has collaborated with legends like Garth Brooks and Charley Pride while also embracing contemporary influences, working with artists such as Nelly and TikTok star Cooper Alan. His recent four-part ‘Compass Project' showcased his ability to push creative boundaries, and now, with ‘Let Your Horses Run,' he embarks on yet another exciting chapter.
‘Let Your Horses Run' represents a deeper dive into Kissel’s country roots, reflecting his evolution as both an artist and a person. The album blends heartfelt storytelling with a renewed appreciation for rural life, marking a shift in his perspective and priorities. Accompanied by The Side You’ve Never Seen tour, which strips down his songs to their rawest form, this era of Kissel’s music offers fans a more intimate connection to his artistry. With a mix of fun, authenticity, and pure country spirit, ‘Let Your Horses Run' is a testament to Kissel’s growth and enduring passion for the genre.
Brett Kissel’s ‘Let Your Horses Run' is a bold step into the heart of Western country music, a cohesive and evocative album that blends classic storytelling with modern sensibilities. Take standout track, ‘Another One.’ Here, Kissel impresses with an infectious, uptempo anthem built around a slick guitar riff reminiscent of 80s Bryan Adams. “Because you might not get another one,” he sings, urging listeners to seize the moment, making it the perfect high-energy concert opener. It’s a confident track that reflects the album’s mix of anthemic country, heartfelt storytelling and modern-tinged influences.
The album channels a fun-loving mood with ‘Two of Us,' featuring Cooper Alan. This track screams peak Blake Shelton energy, offering a lighthearted, beer-soaked party anthem. “I'm the life of the party, I'm the king of cut loose,” Kissel and Alan declare, as the song stumbles through an irresistible, singalong chorus. The carefree vibe gives way to ‘Hurtin' Songs,' a nostalgic reflection on the evolution of country music. “I miss those hurting songs,” Kissel laments, name-dropping George Jones and longing for a time when country music was about heartbreak rather than just partying. With steel guitar, fiddle, and a 70s Countrypolitan sheen, this track serves as a loving tribute to the genre’s roots.
A standout moment comes with ‘Cowboys and Dreamers,' a darker, Western-tinged track that taps into the current cowboy renaissance fuelled by artists like Lainey Wilson and shows like Yellowstone. “Everybody wants to be a cowboy, till it’s time to be a cowboy,” Kissel sings over a galloping beat, linking the cowboy ethos to a deeper sense of freedom and defiance. That same rugged spirit can also be found on ‘Get the Hell Out of This Town,' featuring Don Louis, which tells the clever, melancholic story of a washed-up man and a priest drowning their sorrows in the same bar. “We took different roads in this life, but tonight they both drove us to drink,” Kissel sings, crafting a compelling tale of two men seeking an escape from their own circumstances. Similarly, title track, ‘Let Your Horses Run,' finds a song that echoes the uplifting energy of Lainey Wilson’s ‘Wildflowers and Wild Horses.' “Ride it like you're chasing the sun,” Kissel urges, wrapping themes of freedom and chasing dreams in soaring melodies and Western imagery.
The cowboy themes reach a climax in ‘Nowhere to Ride,' a song that feels like Bon Jovi’s ‘Wanted Dead or Alive' rewritten for modern country. “What’s a cowboy to do when there’s nowhere to ride?” Kissel asks, lamenting the loss of open spaces and a way of life.
The album’s emotional weight reaches its peak in its final stretch. ‘Close to You,' is a stripped-back acoustic ballad about loss and remembrance. “You left too soon,” Kissel sings with plaintive honesty, weaving memories of his father through references to old red Fords and Don Williams songs. It’s a deeply personal and evocative moment that many listeners will find themselves relating to.
‘Rich Is,’ meanwhile, delivers a poignant message about what truly matters in life. In a duet format with co-writer Phil Vassar, Kissel contrasts the lives of a wealthy businessman and a struggling man, ultimately concluding, “That’s what rich is,” in a powerful statement on family, love, and meaning beyond material wealth. Finally, ‘All This Cowboy Needs' closes the album with a tender, fiddle-laced ballad about the simple joys of home, love, and the land—an earnest, heartfelt duet with Morgan Klaiber that brings the album full circle.
‘Let Your Horses Run' is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a fully realised narrative, tied together by themes of resilience, freedom, and the search for meaning. With its mix of anthemic, upbeat tracks and deeply personal ballads, the album solidifies Kissel’s status as a modern country storyteller who respects tradition while forging his own path. It’s a record that speaks to both the restless spirit of the cowboy and the introspective heart of the dreamer, making it one of the most compelling releases of his career.
Track list: 1. Cowboys and Dreamers 2. Let Your Horses Run 3. Get the Hell Out of This Town 4. Another One 5. Nowhere to Ride 6. Two of Us 7. Hurtin’ Songs 8. Rich Is 9. Close to You 10. All This Cowboy Needs Release Date: February 28th Record Label: Independent Buy ‘Let Your Horses Run' right here
