Scotty McCreery’s “Rise And Fall” is a masterclass in country music, a blend of heartache, joy, and that signature blue-collar spirit. Take “Little More Gone” for instance – it’s the embodiment of the carefree, fun side of country. McCreery sings it with such ease, like he’s not really all that bothered, and that laid-back vibe makes it a perfect Saturday night anthem.
But if that’s your Saturday night, “Cab In A Solo” is surely the Sunday morning. Here, McCreery taps into the emotional side, showing he knows what heartbreak feels like. His voice, rich and deep, is perfect for delivering that sorrow. In fact, he excels at it throughout the album, with tracks like “Lonely” standing out as pure, classic country – redemption found in a bar stool, as familiar as an old pair of boots. That’s the thing, isn’t it? It’s what country music is about.
The working-class grit and blue-collar themes are scattered throughout, especially in songs like “Don’t Pass The Bar.” It’s an anthem for the Good Ol Boys – made for them, and it wears that badge proudly. These are songs for those who live for weekends, cold beers, and pickup trucks.
Not every track is a tear-jerker, though. Songs like “Hey Rose” and “Fall Of Summer” tug at the heartstrings in the best way. They’re beautifully written and performed with a warmth that feels like home. Even if you’re like me, someone who doesn’t possess much romance in their soul, it’s hard not to feel something when listening to “Love Like This.” McCreery knows how to capture life’s tender moments, and if “Slow Dance” is more about life’s pace than love, it’s still full of heart.
What’s most evident is McCreery’s love for the genre itself. Tracks like “No Country For Old Men” show a deep reverence for country music’s history, while “And Counting” takes us on a trip to the Honky Tonk, where tradition reigns.
Some tracks may not resonate with everyone, though. “Stuck Behind A Tractor” might require a little more patience than I have, and “Red Letter Blueprint” delves into themes of religion that don’t quite connect with my own experience as a tee-total atheist and socialist. But that’s the beauty of country music – it’s as diverse as the lives of those who listen to it.
The album wraps up on a relaxed note with “Porch,” leaving you with the feeling that, whether you’re reflecting on love, loss, or the simple joys of life, “Rise And Fall” has a song for you. McCreery’s voice and the album’s authenticity make it a standout collection.
Rating 8/10
ONES WE MISSED: SCOTTY MCCREERY – RISE AND FALL (2024)
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