Warner Music Nashville recording artist, Cole Swindell, released his debut studio album on Feb. 18. Swindell, who had a hand in writing 11 of the 12 tracks, was recently shot into country superstardom thanks to his first No. 1 single, “Chillin’ It.”
I had the pleasure of seeing Swindell perform down the road from my university at the Dusty Armadillo a few months ago. Going into the show, I knew a handful of the songs he had released demos of as well as another handful of songs he has written that other artists have recorded. His setlist did not disappoint, as he sang his most popular songs and covered a few other country mega hits.
“Let Me See Ya Girl” is definitely one of my favorites on Swindell’s album. I’ve heard two versions of the song (a live acoustic version and studio demo) but the album version surpasses both. It’s a feel-good, lets-have-fun-tonight song and has a catchy beat. It’s nothing too deep, lyrics wise, but it’s hard not to like if you’re a country fan.
Pictures taken by me at Swindell’s Nov. 30 concert at the Dusty
“I Just Want You” is another highlight on the album and co-written by Michael Carter and Luke Bryan. It’s a slower paced, more serious love song. Bryan and Swindell have been friends since college and were both in the Sigma Chi fraternity at Georgia Southern University. Before starting his music career, Swindell toured with Bryan selling his merchandise. Ironically enough, Swindell is now an opening act on Bryan’s 2014 That’s My Kind of Night Tour.
One song that is unique to this album is called, “The Back Roads and the Back Row.” Swindell explains it as a memento to his hometown in Georgia where he and his friends would travel the back roads on the weekends and be in the back row of church on Sundays.
“That’s the way it was, and that’s the way it is
When you’re growing up in the mud and the buck the way we did.
It got me where I am and where I’m gonna go.
We learned all about believing and everything we were ever gonna need to know.
Somewhere between the back roads and the back row.”
The lyrics from this chorus are clever and meaningful which is one of the reasons I think this song is unique. In addition, the lyrics are specific to his childhood and growing up in a small town.
Although I would consider myself biased, I personally don’t think there is a single bad song on this album. I think Swindell is an excellent songwriter who knows a good song when he writes one. But, what do I know. I’ll let his track record speak for itself.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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