2 Chainz
“Watch Out”
#85
“Watch Out” sounds familiar, and I wish I could pinpoint exactly where I’ve heard it before. But heard it before I have, and in the back of my mind is a record that sounds more pointed, more inspired, and less above-it-all than this one. It’s been a long time since 2 Chainz had a hit of his own; is it all that features money that makes him feel so special?
Eric Church
“Mr. Misunderstood”
#92
The Springsteen and Mellencamp influences are still there, but the obvious model for this rambling country bildungsroman is Rod Stewart’s “Every Picture Tells A Story”. Church hasn’t had as dramatic a life (no riots in Paris, anyway), and Stewart would never describe himself in such outsider terms, but Alabama Hannah, who teaches Church about Jackson Pollock, is a good match for Shanghai Lil, and the attitude and approach are a near match. Stewart wins because his band was both looser and more focused, his ideas more universal, and because he didn’t have as big a chip on his shoulder, but Church is catching up fast. Unlike most country songwriters, Church has gotten wordier as his career has progressed, which means he’s still learning, and may be nowhere near his peak.
Keith Urban
“Break On Me.”
#94
After the surprising excellence of “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16”, it’s back to normal for Urban: “Break On Me” is supremely crafted, tastefully performed, with just the slightest touch of the modern. It’s also shallow, empty, and forgettable. Not as aesthetically offensive as Urban’s worst records, but close, very close.
Florida Georgia Line
“Confession”
#99
The multi-tracking and studio gimmickry applied to the vocals are so thick you start to wonder if they have real voices at all. In this setting, and with these vocals, the suggestions of self-doubt come across as cute rather than meaningful, the kind of cute that will curdle your beer in five seconds flat. Taking themselves seriously could be the dumbest thing these dummies ever do.