Every week, new music gets released into our genre, and I’ve missed reviewing a bunch of it. So, with that being said, I’m here to introduce the “Better Late Than Never” series – a series about all the fantastic music that has come out since October. Lots of music comes out every week, so it’s impossible for the Raised Rowdy writers to keep up with it all. I’ve been listening to the following songs a lot, and I wanted to make sure they got the spotlight they deserve. With that being said, let’s do a quick little roundup of all the latest music that has gotten released. For those who are going to read this and ask where the Hardy music is, my counterpart Evan wrote this fantastic article. I don’t want to state the obvious, but the mockingbird & THE CROW is going to be the premier album of 2023. Hardy making an album of half country music, half rock is genius. So with that being omitted, let’s get started on “Better Late Than Never” part 1.
“There’s Me” by Sean Williams is a fun, upbeat drinking song. It’s a little checklist-y, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need in your music. This song does it well. The hook of the song “Where there’s ice cold beer, there’s me” is relatable to the rowdy rednecks out there. I can’t wait to crank it up on a Friday night and shotgun a beer. That’s all it’s supposed to be. I love the song, and can’t wait to dive deeper into Sean Williams.
Second is Austin Snell. First, go check out the Raised Rowdy podcast with Austin from September. Second, go to iTunes and listen to “Excuse the Mess.” It’s right on the line of rock and country, but if you like Hardy I promise you’ll love Austin. Go check it out now!
Another song that came out recently that I love is “That Drink” by George Birge and Neal McCoy. If you’re on TikTok, you know George as the guy who sang “Beer Beer, Truck Truck.” Neal McCoy had success in the 90s, having 9 top 10 singles over his career. It’s a party drinking song. The song mixes “What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett with Texas country and a lot of beer. References in this song include, “Achy Breaky Heart,” George Strait, “Bubba Shot the Jukebox,” David Lee Murphy, Brooks and Dunn, “Down on the Farm,” and Tracy Byrd. I love that it doesn’t take itself too seriously and suggest “That Drink.”
Finally, I recommend “Don’t Tell Me How to Drink” by Kendell Marvel. This song takes on a different vibe that the other recommendations. It feels like a song that’s fun from the perspective of an older man. It’s the story of a guy who goes into the bar, and teaches the younger guys how to get after it. Kendell gives off the vibe of, “I might be older, but I’ll drink your ass under the table so don’t fuck with me.” Oh and did I mention the song features Chris Stapleton? Yeah… go listen now.
So that’s all I got for now. Sorry I’ve been a little behind on the blogging, but I’m sure all 10 of my loyal and dedicated fans will be happy I’m back. This is part 1 of the roundup of songs I’ve loved over the past few months.