Apologies for my lack of posts recently. I don’t have a legitimate excuse, except to say that life has got in the way!
Luke Combs’ new album release lit a fire under me and I was so excited that I thought an album review was a good way to get me writing blog posts again.
So… here we go with a brand new album from the remarkable Luke Combs.
Enjoy and stay musical.
Doin’ This
Released late last year, this song is pure Luke Combs. With meaningful lyrics and an inimitable voice, it’s a song that makes you want to lip sync to and pretend you’re on stage with him performing to his loyal fanbase.
“At the Grand Ole Opry or a show in some no-name town, I’d still be doin’ this if I wasn’t doin’ this.”
Any Given Friday Night
This song instantly put a smile on my face (it helped that I listened to it last night – a Friday)! As I listened, with my eyes closed, I pictured myself in the Deep South of the good ol’ US of A at a country bar, having the time of my life.
“In the nowhere dust, falling in love underneath an endless sky.”
The Kind of Love we Make
Luke has a way of making you feel so at ease with his songs. From the first listen, it’s like he has written the song just for you.
This song had me singing along so quickly and proves what an incredible songwriter he is. A real passionate love song that makes you want to find that special someone and appreciate every second together.
“Let’s get some candles burning and some records turning, all the lights down low, take it nice and slow.”
On the Other Line
A classic country fishing song! This song gives me Brad Paisley, Zac Brown and Jimmy Buffet vibes, and while it is a different type of Luke Combs song, I loved it.
“Sorry honey, but I gotta click over, but I got a 6 pound large mouth on the other line.”
Outrunnin’ Your Memory (with Miranda Lambert)
A heart-warming duet with the great Miranda.
It happens to be the anniversary of my grandad’s passing today, so my mind instantly went to him when I heard some of the lyrics, even though it’s about a breakup. I suppose that’s the beauty of country music, that you can listen to the words and use part or all of them to help you in your own experiences, highs and lows, and hopefully find some healing in the words.
“I see you in every sunset, every star in the sky, I hear you calling my name in the middle of the night.”
Used to Wish I Was
What an inspirational song! It is my favourite song on the album so far. Just a pure, unapologetic song that teaches us all to be proud of ourselves, no matter what. I’m sure if Luke released this as a single, it would go straight to number one as so many people would be able to relate to it.
A must-listen!
“I couldn’t be anybody but me, even if I tried, I used to wish I was, but I’m glad I’m not.”
Better Back When
A pure nostalgia-filled song. I’m sure it will get most people thinking about their lives – past and present. Hopefully you’ll listen along and reminisce with a smile on your face.
“I can’t say that the moon in the sky was shining any brighter than it is tonight, but it looked on fire back then. It probably wasn’t, but it seemed a little better back when.”
Tomorrow Me
Released earlier this year, another familiar and very powerful song.
If you’ve ever thought what if we just got back together for one night with an ex, this song will get you thinking. Even if you know it’s the wrong decision, the temptation is still there.
“So maybe we should let yesterday be, ‘cause I gotta live with tomorrow me.”
Ain’t Far From it
Back to a toe-tapping song that is guaranteed to make you smile and dance along.
“I wanna fly like a honky tonk moth to that neon light.”
Call Me
We’ve all know how it feels to be treated badly by hypocrites, and this song describes that feeling with such clarity. Remember to always stay kind.
“You love me and hate me, and somewhere in between I know my phone’s gonna ring.”
Middle of Somewhere
Luke takes it slow with thought-provoking words in this song, that prove sometimes the simple things in life are the best. A good lesson for all of us in the world today.
“Just remember when you’re driving through nowhere, to us that’s the middle of somewhere.”
Going, Going, Gone
With a beautiful acoustic intro, and even more beautiful vocals, explaining a girl’s destiny to leave and move on with her life. A perfect end to what I think is Luke’s best album so far.
“I can say it wasn’t meant to be, or maybe meant to be’s misunderstood.”
Overall score: 10/10
It’s been a while since an album has captured my attention and has made me want to laugh, cry, sing and dance along.
I sat in my room tonight (Friday 24 June 2022), and I can say that the past 41 minutes and 28 seconds that it took to listen to Growin’ Up, felt like 5 minutes! That is a testament to a great album. I loved every song and applaud Luke and his team for an exceptional album that I couldn’t find any fault in whatsoever.
My favourite song: Used to Wish I Was