Album Review: Dylan Scott’s Self-Titled Debut

For as long as he can remember, Dylan Scott wanted to visit Nashville, Tenn. and dreamed of pursuing a career in music. The Louisiana native visited Music City for the first time with his father when he was 15 years old and a few years later signed a deal with Curb Records. Now 25, Scott is set to release his debut, self-titled album on Friday (Aug. 12).

Scott had a hand in co-writing seven of the album’s 13 tracks and his life is showcased in every song, whether he wrote it or not. A well rounded and genre-bending album, Scott introduces himself to the country world throughout his debut.

The feel good “Lay It On Me” kicks things off and has Scott singing about his idea of the perfect night: his girl in the shotgun seat while they’re cruising around with the windows down and singing along to the radio. The song’s high energy segues into the Sam Hunt-esque “My Town” which includes rapid fire lyrics with distinct urban beats and a sense of urgency. A nostalgic song that recalls football Friday nights in a small town where everyone knows your name, “My Town” is an anthemic song that has Scott lamenting on how he never wants anything to change back home. “It’s the middle of nowhere but I call it home,” he sings.

While the fast-paced tracks are perfect for a live setting, Scott impresses most on the ballads. Songs like the heartbreaking “Passenger Seat” feature the singer’s emotional vocals where he yearns for an ex who used to spend most of their days together in his passenger seat. Additional highlights include the piano-based “I Lost You” and poignant “Living Room” — both heartfelt ballads that have the singer trying unsuccessfully to move on after a relationship ends. On the cleverly crafted “Living Room,” Scott sings of at first wanting space from a girlfriend but now he is too lonely in his own living room by himself. Later, on the urban-inspired album closer “Do You Think of Me,” Scott once again laments of  lost love but this time the slick production and reminiscent storyline reads more of nostalgia than heartbreak.

“I still think about you, do you think about me? / ‘Strawberry Wine,’ we were 17 / And that was our song all summer long and till this day every time it comes on I think about you,” he sings.

Where the world got a taste of Scott from his previous single “Crazy Over Me,” his current release “My Girl” is the most honest track on the album. A sweet song about his wife, “My Girl” is an inside look at the couple’s life together and the little moments that no one sees except him.

Meanwhile, the smooth “Rules” is a sexy track about breaking all the preconceived rules that people think one should abide by at the start of a relationship.

“Two weeks in, your toothbrush on my countertop / I even cleared a space in my nightstand for you / Your friends say we move too fast they don’t know what we’ve got,” he soulfully sings.

Scott’s 13-track release blends all of the singer’s musical influences from traditional country with relatable story songs to more urban and pop leaning tracks complete with drum loops and distinct beats. All the while, his sultry vocals accompany each song. Whether it’s an optimistic love song, an upbeat jam or a heartbreaking ballad, Scott manages to convert the listener with each lyric he sings.

Dylan Scott’s self-titled debut album is available for pre-order HERE.