Review: Luke Bryan- ‘tailgates & tanlines’

It’s no secret that Luke Bryan is well on his way to becoming one of country music’s hottest stars. Known for his voice, his charm, his energetic live shows, and that killer smile, Luke was named the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Solo Vocalist and Top New Artist in 2010, and arguably had the best performance at the 2011 CMT Music Awards where he performed “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)”, the lead single of his third studio album, tailgates and tanlines, which hits stores today. Luke’s depth and growth as a songwriter and vocalist really shine through on his latest effort with stories of the ups and downs of love, rural living, and life lessons.

“Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” is Bryan’s fastest rising single to date, and although the lyrics can be silly at times, it’s just so catchy that you can’t help but want to “shake it for the birds, shake it for the bees.” However, listeners should not judge the album on this song alone as the album quickly transitions into tales of lost love.

Breakup songs have always been prevalent in country music, it’s a theme that’s been covered countless times, yet Bryan manages to cover the three stages of breaking up all in one album and accomplishes it without making you feel like you’ve heard that song a million times before. There’s the tale of wanting that one last night together (even though you know you shouldn’t) with “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye,” where the lyrics plainly state “The only thing we do right is make love/We both know now that ain’t enough.” It may not be enough forever, but it’s enough for one more night.

Then there’s “I Know You’re Gonna Be There,” which is so relatable for anyone who has ever had a relationship end. He sings about dressing up, bringing a new girl to show off, and pretending it’s an accident that he showed up at the same place as the ex-girlfriend but in the end he’s not so confident as to what will actually happen when he sees her again. Not only is the song detail oriented and well written, but there’s something in Luke’s voice that paints the picture of the song that actually makes you believe you’re in the bar with him when he runs in to that old flame.

And then of course there’s the ‘screw you’ breakup song. “Been There, Done That” is one of those tunes where you want to just roll your car windows down and belt it out. It’s that moment when you realize you’re wasting your time and you finally walk away for good. The melody is just up-tempo enough to make it a fun break up song rather than one you want to drown your tears in. “And I’m done with you messing with my mind/the last time’s the last time baby” are definitely some lyrics that will have fans singing along.

Contrary to what episodes of Luke’s infamous webisode series, “LBTV,” may portray, there must be some work getting done on the bus while touring across the country. This is evident by “Faded Away,” which was written by Luke and his lead guitarist, Michael Carter. Originally the song was going to be on the next “Spring Break” EP but eventually made the cut for the main album, which was a great choice. The melody is pretty, and the metaphors are poetic. The song would have gotten lost on the Spring Break album but on tailgates and tanlines, it’s a perfect blend with the rest of the tracks.

The album’s fourth track,“I Don’t Want This Night To End,” is a stand out on the album. And how could it not be when it is co-written by Bryan and the “Peach Pickers”- Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, and Ben Hayslip? Crowds are already jamming out and dancing along to lyrics such as “You got your hands up/you’re rocking in my truck/You got the radio on/You’re singing every song.” This song is very catchy and could easily be his next hit at country radio.

It’s not all about love songs on this album though. Luke pays homage to his Georgia roots with tracks like “Harvest Time,” which can almost make the listener smell the dust stirred up by the combines, and “Muckalee Creek Water,” which is essentially a follow up to Doin’ My Thing’s “Drinkin’ Beer and Wastin’ Bullets,” a fan favorite at Luke’s live shows. Then there’s easily the most country track on the album, “You Don’t Know Jack.” Although Luke didn’t have a hand in writing this one, he sings it so perfectly that you can feel the pain of the character, a homeless alcoholic who lost his kids, his wife, and basically his whole life. It’s one of the best songs Luke’s ever recorded.

With eight of the thirteen tracks co-written by Luke, it’s easy to notice the growth of his writing abilities and with the tracks he didn’t write, he’s making better song selections with this album. Luke recently told The Tennessean, “With the outside stuff that’s on here, I feel like I became a better recording artist. I fell in love with the songs, and so I just really focused hard on trying to come in and make these songs my own. I’m real happy with how that turned out.”

Overall the album is well balanced between fun and serious, love and life. His voice is impeccable with that unmistakable southern drawl. The arrangements are flawless, spanning from country-pop to classic country. With thirteen strong tracks, tailgates & tanlines solidifies Luke as one of country’s most talented rising singer-songwriters.

Other standout tracks include:

“Drunk On You” – A song about the euphoric feeling that occurs with an exciting summer love. “Drunk On You” will become an instant hit if released to country radio.

“Tailgate Blues” – Luke is accompanied by Ashton Shepherd with a song that instantly makes you perk up the minute you hear the two southern singers’ distinctive voices come together.

“Too Damn Young” – One of the most well-written songs on the album. We dare you to listen without thinking of your first love.

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