Album Review: Mo Pitney’s ‘Behind This Guitar’

There is no debate on what genre Mo Pitney’s debut album, Behind This Guitar, belongs in. From the first to the very last track, every note is drenched in traditional country lyrics reminiscent of 90’s country sounds.

The opening song of the project, appropriately titled “Country,” lays out the universal theme wound through the entire track list. “Country can be in the middle of a city/Country can be on a farm/Country ain’t even a place on map/It’s a place in your heart,” the chorus sings, summing up the light and airy message of the song.

The project as a whole doesn’t offer much diversity in sound and the production will appeal to the minimalist. This leaves way to shine a light on his undeniably talented voice which is comparable to the likes of Easton Corbin and a higher pitched Chris Young.

Each song opens with a unique first line that pulls you into the story he is trying to paint, such as in tale-telling songs “Clean Up On Aisle Five” and “I Met Merle Haggard Today.” The rhythms resemble Texas swing with a two-step flare.

He leaves a signature country sound through out Behind This Guitar while exploring different levels of depth. The title track gives a glimpse into Pitney’s past and personality and may be relatable to on the verge artists all around Music City. “Give Me Jesus” can be coined as a gospel hymn and serves as the perfect song to end the record with.

Love helped pen tracks on the record specifically in “Come Do a Little Life,” “Everywhere” and “When I’m With You.” His solid voice adds passion to these love songs and becomes more fragile in “Love Her Like I Lost Her” in a way that adds more emotion to the tune.

The country newcomer has an easy-going style of his own that he lends to his Freshman album. He strays away from the pop-country trend for a record all his own that gives him the opportunity to grow independently in the genre.

Behind This Guitar is available for purchase HERE.