Sam Hunt - Southside | Album Review

Today's video is a review of Sam Hunt's new album Southside. How does it compare to Montevallo? Should this be considered country music? And most importantly, is it good? Well, that's complicated... and I still don't fully know what I think.
Favorites...
"2016" • Sam Hunt - 2016 (Offic...
"Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90s" • Sam Hunt - Breaking Up...
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[@GradySmith]

Well. Let's open the floodgates.

[@jackrussell1601]

Hi

[@masonscaggs3554]

Grady Smith this album has so many vibes in it in my opinion

[@loganweaver7723]

As a country album 3/10. As a pop/general album 5.5/10. Just really wish production on many of these songs were stripped down.

[@pamelaparker7032]

He needs to go play his version of music just somewhere else. This is not country music and should not be anywhere near that category. I am sure some people will love this. Not my thing. BTW - he needs to hire an Uber before he experiences a fatal mistake. He was lucky that time. Don't try it again. You may not be so lucky. There are no second chances. Reality, it can ruin lives. I know, so I have the right to PREACH and I will.

[@caerlaverockjaguar3826]

Grady Smith yeah, don’t care for this album.

[@robsinclair3975]

Biggest shock of this video is hearing Grady drop the f bomb

[@nickthorn449]

Time stamp?

[@robsinclair3975]

@@nickthorn449 5:00

[@nickthorn449]

@@robsinclair3975 trippy

[@robsinclair3975]

@@nickthorn449 haha I've been watching Grady for a long time now and I think that's the first time I've ever heard him say it

[@karlwissmann4714]

same i had to rewind to see if he used a funny replacement or i had actually heard it right 😂

[@PanicAtTheDisco0011]

I love “real” country and I love the Sam Hunt style pop-country. They fill different needs for me.

[@SharpusAurelius]

Hehe

[@bugrescue1]

I would agree with that.

[@coleswanginshenanigans867]

Pop country for when im working out , and real country for when im just wanting to have a good time or in my feels

[@courtney.22]

There is room for everything

[@ariakhalique5594]

11/10 agree

[@joelx817]

Grady, the label probably included “Body Like A Back Road” to increase album sales. All the streams it received go towards this album once they included it. It’s something hip hop has been doing for a while now. Just a matter of time before it creeped into Country.

[@alfdoubleu6996]

carlabpurdy bro you’re far too sensitive, just because you don’t like it doesn’t mean it’s not country bruh 😂

[@Cattledecap4life]

@@alfdoubleu6996 maybe, but the fact that he plays on pop radio stations and fits right in does

[@michaelbarton7049]

If Drake and Dan + Shay somehow had a kid together, I imagine this is what it would sound like

[@jackrussell1601]

😂

[@spencerallegra]

100%!!!!

[@EthanJ1005]

Idk how but this works

[@chadthefratboi1334]

Like...threesome?

[@ThePunkRockMBA]

"Hard To Forget" is my current favorite song, absolutely love it and excited to hear your take!

[@iskandertime747]

Hey Finn, nice to see you here!

[@xangrycatmanx5104]

Nice

[@ryanlucey1196]

Listen to more music

[@BigOwl51]

@@ryanlucey1196 triggered by other peoples music taste 😂

[@Ben-gk4me]

Bold move playing a clip from Taylor Swift 😂

[@GradySmith]

Didn't even put the music at 1%. I have learned my lesson.

[@evanwarren4083]

And saying fuckboy

[@Angryoyster]

I just like music, I get why people like their genre to stay pure. But I just like what I like, if I like a song I siren to it I don’t really care if it’s real country or not. I find I gravitate to real country but don’t always.

[@ChaseMorrisTV]

Ella Sezzy I agree, mostly. I am the typical “I only like real country” snob. However, Sam Hunt is a creative guy. I have always felt like he brought something new. I just wish it wasn’t labeled as “country.”

[@larissaeldridge1505]

@@ChaseMorrisTV same idk why he is sometimes considered country, but I'm glad he is because I probably would have discovered him and fell in love with some of his songs if he wasn't

[@pudman33]

My musical tastes spreads wide. I am definitely more of a country purist but I also enjoy pop music and plenty of rock. I just hate it when people give me a coca-cola and try and tell me it's a Pepsi. That's how I feel when it comes to these "crossover" country artists like Sam Hunt. They call it one thing but really, it's more the other. To each their own, and to say I dont enjoy a couple of Sam Hunt's songs would be a lie. I just don't like them as country music because he is not a country artist.

[@gabbydavis6349]

He wanted to focus on his wife after they got married and decided not to focus on a album. I don’t remember what interview it’s from but he said it.

[@bossknight3504]

Gabby Davis yeah he said it. Said he wanted to just get away from the spot light. And he didn’t want his now wife to be scared or frightened of the attention. I think

[@beckk7291]

Makes sense but what was weird to me is how the album doesn’t have one true love song on it. Like I get it maybe that’s not his thing but it truly sounds like a breakup album which seems weird coming from a married man. 🤔

[@LouSassles]

@@beckk7291 Sam and his wife haven't had the best in terms of a relationship until recently. They were always on and off since they were younger. I like this because he's not another Thomas Rhett and his wife type love story. If he wrote a love song, it'd be just the same content as everyone else in country honestly. You'd also have to think maybe his wife doesn't want a direct love song. She wasn't trying to receive any attention until Sam wrote a whole album about her. She was avoiding a lot of it when it happened.

[@beckk7291]

noskilz04 I realize that. Like I said in my original comment maybe the love song thing is not his thing but it’s still seems like a very strange vibe in my opinion.

[@brookskryshak1135]

New Grady videos getting me through quarantine💪

[@maryjoymcdaniel]

One of my favorite things about Grady's channel is that he can touch on music he's not necessarily a fan of, but in a polite fashion. He can review something critically and honestly without being rude about it and I have mad respect for that.

[@noahhaskamp2416]

If there’s one thing Sam Hunt is, he’s INTERESTING

[@rockpaperscissors82]

Not really. We've lowered the bar, drastically, for an "interesting" artist. To Grady's credit, he makes Sam far more interesting than he actually is.

[@noahhaskamp2416]

carlabpurdy He really is though. In his interviews he’s very introverted and I feel like we got that on this album. I’m here for it

[@noahhaskamp2416]

carlabpurdy Sam Hunt is nowhere near bro country. Bro country is cole swindell, or Tyler Farr. Sam Hunt has much more to say here. I understand the haters, I do, but to bash it simply because it’s Sam Hunt is ridiculous. I gave this album a chance and through multiple listens I’m finding it interesting. I’m a big fan of the country revival with Luke combs, Riley green, and so forth, but I’m not opposed to someone making music that’s unique to them and them alone

[@dawsonhicks5929]

It’s literally just more of the same awful country trap shit that we’ve been getting for years now

[@kyledespain5247]

Legend has it Grady has never worn a pair of pants while recording these videos

[@kellendobmeier9876]

I put Sam Hunt in the same box as Maren Morris. The voice and songwriting talent is so obviously there, but most of the music just doesn't live up to it.

[@allansmasterspowerlifting.390]

I don’t care what anybody labels his music. I love his voice great songs and great in concert

[@Chris-bc2hl]

Allan Greenson a reasonable and respectable comment lol

[@RandyBadour]

That opener 2016 was exactly what I needed from him to open up to the whole pop record following that. Ultimately if an artist is lumped in the country genre I want to know they CAN actually write and or sing country songs. He sold me on that one and instantly made the lead into "Hard to Forget" feel so much better and more open to how pop it is. Overall I actually do really like this record...as a pop record with 1 good country song. Great open minded review from you sir. Awesome work.

[@liam4603]

He does it in his own way. Mixing his musical influences from what he grew up on. If people tune in to the album expecting classical country then you're doing yourself a disservice.

[@muymachopenguin4314]

Exactly. Listen to it expecting pop songs about the same tired tropes

[@liam4603]

@@muymachopenguin4314 I love the album and am a big fan of Sam's music. People know what his musical catalogue is, yet they're going in to listening to it, expecting 1950's pure country.

[@courtney.22]

Exactly

[@liam4603]

@carlabpurdy did you completely ignore what I said...? If you're expecting it to be true country then more fool you.

[@courtney.22]

@carlabpurdy I've recently come to the conclusion that there isn't such a thing as "true country" because country music has always gone through phases of sounding different.

[@brittanyhopkins5385]

You captured the feeling of sadness in the songs so well! I hadn't thought about it that way. I LOVE listening to most of the songs but I don't feel joyful after listening. The best way for me to describe why I like his music is because we are around the same age and I feel hugely reminiscent when I listen to his music. He does a great job of making me feel those feelings of being in high school/college and all the feelings of being in love and the pain associated with it. It's like, it just brings me right back and it feels good to remember. His songs are sad but sexy in a way. Just like young love is.

[@davidpayne4045]

I think the way the album has a “focus” on her is what makes Sam so unique. Montevallo was the same for the most part. Goes back to that interview where he’s uncomfortable with fame. He doesn’t make music to be famous or sell records, his music reflects his life and his music tells his story

[@larissaeldridge1505]

And I feel like that's what makes an artist interesting and like their songs interesting because there is meaning behind the songs, not just words thrown together to create fake feelings. That's what country is...every song has a story and meaning.

[@davidpayne4045]

I agree and I think that in itself is more country that a lot of other pop country out there. It’s not meaningless bland music to sell records. His songs tell a story, and rather than use or think of music as a profession he used it as just a way to talk about his life and tell his story

[@noahhaskamp2416]

I think it’s honestly hilarious how much controversy surrounds Sam Hunt. Some people love him, some people hate him, some don’t care. Yet I feel like Hunt himself doesn’t really care that much and just makes music because he enjoys it. It’s almost as if the people care more than he does. I like him 💁🏼‍♂️

[@alexledford4747]

Noah Haskamp If he doesn't care that much and wants to make music because he enjoys it, why is he actively marketing himself as Country rather than Pop?

[@noahhaskamp2416]

Alex Ledford Because there are certain country elements to this record. It’s not that he doesn’t care necessarily about the music, I just don’t think he cares what people think of him, if that makes sense? He’s a very interesting person. He will always be talked about no matter what, it’s not like a Jason Aldean record where you know it’s bland and boring. Sam Hunt will always be controversial and have people talking about him. That’s the part I’m saying he doesn’t care about. I honestly give him praise for doing things his way and being honest on this record. It’s pretty admirable

[@alikayyal9050]

Definitely agreed, he just seems very private and kinda shy guy who just wants to make music

[@noahhaskamp2416]

carlabpurdy country music is built on story telling and using good word-play. This album has that. It doesn’t have a country sound sonically, no, but I’m not opposed to someone making a sound that’s unique to them. Southside does have lots of country elements in the back of the mix though. Fiddle and pedal steel some of the time, and the acoustic guitar is always up front

[@andrearivas8605]

Not going to lie, Young Once is a JAM and exactly what I want to hear from Sam.

[@JHH-le2xx]

Andrea Rivas - best song on the album.

[@TheButlersButler]

Grady, you absolutely have to do a review of Ingrid Andress's short album "Lady Like." It definitely isn't proper country, but it's an amazing album!

[@gabebriggs4636]

Can’t wait for Zach Bryan to drop his new album and hear you talk ab it

[@coltonlee4758]

YES

[@beckk7291]

Imagine being a huge fan of his and only getting like 6 or 7 new songs after 6 years... mannn that must suck. And I thought 3 years felt like a long wait for Jon Pardi’s newest album. At least I wasn’t disappointed. 🤔 *edit* (some people took this the wrong way. I was being sarcastic and I am not a fan)🤣

[@rocka-billythekid5221]

You lost me at "imagine being a huge fan of his"

[@beckk7291]

Rocka-billy the kid 🤣🤣🤣

[@alikayyal9050]

Same I was kinda bummed, was hoping for more new songs. 3 songs were released in 2017-2019 and three more were released recently so there were like 6 songs that were totally new.

[@pamelaparker7032]

Pardi put out some excellent tunes.

[@travischilders9921]

Hold my Jamie Johnson

[@meghancastro7463]

You’re so well spoken with these reviews and your whole channel!

[@stephsmith1625]

Kinfolks, hard to forget, body like a backroad, and downtown’s dead are my favorite songs on the album

[@themodrocker1]

I couldn’t agree more with your review. You nailed this one. Thank you for your honestly and this review felt just right! You’re 100%. Def a challenging task to review this album

[@ryanfigueroa9862]

I listen to all kinds of music. I know Sam Hunt isn't purely country, but I think he does a great job at fusing country with pop/EDM/R&B. It's such a unique sound that is pleasing.

[@malthenielsen9389]

I think Kinfolks’ chorus is really underrated.

[@danieldeavers4296]

People hate him, and I get it...but I cant help but listen. I do get frustrated bc songs like 2016 and Break up in the 90s are are glimpses of what he can be.

[@orlahennessy3398]

I do actually really like the album as a whole no matter the genre debate! But I love to watch your reviews as I think you always put together a good video, and I was looking forward to hearing your opinions on Southside and I was not disappointed by this video!!!

[@tammygilpin2519]

Having some what just discovered Sam Hunt as a musician. I have to say the fact that he puts it all out there like his pain and self reflections makes him more human to me. I personally thoroughly enjoyed this album. The man just speaks his truths. As for the genre argument, I've been listening to country music for the last 40 yrs. And while some can say its not country I've discovered in my experience that country is more of a state of mind rather than any particular genre. But hey that's just me. I will also say the man knows how to write a damm song that pulls at you. Several songs on both albums I just cant get out of my head. Breaking up was easy...whew that song just hit me. With lyrics like girl you are everywhere. Everywhere but behind me. Man it got me right in the feels. But thanks for reviewing. I know I am a little late to the game but thought I would add my 2 cents for what its worth.

[@capencowl]

Thanks for the review Grady, great points. Was super entertaining to see the rollercoaster of feelings you have about this album: sounds like good art to me If it makes you think and captivates you.

[@chrisazylum6624]

First time commenting here! Anyways,I plan on binging Sam's music and see if anything changed! Some of his music I like so let's see if it holds up! To more comments in this section! Cheers! 🍻

[@ctrystr]

Hi Grady, LOVE your channel, interested in this album. I was most drawn to "Breakin' Up Was in the 90's" when I saw the track listing; was hoping for something a la "Ladies in the 90's" by Lauren Alaina; I thought the last minute, which is mostly instrumental, would have been a great time to sample some hooks of major 90's breakup country songs but I could not discern anything. I did like the slinky steel guitar at 3:15. Totally agree with you on the review, great video!

[@SomeSong2]

I like to call this genre Bachelorette Country because every song could be played during a scene on the Bachelorette to increase the emotional tension.

[@daliavg1]

I don't really think about music genres. I just like music, if a song gives me the feels I just enjoy it. I love Sam's music, his lyrics speak to me.

[@JonathanCarone]

I've been looking forward to this video since the album came out. Thanks for all you do!

[@lucascofell4680]

I think one thing to note is that Sam Hunt doesn’t really argue by any stretch that his music thus far has been pure country by any stretch. He actually has talked quite a bit about how he’s very much so influenced by R&B. Also, he said his next album will be a shift to Tyler Childers type country, which I think will be an interesting change.

[@courtney.22]

I imagine we won't have to wait another 6 years for the next one

[@peatpeat4623]

He's not able to do what Tyler Childers does lol singing real country

[@courtney.22]

@@peatpeat4623 There isn't really such a thing as "real country". The sound of country music has always changed and is continuing to evolve. It has always incorporated different sounds.

[@TimLi-1]

I agree more with Spectrum Pulse's review in that it's a bad album but I can see certain bright spots like you mentioned. In the end though I probably won't be touching this album in a matter of weeks. There's better and more interesting stuff out there.

[@madelinegaudet4674]

You NEED to review The Way It Feels, Maddie and Tae’s new album. It comes out on April 10. I am so excited.

[@countryxsweetheart15]

This album reminds me of Lacy Cavaliers EP "K, Im done" which is actually about her past relationship with Sam's younger brother. I would really enjoy seeing your thoughts on that and Lacy in general.

[@cydneyhoffine9624]

I know I'm late to the party, but I actually like this album. I like Sam Hunt. Slightly shocked I'm saying this, and maybe its because I've been quarantined too long. But I actually appreciate the fact that its different. I don't necessarily think its country. But I appreciate the artistry if we look outside of genre. Coming from somebody who was raised on the Eric Church, George Strait and Craig Morgan types this is a far leap. But let me tell you I can totally get behind it. Also, your channel is fantastic. It was an exciting discovery on a quarantine deep dive on youtube 👍

[@wafflingfive2555]

Thanks for a great review, Grady! I appreciate the thought you put into your take. If it’s got melancholy vibes like Post, I’m here for it!

[@savannah9903]

Glad to see youre seemingly treating this similar to the kelsea review! Just came from that video lol.

[@nataliaewanek133]

Im just gonna say it I enjoy Sam Hunt's songs like "Drinkin' Too Much" and even "Break Up in a Small Town" I like the storytelling. I enjoy the little details. I hate his "pop-ish" stuff. I like his acoustic album and I only really listen to that. He tells stories that make you wanna live them and you really feel those moments and hurt from it.

[@irahaskamp3119]

I’m not sure if I’ll ever know what to think about this album

[@bradfavo9841]

Breaking Up was Easy in the 90’s is the best song on the album!

[@brooketienhaara9319]

Before I started watching I wasn’t sure what to call this kind of music! I made a playlist called “Country kinda sorta ?” and it has a few Sam Hunt songs in it, I love older country, 90s, 80s, anything that I grew up listening to because of my father. Kinda sorta Country music obviously has a demand, and I even enjoy it every now and then. Though I do have to say, I love that Country Radio is beginning to play more “classic” sounding country (not a lot, but some!!) hope to see much more of this🤠

[@leemj192]

Hoping he drops an acoustic version of the album like he did with between the pines, crushing it as always Grady🙌🏼

[@katlynbritt-mendez8573]

I’m not kidding, an ad for “Southside” played before I watched this.

[@jakepeters6593]

Grady: Hello country fans, who think pop music is ruining country music, and really dislike Sam Hunt, welcome to the channel. Me: Sup Grady. Glad to be back!

[@AllySheehan]

Awesome video Grady!!

[@owenherndon3794]

Let it down is a jam

[@dyllandecker3102]

A year later.. It is brilliant. I think he went past Montevallo with Southside. He grew as a person and a musician in those 6 years, and you can hear it with every record. It’s one of my favorites in my vinyl collection, next to Blond by Frank Ocean and Purgatory by Tyler Childers.

[@jtlovescodelyoko]

In my opinion, When I saw that Body Like A Back Road on here, I was like yep this album sucks. I with Spectrum Pulse, this album is garbage.

[@TheSweatyYeti]

2016 is definitely my favorite track off the album. Young Once and Hard To Forget are fun as well

[@Lazy_eye_blobFish]

I like sam hunt, I do see him as country pop, he makes me smile and I like how he is a fusion of several genres. I do like him. Even though he uses too much snap track. Also I never thought I would hear Grady drop the F bomb...I dont think I like it lol. Love ya grady.🤎 Also I hope sam finds Jesus, he would be so much happier.

[@GradySmith]

I was gonna bleep it, but I decided f--boy was a term that not everyone knows, so people might not understand what I meant. Haha but don't worry deep down I'll still be wholesome.

[@katelynbrown98]

Wow. I just heard "23" for the first time on the radio tonight and it blew me away.

[@nathanreay7032]

New subscriber watching from Tucson Arizona love the videos brother keep up the amazing videos and work 🤠🤠🤠⚙️⚙️⚙️🔥🔥🙏

[@colkuskey8657]

People who warm to this genre are generally confused about what country is all about. Put this album in quarantine with the other pretenders. Not hatin’ on it, just tired of having to tolerate this stuff in my music landscape. They show up at festivals and stuff and quite frankly just bring the mood down. I’m an old rock dude who got seduced to country because of Garth B&D Toby AJ Joe Diffie and the list goes on. Cheers to the artists who are honouring what made country cool in the 90s.

[@astronaut4291]

Just like Kelsea Ballerini, I don't know if it's country, but I dig it.

[@troyaturner1979]

Thank you for reviewing this Grady, but I haven't listened to it at all. Hearing "Hard to Forget" made my stomach turn. Genre & distinction may not mean much to others, but it does to me. I'll go listen to Ashley McBryde's "Never Will" instead.

[@calvinholman7767]

Great review. Some really interesting points. Particularly the “all roads lead to her”. The ending of the album is the “her” (his wife) playing piano at the end of drinking too much. So I guess, starting off with an apology (2016) and all roads leading to her in the end.

[@katemaloney4296]

Honestly, I've watched the review and I appreciate all the hard work you put into it, and I still don't think I could pick a Sam Hunt song out on the radio.

[@ericf5675]

@Grady Smith please don't worry about people worrying about what your reviewing or how you do it. You're good at what you do. Just do it.

[@GradySmith]

Haha, I'm getting there. This is the improved, tougher version of me, but I'm learning how to stand by my own thoughts a little more every day!

[@Oilerfan1989]

This is absolute favourite album lately. 1st album I have listened to album cover to cover on repeat, forced me to listen his 1st album again. Sam Hunt is a fresh take on country scene with just enough country flavour ❤

[@HermeneuticsMatter]

This a great album. It’s true to who he is and his influences and everything he writes and sings is just from his heart and his personal experiences. And I don’t think he’s disinterested and he disappeared because he wanted to focus on his wife and he was also on tour so much as well. He wanted to make the music personal that’s why it took soo long idk how it would be seen as fuckboyish. 9/10

[@PressPlayChey]

I think this album has some good moments, but I have to respectfully disagree at a certain point. More than a few of the songs come across as him being baffled and angry about how a girl could move from him before he could them (Breaking Up in the 90s, Nothing Lasts Forever, etc). There's a way to make that sympathetic (nothing lasts forever, almost nailed it), but it just comes across as entitled on this record. Also, I know he's married to Hannah, but Drinkin' Too Much was so awkward and felt extremely ironic considering he's apologizing about writing songs that are too personal.. in a song that gets even more personal. I get what he was goin' for I think, but it just didn't do it for me. It felt creepy and entitled. Whether or not he meant it that way is up for debate, but I think Kelsea Ballerini did what Sam wanted to do in her own song "the way I used to."

[@HermeneuticsMatter]

Cheyenne Martin that’s just who he is. He’s not fake and he’s true to himself he’s not afraid to say what he wants to say I’m his music and express himself I think it’s awesome. And the songs don’t come across as him being angry they’re just him being sad.

[@lexacastle]

love this review. putting words to my thoughts on this one.

[@codyenright6310]

I actually just was listening to this album, good timing. I thought it was a a good listen to enjoying a nice day on the rooftop in the middle of this coronavirus quarantining. Felt good but wasn't too joyful. I liked it.

[@smalltownkid189]

Do a video on our neighbors to the north CANADA!!!! About artist like Tim Hicks, James Backer Band, The Reklaws, and that's just a the big ones. Man I can jam out to some Canadian Country!!!

[@nikkigaudon7774]

SmallTownKid would love this! We have so many good canadian artists :)

[@leahalejandra1983]

Agreed! I love Tenille Arts!

[@katelynbrown98]

I'm interested in listening to this now that I've seen this review.

[@jacksonb.valentine8208]

Lol thanks you for appeasing those that have been begging for this. Been driving me nuts.

[@lauriec48]

This review really helped solidify my opinions of this album. It’s all over the place but like you said, it’s all viewed through this one lens. It certainly isn’t a happy lens. Individually, most of these songs are decent and have really interesting lyrics, and I quite enjoy them. But listening to the entire album in one sitting makes me highly uncomfortable because of it’s unhealthily obsessive tone. I finished this album genuinely concerned for his state of mind and also his relationship with his now wife. I had expected an album that took 6 years to create to be more reflective of their current relationship, given they’ve now been married for half that time. I found this collection of songs to be a really unusual choice for a man married and in love to release. I’ve been through breakups before so I get where he’s coming from, but he’s been married for three years now, so why is he choosing to release a sad and apologetic album? I also find it strange that he’s apologetic about writing an album about their relationship and airing their laundry and yet here’s another album about their relationship?

[@jk.mishler6131]

It’s almost been a full year since it’s dropped and had to come back to this video. Album has grown on me a lot very messy too many singles but the more somber songs really flash when you’re in that headspace.

[@fishermanpreston5573]

Dude your beard is awesome! Make a video on what you do to it (like a beard groom video).

[@marissamullins8318]

So I’m going to admit it: I loved Montevallo. For some reason, though, I was very disappointed when I first heard “Downtown’s Dead”, for sounding exactly how I expected it to 😂 I guess I was just wanting or expecting a different sound from him? If that makes sense. I honestly haven’t listened to the whole album after hearing that and Kinfolks for that reason.

[@derekmick1177]

This won’t make any old time country folks happy but regardless of country/not country it’s good music. The dude is a great writer. He’s very clever with his words. Also lots of his stuff does remind me of my hometown. He may not have the twang the oldies had but he clearly gets what it’s like to grown up in a small town.

[@davistaylor8881]

I loved Sam Hunt. Montavallo is one of my favorite country albums and I’ve been to a Sam Hunt concert. I know he is poppy but I still love the voice but the vibe he gave with this album is so different than Montavallo. But the Drinkin too much 8pm version is my favorite Sam Hunt song. It makes Drinkin too much into country instead of pop.

[@huntershaull3770]

Grady...why do we all hate on the country singers that talk in their songs...JOHNNY CASH was the king of talking in songs?

[@wewantyourblo0d]

I think it's the combination of talk-rapping over a snaptrack versus storytelling by talking over an acoustic guitar, which has always been a staple in country and folk

[@ovescovo]

To me it seems like everything he wrote about for this album is seen through a lens of clinical depression. The joyless feeling that he wants to be happy with his life and relationship, that he’s empty and lost without that focusing point, the overall nostalgia of what could be/could have been. And it’s all been intensified in the past few years since he gained fame. I agree with the overall assessment would score it a 6-7/10. In general, I enjoy Sam Hunt’s music!

[@trashtvinternational]

Guys I really can’t decide who’s hotter: Sam or Grady?!?

[@shawnuel]

subwaysurfer Even trimmed, Grady's beard is a lot heavier than Sam's, so, he is probably hotter most of the time. Especially in the summer months.

[@AJayTwo001]

I was dreading this album and 2016 blew me away and I was excited. Then let down again. Its not the worse thing I ever heard of and definitely will have 2016 on replay. But that's about it..

[@owlchenz]

After watching this I decided that I love your channel

[@noahdriscoll3212]

I can agree a lot with what you're saying about the album, I enjoyed the album because of Sam Hunt and his lyrics , there's definitely some stuff I don't like, but I mainly just like Sam Hunt because he doesn't try to be anything but himself and he sings HIS style of music. It's one of them things that, either you like it or don't. I've said before and I'll keep saying it, the title Southside kinda makes me think that it means Sam's depressed side.

[@noahc527]

I love you're reviews soooo much😂

[@Milewski23]

Ahahahah, been waiting for this vid Edit: oh the intro, already love this one 😂

[@faithf777]

You read my mind with this. I 100% agree with everything you said

[@halomaster2205]

I will say, that song take your time is pretty good, but besides that he should go to the pop radio

[@shelbybrackett3860]

I really loved how moody it was. I don’t delve as deep into everything like you do, but I’ve definitely listened to the entire album several times. 😊

[@klowe7213]

He did the same thing with Montevallo - half the songs were available ahead of the record coming out.

[@ellekim711]

Ugh I’m in such agreement with what you said... I was so conflicted with this album. It was all over the place and there are only a few potential gems. Totally agree though, there’s this general lack of emotional nostalgia that his Montevallo did such a great job at evoking. Interesting. Love Sam Hunt but I expected more from this album. It did not deliver :/

[@thewalrusaurus]

Anyone saying this isn't country is out of their minds. Sure maybe its not your style of country, thats fine, but we're always saying all you need is "three chords and the truth." If there's one thing this album has its honesty. Every single song on here (yes, even body like a back road) is distinctly and uniquely Sam Hunt's voice. 6 years ago i said I thought we'd look back on Montevallo as one of the most "important" country music albums of the era. Southside just makes me believe that all the more. Sam Hunt has found a way to infuse country with pop/r&b without losing authenticity that noone else has.

[@chasewilliams3381]

Have to agree. I am not a "pop country" fan by any stretch of the imagination but there's a few tracks on this that I really like. 2016 and breaking up in the 90s are both really good. I can't stand the sample used in hard to forget. But overall I'm a little confused on how I feel overall about the record....let's see what happens

[@blakeholloway9311]

Hey Grady! Is there a reason you didn’t review “Home State” by Jordan Davis? I felt like it was a really interesting album that did a lot of things differently while still pulling natural country roots. If you could let me know! Thank you!

[@GradySmith]

I had a full time job when that came out and KZbin was just a hobby, and it really wasn't a big enough release to feel essential. I think he has had a big radio career but there's not a ton of passion around him yet.

[@blakeholloway9311]

Grady Smith Slow dance in a parking lot just went number one on billboard. Take it from me and Singles you up were both pretty big. In addition to that he did a collab with Julia Michaels. His Trouble town tour was consistently sold out (I didn’t see a date that wasn’t) I think the passion is there. Maybe the rest of the record has been left out by radio and media. Maybe someone should talk about it... (wink wink) Did you have any quick thoughts about though?

[@GradySmith]

@@blakeholloway9311 They all were radio hits, yes, but that ALBUM was largely ignored. I have my eye on him. Detours is the first thing of his that I just really LOVE.

[@hurricanes319]

As someone who listens to a huge variety of music, from heavy metal to pop punk to rap to country, I love the fusion of everything. I think that can be hard to love if you don’t have a large variety in genre taste, as you don’t appreciate certain aspects that other genres really teach you to appreciate, and for that reason I can definitely understand why people who are big fans of more traditional country do not like Sam Hunt as much.

[@alikayyal9050]

EW gave this album B+. Now personally I loved most of the album, if you like his style and liked his first album you probably like this one. I thought hard to forget was super fun, 2016 was awesome and breaking up was easy in the 90’s was good as well. Most of the other songs were very fun. I definitely agree with you, he seems extremely private and I thought he seemed very shy in interviews, and it feels like some people expect him to be a fuck boy just because he is good looking and muscular and used to play football. I think some of his songs could have done better with more promotion, but he probably doesn’t seem to enjoy this. Overall though, the songwriter was great, the production is sometimes questionable and kinda sounds the same sometimes which is not a good thing. I think 7/10. I lived Montevallo and I probaply know all the songs on that by heart. Finally, I was definitely hoping for more songs, didn’t think the three songs he released in 2017 and 2019 were going to be here. That I didn’t like.

[@aero6235]

Drinkin’ Too Much is my favorite for sure on the album along with 2016. I find value in admitting his mistakes and pouring his heart out, because not many have the “balls” to do it.

[@kristiancabrera2086]

i like that it’s different, no doubt sam hunt isn’t a true country artist but he’s open minded with how to say what he wants to say , although i do agree is more mellow songs were better

[@JamesGrant700]

Absolutely hit the nail on the head here