I Have Some Things to Say About These Country Songs...

[@GradySmith]

Should this video have been 10 separate videos? Yes, probably. But instead, it's one, and while it's not especially cohesive, I actually LOVED this format -- it just opened up the ability to talk about so much stuff other than just these songs. But don't worry, I'll YeeHaw/YeeNah again at some point. 00:00 - Intro 02:01 - Turnpike Troubadours - Chipping Mill 03:47 - Carly Pearce & Chris Stapleton - We Don't Fight Anymore 05:48 - Riley Green & Luke Combs - Different Round Here 08:05 - Lauren Alaina & Lainey Wilson - Thicc As Thieves 10:35 - Brennan Edwards - Till The End of My Days 12:34 - Maggie Antone - IOYPFAWAYPG 13:36 - Brian Kelley - See You Next Summer 15:10 - Gabby Barrett - Glory Days 16:42 - Pecos & the Rooftops - 5AM 17:55 - "Last Night" & "Fast Car" (Morgan Wallen/Luke Combs) 21:24 - Other Thoughts

[@CarterMoore1020]

I think it would be hilarious to somehow now do a rerelease of “Series of Episodes” featuring Chris Stapleton, but just as background vocals

[@GradySmith]

Best comment

[@jordanjohnston7739]

RIP "Yeehaw vs Yeenaw," you will be missed.

[@GradySmith]

It's not dead! I just didn't feel like it AT ALL. All the marketing stories were more interesting to me.

[@SticksAandstonesBozo]

Uh no. No it won’t be lol. Country music and media has got to snap out of 1996 corn ball shit.

[@zachbryan1067]

Grady is the fucking man

[@interstate543]

My favorite thing about the Dial Drunk is the way Noah says "Honey," "Sir" and "Son" to refer to the different characters of the song: his ex-lover, the cops, and himself. It really adds to the storytelling of the lyricism. It helps show that all the lyrics are from his head is his perspective (hahahaaaha.) With such an up-tempo song, the way he distinguishes with these titles helps the listener keep track of what's going on.

[@user-go6vz5sd1e]

Dare I say that I enjoyed this format more than your usual album/song roundups? Loved hearing your thoughts around the music/artist/album/marketing instead of if the song is good or bad.

[@tampatime3515]

I’m glad Brian Kelley is getting the exposure he deserves. He always seemed like a back up singer to Tyler Hubbard during the FGL days. With his solo stuff, he’s carved out a neat little niche of country that not many artist have touched on. I call it Florida country because it has a heavy beach influence while at the same time incorporates traditional country vibes with an almost Latin sound. It’s great for people like me who live in Florida where there is a southern influence, but also a very prominent Latin community. Brian’s music is perfectly suited for his demographic.

[@bunnyfrosting1744]

I don’t listen to country, but I watch your channel as if I understand. Your passion is palpable

[@skylar4775]

I also don't listen to country, and I watch his channel because Grady is hella cute!

[@PenaltyKillah]

I do listen to country and love Grady (and not just because of that suntan selfie ^^;) Now, if there was ever a KZbinr who talks about jazz or blues or polka or any genre I don't listen to, but with the same Grady charm and tenacity...

[@JohnBiddleMusic]

I listen to some country, but I don’t listen to most of the stuff Grady talks about. But for some reason, I just love hearing him talk about country.

[@rachellytle1467]

maybe it's time!

[@summerraine3622]

Grady saying he's a Noah Kahan fan might be my favorite thing he's done on this channel so far. Not surprised, because taste 💅 but it's always nice when your favs love your other favs 😂

[@kmjc1213]

Yes, thank you for mentioning the thing about the meaning behind Fast Car! I was sat there watching the interview like, "...does Luke not know what this song's about?"

[@TheSammyBMusic]

10:55 this blows me away because a folksy dude with a guitar is the ROOT of country music. The less production a song has and the more bare bones it is, the better to me because it feels real and genuine

[@irish-rx9343]

I love Mean Old Sun because it gives me similar vibes to Gin Smoke and Lies which is I think is an incredible song. The fiddle on Mean Old Sun is also top notch lol

[@jerryself7577]

I thought the same thing! Amazing!

[@danieljones6917]

For me, Mean Old Sun was an immediate like from first listen. That wasn't the case with Chipping Mill (although it has grown me).

[@raupy39]

Another example for Chris doing backup vocals would be “If he ain’t gonna love you” by Jake Owen. Literally only did backup vocals and it’s so frustrating. I think that he’s just so humble that he wants the artist to take a front seat. I agree want to hear this man SCREEEEEEAM

[@PlumbingArkansas]

Super pumped for the rest of the Turnpike album!

[@tristanpolk6106]

Grady just wanna say found you 3-4 years ago and it’s been amazing to see you organically grow your channel/brand/develop into this kinda culture king of country I consistently rely on your content to stay ahead of the curve and find music I wouldn’t find otherwise and it’s been awesome to see and I’m thankful for the content keep it up. PS I like the new format but a couple yeehaw and yeenaws are always welcome

[@calebc.7818]

Props to Lauren Alaina for having a duet, but not with a male artist this time. Lainey Wilson's song "Heart Like a Truck" is more like a truck anthem considering all the Ford commercials I have seen with the song while watching NASCAR. Great video as usual Grady!

[@everlygirl7687]

I would also LOVE to hear more Stapleton wailing on tracks!

[@Treyton1212]

For the Release Date take, ive noticed that with Chayce Beckhams song, 23, is just now hitting radio 2 years after being released

[@sarahpaepke9860]

Did you see Ian Munsick’s release of like 5 songs completely stripped down of all the production?? Grady you got what you wanted without his background harmonies 😂 and I am all there for it. They all sound SO good!

[@elye0987]

Omg yes, Ian is slappin' this year between that and the new album

[@chrisk1039]

Something else that goes along with "Last Night" and "Fast Car" being in the top 10 is that "Something in the Orange" is still 14th on the charts, "Need a Favor" is 17th (And rising), "You Proof" is still at 20, "Thinking Bout Me" is 22nd, "Rock and a Hard Place" is 25, and there are a ton more on the chart. This is not an isolated event of 2 mega stars propping up a genre, Country is actually doing well on the charts as an entire genre, which I can't remember the last time happened that we had like 10 songs in the top 30 be country music

[@fernmills753]

I enjoy this a lot. Do more! Appreciate your love for Noah Kahan and your annoyance for background Chris Stapleton.

[@profitglen]

I'm glad you have sponsors and make money and you deserve it.. because I block ALL KZbin ads on ALL devices!

[@bubbaholmberg7057]

I think its needs to be said, the Carley Pearce song is the womans answer to Stapleton's Either Way. Fitting he is on there, whether duet or featured. Ive been playing them back to back all week.

[@jeffcampbell5755]

The new Colby Acuff album is amazing! The three new songs from Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway have all been fantastic! Crooked Tree was my favorite album last year, I can't wait to hear City of Gold!

[@GradySmith]

I love the new Colby!

[@maxhutchison1121]

That Levi Turner album is phenomenal. Super excited to see him put it out.

[@perry4777]

Even has a fan of hip hop and rock I have to give extreme respect to the country music industry and how well they have marketed their product lately.

[@ckejser]

I usually don’t comment a lot on YT, but just wanted to say I watch all your videos and enjoy every one of them. I really enjoy hearing your thoughts and opinions on everything country and have really appreciated all your song/album reviews, because it keeps me updated as well as give me inspiration for new music to check out. I know you feel pressured by keeping up with everything and I just hope you find a format that makes it fun for you - I don’t care if you give scores or say yeehaw or yeenaw, as long as it’s enjoyable for you. 🧡🤠

[@kurtkuhlman5350]

You've introduced me to so many great artists. I first heard about Jesse Daniel from your channel, and now Brennan Edwards! I loved the new album, especially "Perfect Storm", and I think the positivity that you pointed out is such a good catch. The whole album was amazing!

[@nickbrostudio]

My guy Grady killing it this video! Love this format and your editing is getting top tier!

[@vanceritchey7248]

Great video Grady! Do whatever gets YOU most into your videos man and the rest will follow suit. We crave authenticity and follow the passion!

[@jacobredmond4127]

i have been looking for grady to talk about pecos and the rooftops. saw them live and heard the song bricks before it came out and was ecstatic for their album. glad you’ve grown to enjoy them and found songs that you enjoy.

[@catherinebeach1062]

Me too! Love them

[@angelamason9840]

I can’t get Austin Brown Hers Ain’t Mine out of my head! 🤣 Home Free So Long Dixie album has been playing in my place since release last fall. Their songwriting is excellent!

[@bluesdjben]

It is indeed cool how many people I'm seeing get into country that I wouldn't expect. And they're getting into the good independent country. Like I live in Southern California, and the other day I heard my neighbor's college-age kid playing Flatland Cavalry and Tyler Childers on the speakers by their pool. One of my friends who I would have never expected to like country moved to Texas and is into the red dirt scene. And even though I grew up in a small town where country and top 40 were the only two options on the radio, I didn't truly start thinking country was cool until a few years ago when I started watching your channel and getting into the new independent artists who are making great music.

[@psolo3]

Great idea for a series Grady! I love yeehaw yeenaw, but this is a great break from it to give us (and yourself!) Something new to get a break from that. The marketing viewpoint is something we often overlook so awesome to see you focus on it

[@aarontorgerson2563]

I like this new format! You don’t necessarily need to give your opinion/rating on every song. The extra context is super interesting all by itself!

[@janessajolly7921]

I'm loving this format! Yee haw/naw is always good too but it is nice to get these more "behind the scenes" type thoughts! And I agree 100% with your interpretation of Fast Car. Watching your interview with him, I was scratching my head at that part. 🤷‍♀️

[@ashleybentley8366]

What makes Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton's collaboration special is the fact both are from Kentucky and also happen to be country music's biggest stars.

[@GradySmith]

Kentucky is crushing the game right now. Appalachia having its moment!

[@fanstar141]

@@GradySmith I think Tyler Childers will get his mainstream breakthrough sooner than later too, perhaps with his next album. He has multiple songs charting on the top 200 on Spotify US and he recently had his biggest hit on the country charts yet with Way of the Triune God, an album cut from his gospel record. I'm still not ruling out entirely that All Your'n or Feathered Indians gets more viral traction either.

[@CryptoPowell]

@@fanstar141 I think Tyler has a better chance at mainstream success than Cole Chaney at this point which kind of bums me out. Love them both but Cole may be my favorite artist going

[@hackwilson1467]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hnqvhquvj9CWbNE

[@enzogelsano5768]

this kind of video hypes me. now i am listening to country whole day. love this!

[@lilspnce49]

I don’t mean to be the buzz kill but be super careful with those sunburns. I worked landscaping thru my 20’s, spend so much time outdoors running, biking, hiking etc. Got burned like you showed in this video all the time and wasn’t the best with sunscreen. It caught up to me. I am 42 now and was diagnosed with melanoma last October, went thru surgery and let me say I got lucky it didn’t spread to any vital organs….yet. I have to track it for the next 8 years with high tech imaging. Be safe ya’ll, u never think it will happen till it happens.

[@MACMAMI]

One thing you didn't mention about "Last Night"/"Fast Car" that I think is very noteworthy..............is that it seems the TikTokification of country..................is also seemingly (and finally) auguring the end of the "Everyone Waits In Line For Their Turn At #1 On Billboard's Hot Country Airplay Chart" era. Ever since Bailey Zimmerman topped the chart with "Rock & A Hard Place", and then Wallen subsequently topped the chart with "Last Night"..............countless singles have been blocked from the top spot on both Billboard and Mediabase that otherwise all but certainly would have gone #1 as recently as four months ago: including "Tennessee Orange", "Handle On You", "Gold", "It Matters To Her" and "What He Didn't Do". Heck: even Tyler Hubbard's "Dancin' In The Country", which just broke the all-time record for total spins in a. single tracking week, fell short of #1. It actually reminds me a LOT of when Kenny Chesney's "I Go Back" was blocked from the #1 spot for about two months, yet went on to become a beloved recurrent that has stood the tests of time. And "Dancin' In The Country" is taking its sweet time moving its way down the chart with heavy airplay still despite not reaching #1. It seems the era of monster singles blocking a bunch of singles from #1, and where we may only see between a half a dozen to a dozen different songs reach #1 on the airplay charts each year, is returning again.

[@SuperDave71176k]

The best way for Chris Stapleton to get equal vocal billing in country duets is to at least co- write new stuff because he would out sing most if not intentionally in the background.Releasing older songs as singles is the new K-tell version.

[@Anxious_McStabby]

I have always had a difficult time processing Country, there would be a track here or there that I would be okay with, but overall I was a bit of a hater, and I hated being a hater. Stumbled across your channel and it honestly took me a few videos to realize "Wait... He is focused almost entirely on Country... And I am loving this!" Really appreciate your format and really breaking down the music, the artists, and the similarities/commonalities with other genres. Makes a stubborn bugger like me have an easier time appreciating them when they are the focus over the lifestyle generally associated. Keep up the good work man, I am genuinely grateful to have a life long bias start erroding away. Thank you!

[@brockpifer9929]

I’m so happy for this time that country is on top, I’ve loved country music all my life! This is just incredible and I’m proud to be a fan

[@MBustos828]

I’m really hoping this is the start of a Lauren Alaina comeback. She’s far too talented and personable to not be a more prominent figure in country music.

[@lakengilbert3299]

As a listener, seeing “featuring Chris Stapleton” on a song definitely has a massive draw to it. Atleast that’s the case with me. His voice hits harder than probably any other voice in country music and so it’s intriguing to see how that will play out in different types of music. It’s why he could probably kill it in any type of genre except like maybe hip-hop lol.

[@chetfairman9545]

@GradySmith 100% agree with what you said about BK. And I'd like to add that Gabby puts on a great show. Saw her open for Jason in Pittsburgh last summer and it was great.

[@alexcosentino4296]

Pecos’ EP has some great songs. Idk if you caught them on Time For Wine and gave up on them (it was definitely their worst song) but Leave Me Lonely, Conociste, and Wouldn’t Have to Miss You are so good

[@coppertone3293]

yeah, wondering why tf he didnt mention that EP

[@miranda.lebron]

i am obsessed with that Brian Kelley album artwork. it’s perfect.

[@rjsfarm2534]

“Going for Broke” Bryan Martin “Playin’ on the Tracks” Luke Grimes “Old Kanawha” Philip Bowen, CWG “Last Goodbye” Tyler Usrey “Southern Star” Brent Cobb

[@BryanMartinMusic]

Thanks 🙏 i appreciate you

[@patrickfleenor8133]

Thick as thieves is gonna be such a big line dance song

[@jking54544]

Re: Pecos ... you're totally right. "Time for Wine" was a bit of a trainwreck. But the new album is REALLY good. Glad you mentioned it and are approaching it with an open mind! (Not a TX A&M bro - though I love me some Aggie football - I'm born and raised in Illinois). AND I completely agree with the Fast Car deconstruction. My wife and I, often over beers, go round and round about the nuance and possible meaning of the song. It's layer on layer ... an alcoholic family vibe, a blossoming relationship, which, to me, is ultimately derailed again by substance abuse and the cycle of addiction just repeats. It truly is a brilliant song, and, dating myself here, I loved passionately when it first came out. It's funny to me that for so many people, Luke's version is THE version for them.

[@Hodaggium]

Let me remind y'all that Garth Brooks was ahead of the times with "Release Date Agnostacism". He released Wild Horses a full 10 years after he released his No Fences album, for which the song was originally recorded.

[@ashleygillis504]

It'll also be another 10 years before he releases where all the bodies are.

[@danielleswaybery4707]

The thing about Gabby is if you gave her the exposure that Kelsea and Lainey get I think that would probably tank her career. The less that she says the better off she will be.

[@Julesb2183]

Fast Car is about a woman and her partner. She wants to leave and have a new life because of her home situation (her dad's an alcoholic and her mom left because she wanted more). She tells her partner she has a plan and that any place would be better. He has a fast car, so they should leave. She's optimistic and in love, saying that they'll get jobs and better themselves. She works hard and wants to get promoted at the job she finds, but he still won't get one. At the end, she has a job that can pay their bills, but her optimism about him contributing anything wanes. He only cares about drinking and being with his friends, not her or their kids. She tells him to take his fast car and leave. She's not leaving because she built the life they had, not him. She ends up asking if his fast car is enough, because like her dad and them years previous, he's in a situation where he needs to figure his life out or live and die the way he is.

[@aeh3253]

Wow I didn't know that he was purposely not working and being an alcoholic and stuff.

[@Julesb2183]

@@aeh3253 yup. "You still ain't got a job and I work at the market as a checkout girl" as well as "you'll find work and I'll get promoted" and "I got a job that pays all of our bills" show that her partner never worked, but she did. I assume he was alcoholic because of the lyrics that he stays out drinking late at the bar.

[@kevinsills9235]

your THICC as Thieves breakdown is perfect...... and exposes what many people are clueless about in the way they're manipulated in such ways. haha

[@tobyflenderson6972]

Fast Car is definitely a love story, or at least about a relationship. Surprised to hear anyone say otherwise.

[@nwsherrer16]

Grady’s bad marketing advice = Great marketing advice. I really love that you are giving us a look inside the music industry. I always thought the MGK and Eminem beef was fake.

[@ballison9293]

As someone in the marketing profession (not music industry though) I love to hear your thoughts on it, specifically for that thick as thieves dance. We'll never REALLY know, but I'm pretty sure most of the new songs that get TikTok dances go viral "organically" just as you explained. With a little bit of studio manipulation

[@ephraimvanzante4016]

Really like this format!

[@kelleythirtyacre5698]

@GradySmith I've recently discovered Grady. I can't believe that I haven't heard about you before. Man, you're my music twin, I swear. The words that leave your mouth are literally the thoughts that run through my head? Your thoughts about Peco and the rooftops was exactly what I questioned. I just wasn't understanding the hype. Glad someone finally agrees with me. Fan question Grady...What's your thoughts on Ashley Monroe or maybe Lindi Ortega?

[@raupy39]

Love love love this type of format for videos! What’s your thoughts on the new Jake Owen album? Will it be on the album round up? Love the content Grady!

[@GradySmith]

Haven't actually listened!

[@raupy39]

Would love to know what you think about the songwriting on it!

[@lennartmakkink7427]

I liked the format. Wouldn't mind seeing a (bi)weekly vid like this catching up on some of the biggest singles and headlines of the moment

[@garrettscroggs]

I'm sorry I keep getting later and later to actually watching these videos, but shout out to Grady for giving some fantastic Tik Tok marketing advice at 9:34.

[@hannahlong1802]

Not bad. Kinda liked it. A few things I want to know: 1. Thoughts on Kimberly Perry’s EP 2. I don’t think it’s really worth saying a duet if they just sing harmonies, thoughts? 3. Can we do more videos on just thoughts in general about artists and music like this? I like how it changes it up a bit.

[@JBishop25]

Troubadors this year is a top 10 show of my life.

[@derekhayner7984]

You sound just like my social media marketing professor talking about the thick as thieves dance. Gotta feel more organic on tiktok. I like your point

[@ManicChangeling]

Loved this style of video, making a list of things I need to check out now. It felt like you really enjoyed making this more as well!

[@djkrause6570]

Firstly, Love the format change. Second, there is a song called “Fried Green Tomato’s” by Roman Alexander that I think you would enjoy. It it definitely inspired by Billy Currington and especially similar to “People are Crazy”

[@jaredwilliams5258]

I'll be gettin' there by boat❤ Love your content Grady! Thank you for all you do brother.

[@masonbrooks7946]

I haven't commented as much as I should have considering how much I watch but everything you do is GREAT!

[@masonbrooks7946]

Including the ads just keep doing you

[@jakewarner2008]

Have we talked about Gavin Adcock yet? if not we need to !!! Love the vids Grady!

[@MP-ef9yo]

Have you heard of the new rising country star Dixon Dallas? His breakout song is called "Good Looking"

[@laner9153]

i definitely think country is getting it’s moment, it’s the cool kid like you said. i’ve lived in the south my whole life and i’ve shirked country music because i just didn’t think it was that cool! but i started really listening in 2022 and i’ve been HOOKED! it’s what led me to your account!! i’m definitely bandwagoning and it feels like the rest of america is too lol!!

[@mitchellsmedley349]

I absolutely love this style of video. And I thought I was crazy hearing the Luke interview, I totally agree with your interpretation of fast car. interested to see what you think about the new stuff from Chris Jansen as well.

[@TheJoeDupree]

I enjoyed this new format for this video. More, please.

[@erickolp4398]

Love this style of video! Thanks again for creating this.

[@suzzanahbessette6989]

I am obsessed with the newest Pony Bradshaw album. Came out earlier this year.

[@Dylans_doseofmusic]

Been watching Grady for years. But I gotta say… the day Grady talks about my music on here is the day I know I’ve really made it.

[@stephenfernald2490]

Another stellar effort. But I can’t get the name Trailer Swift out of my head!

[@lukecampbell8465]

Glad to hear you talk about turnpike

[@rachelmccullough8417]

Recently saw Pecos & the RT open for Koe... the live performance left a lot to be desired: mumbled vocals, the aforementioned lack of sonic cohesion. Some of the crowd was into the Jam session (instrumentation carrying the performance) but found myself turning away from the stage to watch fans sing along to make sense of the lyrics... even on tracks I thought I was familiar with. 16:48

[@joemarino65ify]

Great video! Enjoyed the format and sharing of organic thoughts that didn't have to sell it as yee-ha or yee-nah

[@GemZwriting]

Enjoyed this a lot...put out whatever feels right for you. I think I speak for a lot us...we're not going anywhere.

[@lakaja6565]

Wow dude what a great video. You said so many things that a lot of people won’t

[@emilygardner]

Really appreciated this format!

[@JacksonDreyer]

Dope video Grady!

[@bubbaholmberg7057]

I love Yee Haw or Yee Nah, what got me into your channel, but some deeper thoughts on songs is a nice change of pace, cant have pizza every day, sometimes ya want a taco

[@nicholasi3535]

First Noah Kahan only got 1 sentence! I get the like for Paul Revere but I can’t get into it. I love You’re Gonna Go Far. Second, I’ve been in a Pecos and the Rooftop kick. I actually like their most recent song Bricks more than 5am

[@GradySmith]

I'm into Bricks too!

[@HSLSENG]

Not gonna lie, I was waiting for you to do the Thicc as thieves dance at the end there👀

[@natobyte]

I really enjoyed this new video format!

[@StellaCook-zq3lh]

He said thinking bout you but it’s thinking bout me lol❤

[@brennanedwards1298]

Thank you for the kind words Uncle Grady!!

[@finamir]

HAHAHA I knew you were gonna say that about the new song by Carly and Chris. What a wasted opportunity! 🥲 why does it sound like he's just there to harmonise with her??? 😅 I wanted to hear him SING not be there as a backup singer. ALSO, as someone who's extremely picky when it comes to country music, I love Brennan Edwards' new song too ❤

[@laraesanford8605]

So agree with you about Chris Stapleton.

[@rasmusforchhammer9557]

Absolutely agree on the point of Chris Stapleton. Maybe it's just cause he has a better voice than most others and he doesn't wanna outshine people.

[@WVmomma82]

I like your hair Grady! ❤

[@cavscout678]

There’s no way in hell county music is in another era of greatness like the 90s. Almost everything still sounds poppy and/or stale. Including the top two songs on the chart as you mentioned. If “county” music is getting more attention it’s because all the pop listeners are crossing genres as there is little difference. I’m glad to hear TPT is back together though, great news for the country music that hasn’t been murdered my Nashville yet.

[@Bomax99]

Like the format but strongly disagree with your Turnpike Troubadours take. I think Chipping Mill is a pretty generic and unremarkable song, I even think that some of the lyrics are kinda dumb (»Backstrap from the morning kill…« is Luke Bryan-esque). Mean Old Sun is (lyrically and musically) way more interesting/full-bodied and way more representative of the TTs previous work. But I get that different people can have different opinions on music.

[@jbellotte31]

If you didn't know Kat Hasty will be releasing her new cd July 7th

[@2manadvantagez773]

I liked this, gives more value than just yee haw or yee nah and that’s exactly why I’m subbed to this channel