With four successful albums that amassed six #1 singles, Chris Young is no stranger to country music. His sultry vocals have continued to leave an impression on fans, providing them with the wholesome, southern-boy twang they miss from classic country, blended seamlessly with the genre-stretching musicality that fills modern airwaves. After so much precedent success, the release of Young’s fifth studio album I’m Comin’ Over was much-anticipated and came with high expectations.
Young kicks the album off with the comfortably energetic, ever-relatable “Heartbeat.” “It’s better than sipping something strong,” he croons, “The way my name rolls off your tongue/ The way the light hits your eyes/ It makes me come alive.” As the song continues, Young appears to be singing about a love interest, though the lyrics may more closely resemble the relationship he has with his fans. It’s easy to picture Young’s eyes light up as the adoring crowd cheers him on from city to city, clapping and dancing along to the beat.
“Heartbeat,” which sets the tone of a fun and lyrically vibrant album, is followed by the artist’s most recent single and title track “I’m Comin’ Over.” As of Monday, November 16, the single climbed steadily to #1 on the charts — yet another impressive notch in the 29 year old’s belt.
Most of Young’s songs within the album have a similar melodic feel — somewhat upbeat, somewhat mellow, always easy to listen to; it’s a hard-to-pinpoint sound that is unmistakably ‘Chris Young’. But the artist showcases his ability to master a variety of styles throughout, with songs such as “Underdogs,” which leans toward rock country, and “Sunshine Overtime,” which resembles the breezy, tropical feel of Jake Owen’s “Beachin’.”
Collaborations are sprinkled throughout the album, including “Think of You” with country newcomer Cassadee Pope and “Sober Saturday Night” with legend Vince Gill. The former is a more prominent duet, in which Young and Pope are each granted their own verses and come together on the chorus, their voices forming a beautiful marriage of sugary and soulful. The tune showcases a stark juxtaposition between lyrics and production, a trend that has become increasingly popular as of late (see also: Florida Georgia Line’s “Confession“). The latter, featuring Gill, pumps the breaks on an otherwise sonically sunny album to express the struggle of recovering from the loss of love. “Ain’t no whiskey strong enough to make things right/ I’m just getting over another sober Saturday night,” Gill and Young sing, yearning for a new way to make their heartache subside.
As the album continues, Young takes his time exploring the many facets of a relationship — the artists touches on ideas ranging from swooping in on a perceived opportunity for uncomplicated love (“Alone Tonight”), nods to picturesque, romantic moments the radio can provide (“You Do the Talkin’”), the merriment of infatuation (“Callin’ My Name”), to pleading for undeserving, unrequited forgiveness (“I Know a Guy”).
The album wraps up with the endearing “What If I Stay.” The lyrics are sweet and respectful, standing alongside balladic tunes such as Thomas Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man” or Hunter Hayes’ “If You Told Me To.” He confesses that he wants to spend as much time as possible with his love interest, but will be happy to oblige to her wishes: “If I need to, I’ll go, darlin’/ But what if I stay?” It is a vulnerable way to leave the album; as he blurs his lyrical boundaries, lends a hand in writing nearly every song, and makes his debut as a co-producer (alongside Corey Crowder), he closes with “What If I Stay” as if asking his listeners — when it’s all said and done — if his hard work measured up to their ever-changing expectations.
I’m Comin’ Over is one of Young’s strongest albums to date. So, country fans, if you are looking for a refreshingly soothing yet fun album to get lost in, I Know a Guy.
Check out the album on iTunes and for more news on Young’s music and tour, visit chrisyoungcountry.com
Highlights: “You Do the Talkin,'” “I’m Comin’ Over,” “What If I Stay”
Rating: 4/5