Meet Nate Green, a Kentucky native and singer-songwriter who’s been making moves in Nashville to solidify his name as one of country’s next big artists. Today, he made his debut with the 7-track EP titled Road Map.
The set opens with “Ride,” an upbeat introductory to what this newcomer wants you to grasp about his persona. Nate Green is here for the long ride. The track channels all those carefree emotions of driving fast (wild and free) – also alluding to the initial feeling of a new summer love. The opening lick is joined by a heavy-handed electric guitar and steady snare-hi-hat combo. The production builds up to an exposed fiddle interlude before the bridge where Green exclaims “Let them say what they want while me and my girl just ride!” – a solid intro that sets the tone for the rest of the EP. “Back Road” breaks down and gets a bit more club-inspired. The track has a sick build-up of drum and synths before the booming chorus. He persistently tackles the lyrics “I’ll take you down a back road baby, far away from here!” accompanied by ooh’s and aah’s. Following similar trends in the format, there’s definitely crossover potential for Green when he dabbles in pop-country stylings which we’re sure to see more of as 2015 plays out. The track outros with piano and strings pleasantly subsiding the tempo into the next track.
“Wake Up In Manhattan” is Green’s certified ballad. A more emotional, softer production showcases his exposed vocals as he croons in the opening pre-chorus “everything that’s golden is only shiny til it fades” – comparing a past relationship with the extravagance of New York City. The lyrics are honest and hopeful of reliving this relationship as he begs “just let me wake up in Manhattan.” The track could be even more acoustic but I’m sure he’ll save that for live performances. “No Fool” is a total backyard stomper with big personality, much like a Band Perry track. The lyrics revolve around stardom and presumably his breakout as an artist. Throughout the chorus he begs the question “What would you do for fortune and fame? Would you give your soul, would you change your name? You can bet my mama didn’t raise no fool.” The production also features an iconic harmonica which pops up again later in the EP. “Line of Fire” intros a soft acoustic guitar that tricks you into thinking it’s not a total club BANGER. Another genre-defying track that maintains current country radio integrity but dabbles in pop stylings even incorporating some rap and dubstep. Are you shocked? When you aren’t even expecting it the chorus comes crashing in and will have you shouting “You, me, and Jim Beam all night!” up in the club (most likely on a Tuesday). Relatable.
The debut single “Wild and Free” has all the makings of country radio hit. What makes this track so brilliant is the honesty behind the lyrics “we’re counting nickels and dimes and nothing ever adds up but us” amongst others. The stand-out moment in the track though is during the bridge when a recording plays Green humbly accepting his roots and talking what it really means to find “someone just as wreckless as you.” Like most of us, Green can relate to that need to live wild and free.
“Love Again” closes the EP in a typically subdued fashion. What I like most about this track is that the production is undeniably country. The instrumentation is well-rounded with stand-out harmonica, tambourine, and fiddle which pull together a truly organic accompaniment to a free flowing lyric capped by a beautiful instrumental outro. It’s that type of track you listen to on a ride home to see your family that you’ve missed for six months – bringing together a considerable effort from this formidable newcomer. Needless to say, we’re signed up for Nate Green.
Rating: 3.5/5
For more, follow Nate Green on Facebook and his official website.