As of today, December 11, Chris Carmack — who is most recently known for playing Will Lexington on ABC’s Nashville—released his debut EP, Pieces Of You. The Washington, D.C. native dips into his jazz-and-blues-playing roots by delivering an impressively soulful, genre-blending piece of work. The five-track EP, written entirely by Carmack and produced by Ben Fowler, proves that the artist has a rightful place here in Music City.
The album kicks off with the artist’s lead single, “Being Alone.” Carmack showcases his impactful voice in this heartfelt song about the struggles of trying to discover who you are when you’re on your own. For anyone who has newly taken on the ‘real world’ (or remembers doing so in the past) the lyrics are entirely relatable, while Carmack’s passionate, sometimes gravely vocals inspire one to sing along with all their gusto.
The artist follows the opening track with “Can’t Do It Again,” a song with the melodic undertones of Blake Shelton’s “Honey Bee” but brings a new and distinctively jazz feel to the table. “It might just be my own self-defense/ to cry out ‘victim of circumstance,’” Carmack sings, “but I can’t do it again.” The lyrics are very self-aware and vulnerable, making it clear that he is a natural-born songwriter.
While the next track, “What Has Changed,” continues to showcase Carmack’s songwriting and guitar-playing skills, it is his voice that is truly awe-inspiring. It is the perfect mid-EP offering that reminds listeners how his lovable TV character rose to stardom.
Perhaps the most doting song of the EP is “Always Mine,” which Carmack wrote for and performed at his friend’s wedding. It describes that love is a “decision as much as it is a feeling and an emotion,” an idea I’m sure many people already adopt. It’s sugar-sweet and meticulously balances out the emotionally-charged album.
Finally, the title track “Pieces of You” embodies the overall greatness of the album — Carmack’s mix of influences come together in a way that is uniquely ‘his’ sound, while showing off his striking vocal and instrumental skills. Interestingly, the song channels what can be pegged as classic-country by filling the airwaves with a lyrically compelling story that brings the song full-circle. The tune closes out the album and leaves the listener reaching for the ‘replay’ button.
Despite the inherent stigma against actors-turned-artists, Carmack is, without a doubt, one to look out for in the music scene. Do yourself a favor and check out “Pieces Of You” on iTunes.
For more information on Carmack visit ChrisCarmackMusic.com