I feel like I’ve heard this a million times before, and that the thrill of discovery that used to be an integral part of hearing new Keith Urban music is well behind us now.
A haunting, evocative album closer that I can’t believe is being sent to radio, “Beautiful Stranger” showcases Toby Keith’s often overlooked talents as a vocalist and as a songwriter.
The songs of Chris Stapleton have become chart-toppers for some of country music’s most prolific artists. He’s also crafted the kind of album cuts that stop you in your tracks and resonate immediately.
After the comparatively euphoric “Let it Go,” George Strait’s new single captures the same “take it as it comes” attitude toward life, but this time with somber resignation as the dominant feeling.
Aside from people who don’t mind that country music doesn’t sound like country music anymore, one of the common complaints that we get for our criticism of the current major country music players is that we’re expecting too much and that not every song has to be deep and meaningful.