Good take on CJ's new album....... decent songs in there... but MISSING CODY!!!!..... everything that makes Cody who he's been up to this point is missing. I guess thats what happens when you don't contribute to the album like so much of his past work. His independent artist image and feel better be mixed into his next one. Just go listen to his LIVE album. You're like.....hell yeah, thats he Texas cowboy I know and love. This one sounds like Warner said here we made you an album now go sing it.
Leather is actually going to be another double album, the second half is coming in the spring if I recall correctly, so maybe that might bring the missing feeling your referring too
I think it might... I thought he was going to put some of the covers hes done on youtube on here but maybe that will come on the other half of this album@@bobbym50
You got me into country too!!!! Love, a solid Northerner Democrat and I really mean it I don't care if you don't want to talk to me, I'll leave you alone. But I usually find that people love to talk about music 😅🎉
Cody's album is easily the best mainstream country album I've heard this year. Some are criticizing him for not writing any of the songs, but most of these sound as if they were written expressly for him. "Higher" is really good, too.
@@Bbell47 Gettin' Old was my choice until Leather came out. It still may end up the year as my choice if my initial enthusiasm for Leather declines, but right now I'm still in the "honeymoon" phase as far as Leather goes. I was fully prepared to like Ashley McBryde's The Devil I Know more than either, but I found that one very disappointing.
Simply cannot improve on Chris Stapleton's vocals and songwriting. Over and over and over again he proves this. I like this album in particular for the very points scored by Grady's excellent review, especially its focus artistically and lyrically on Morgane. Their romance informs their music. Thanks for sounding this note!
I get it Cody didn't write anything on Leather but some of the writing was exquisite. The double meaning in so many of the songs the word play. I think this is hands down better than Human the double album which I also loved. The amount of steel the emotions in a song like Whiskey Bent, or Dirt Cheap gave me chills
I downloaded Higher off Chris' Myspace almost 10 years ago. I'm so excited he finally released it. He hasn't changed a thing about the song and it's just absolutely perfect. I knew when I heard that song that he was the best singer in the world and I still stand by it. Thanks for this awesome review again Grady!
I felt the same way about "you should probably leave". The guitar licker threw me for a loop the first time, but I've since grown to love the recorded version just as much as the version I learned from watching live videos years ago
@@keithcroft9181 same. Such a great song.. you can find an acoustic of him playing it 2 different times.. same with either way. And either way he does a step up, so he goes even higher on the chorus which is just bonkers.
@@keithcroft9181I still like the acoustic version of You Should Probably Leave much more. I’m still of the opinion that he kind of ruined the studio version.
The first time i heard "white horse" i was excited for this album, then i heard "think I'm in love with you" and i knew it was gonna be good. Cut forward to hearing the whole album and I was like " yeeeaahh, this was worth the wait!"
I have noticed that Chris's lyrics and production are much better now. He's not playing it safe anymore. He's taking more chances with what he puts that awesome voice on! 👍👍
I’m so glad your favorite song is Dirt Cheap. That song has made me cry 3 separate times. It’s by far my favorite Cody song ever. The whole album is great but that particular song is insanely well written and performed
That Chris Stapleton album just hits different... it is definitely a "Netflix and Chill" type of album, in the best way possible 💗 Thank you Grady, I went to listen to it based on this video. You have really opened my eyes to help appreciate country music
I didnt even bother trying to single along to the Stapleton title track “higher” bc the dude hit a new note i never heard him do before lol. Amazing album in my opinion
Can't wait till next year when Cody is releasing part 2 I've already heard one of the songs called,over you written by trick savage ,Scott Sean white ,and Helen chroning, it so darn good ,
I love these albums. There's more pedal steel on the Chris Stapleton album than on starting over. I love the vibe and sound of think I'm in love with you.
Both albums are wonderful, each in their own way. If I had to choose, it would be Higher. I kinda felt the disconnect also with the Leather album, but the songs are still amazing. Stapleton knocked another album out of the park. I can't say there's a song on Higher that I don't like. It's an album I can hear on repeat
These are both two amazing artists and two amazing albums. Chris Stapleton's songs The Fire and The Bottom are my favorites. When I hear The Bottom I'm thinking of alcoholism and someone getting over it. I love them both and both albums are solid
When you say you're feeling down, here and in that beautiful and emotional insta porch video, I just want to give you a big hug. Remember this Grady, YOU are the light in the dark! If I'm feeling down I can always watch you go through song by song on the Zach Bryan album, and I feel fine again! 🙌❤ I hope someone hugs you on your dark days. I hope someone is the light to you like you're the light to many of us. 🤍
Chris Stapleton’s track “Loving you on my mind” is basically John Mayer’s “Covered in Rain” just lyric swapped. I like it, I’m just surprised at how they got away with it being so similar?
Another great vid Grady. Speaking of new WHO WAS GONNA TELL ME FLATLAND, CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN, SIERRA FERREL, AND BILLY STRINGS WERE ON THE HUNGER GAMES SOUNDTRACK
I don't know if you've heard of them, but I think you should check out Larry Fleet and The Wilder Blue, 2 of my favorite newer (ish) country artists/bands, and they have been coming out with some great music as of late.
I was waiting for you to review Chris Stapleton’s album! I’ve been listening to it nonstop since it was released and was very curious to hear what you think. Turns out everything you said it what I was thinking 😊
Grady spot on. Stapleton record is an amazing full listen, but I do think the CoJo album has more hits. Can’t go wrong either way. These are the two best vocalists in country music rn imo.
Great video, Grady! Also, one night I was right next to you on a country star event leaderboard lol! Country Star is one of my favorite games to play right now
Great review of Higher, Grady. Wanted to also point out the genius in the songwriting of “The Bottom” although you find it to be a slight word jumble. The song is, at a basic level, about drinking to forget the pain of a lost relationship. However, the real genius comes in with the lyric, “So I don’t have a problem, if I don’t see the bottom.” This could simply mean he’s given up on drinking as the memory of the woman is attached to his drunkenness, and that problem is now gone. Alternately (and the way I prefer to interpret it) is that he’s in denial of his problem and he’s not seeing the bottom of the glass because he keeps refilling his drink. Ton of metaphors throughout the song as well like when he says “the past holds the woman at the bottom of the glass” alluding to the fact that throughout their relationship he valued drinking over his time with her which led to their demise. Anyways, this might have been an easy catch but wanted to point it out if anyone missed it since that leveled up the song for me lol. I also personally learned to like the wordplay in the chorus how it uses the subject of the previous line to begin the next line, but totally get where you’re coming from as I felt similarly off first listen. Hope this changes your perspective if you hadn’t considered it yet, keep up the great videos as usual!
Grady! Do a video on the score to the new “Hunger Games” movie. It’s extremely country and features Charles Wesley Godwin, Sierra Ferrel, Billy Strings, and more.
Grady, I have the EXACT same thoughts as you in regards to the George Strait/Alan Jackson comment. Can’t say I’ve heard many others say that other than me so that was spot on 😂
Immediately cried listening to dirt cheap but I felt like most of the album could’ve used more harmonies and fiddle. Felt pretty basic, but better than the last album. Chris Stapleton has the best baselines!!
I feel like Stapleton’s ‘The Bottom’ is a man’s round about way of justifying his bad drinking habits. It’s supposed to be confusing a little bit because he knows he can’t really justify it which might maybe be a little self reflecting? Idk might be reading into it too much but as of right now that’s my favorite on the record which might be a hot take.
Not sure if you know this, but George Strait has writing credits on ~8 of the songs on Honkey Tonk Time Machine. I think his next album (when?) will be mostly Bubba, George, and Dean as well.
Why a smackdown? Why not both 😂😅 Both have their strengths and weaknesses, ive added both to my 'escape for the weekend and forget about the world' playlist.
I’d agree about your comment Alan Jackson over George Strait! As far as the Cody Johnson album! I was really looking forward to this one! I had high expectations and I think I was let down easy! It’s a solid album but, not the most amazing thing like his last few albums! I’d say there’s two or three songs on this album I could listen to over and over the rest are just okay lol!
Agree with the COJO record. Its really good but maybe not great. Needed 1 or 2 more songs like Dirt Cheap to get to that level. Dirt Cheap was awesome though.
I like both albums but as a whole album I like Higher better. There are individual songs on Leather that have become some of my favorite by Cody Johnson, the main two being The Painter and Dirt Cheap.
Hey! You feeling down? Go watch that Jelly Roll speech (after this video obviously) and have a good day!
Good take on CJ's new album....... decent songs in there... but MISSING CODY!!!!..... everything that makes Cody who he's been up to this point is missing. I guess thats what happens when you don't contribute to the album like so much of his past work. His independent artist image and feel better be mixed into his next one. Just go listen to his LIVE album. You're like.....hell yeah, thats he Texas cowboy I know and love. This one sounds like Warner said here we made you an album now go sing it.
Leather is actually going to be another double album, the second half is coming in the spring if I recall correctly, so maybe that might bring the missing feeling your referring too
Bro you got me into country music. 🤘🏻
I think it might... I thought he was going to put some of the covers hes done on youtube on here but maybe that will come on the other half of this album@@bobbym50
You got me into country too!!!! Love, a solid Northerner Democrat and I really mean it I don't care if you don't want to talk to me, I'll leave you alone. But I usually find that people love to talk about music 😅🎉
Cody's album is easily the best mainstream country album I've heard this year. Some are criticizing him for not writing any of the songs, but most of these sound as if they were written expressly for him. "Higher" is really good, too.
Problem is it’s mainstream and I hate that. Wish it was more like his old stuff
@@colehayden1021 I can see your point.
If anything, Cody took the opportunity to showcases the writing prowess of lesser known song writers that he felt fit his writing and song style.
Gettin Old is the best mainstream one for me. Non mainstream is either higher or family ties
@@Bbell47 Gettin' Old was my choice until Leather came out. It still may end up the year as my choice if my initial enthusiasm for Leather declines, but right now I'm still in the "honeymoon" phase as far as Leather goes. I was fully prepared to like Ashley McBryde's The Devil I Know more than either, but I found that one very disappointing.
Simply cannot improve on Chris Stapleton's vocals and songwriting. Over and over and over again he proves this. I like this album in particular for the very points scored by Grady's excellent review, especially its focus artistically and lyrically on Morgane. Their romance informs their music. Thanks for sounding this note!
Chris Stapleton will cement himself as one of the greatest country artists of all time by the time he is done.
He already has
I get it Cody didn't write anything on Leather but some of the writing was exquisite. The double meaning in so many of the songs the word play. I think this is hands down better than Human the double album which I also loved. The amount of steel the emotions in a song like Whiskey Bent, or Dirt Cheap gave me chills
I downloaded Higher off Chris' Myspace almost 10 years ago. I'm so excited he finally released it. He hasn't changed a thing about the song and it's just absolutely perfect. I knew when I heard that song that he was the best singer in the world and I still stand by it.
Thanks for this awesome review again Grady!
I felt the same way about "you should probably leave". The guitar licker threw me for a loop the first time, but I've since grown to love the recorded version just as much as the version I learned from watching live videos years ago
@@keithcroft9181 same. Such a great song.. you can find an acoustic of him playing it 2 different times.. same with either way. And either way he does a step up, so he goes even higher on the chorus which is just bonkers.
@@keithcroft9181I still like the acoustic version of You Should Probably Leave much more. I’m still of the opinion that he kind of ruined the studio version.
I was blown away by the songwriting on Leather! Higher didn't hit me hard first listen, but it's growing on me.
I've been listening to Watching My Old Flame for over a week and didn't notice the double meaning with "Go out" until you mentioned it. Great writing.
When Chris Stapleton drops, there is no competition. He is the king of country.
only George Strait dubbed that title
He’s the current king of country, blues and soul.
South Dakota is one of my favourites on this album. Sounds like they continued the vibe from his single I’m a Ram (shout out to the great Al Green! ).
The first time i heard "white horse" i was excited for this album, then i heard "think I'm in love with you" and i knew it was gonna be good. Cut forward to hearing the whole album and I was like " yeeeaahh, this was worth the wait!"
I have noticed that Chris's lyrics and production are much better now. He's not playing it safe anymore. He's taking more chances with what he puts that awesome voice on! 👍👍
This Leather album is my favorite album in a few years.
Leather was fabulous.all those writers on the album did incredible.It definitely feels like a very Cody Johnson album.
I’m so glad your favorite song is Dirt Cheap. That song has made me cry 3 separate times. It’s by far my favorite Cody song ever. The whole album is great but that particular song is insanely well written and performed
White Horse makes me feel like I could run through a wall Kool-Aid Man style.
That Chris Stapleton album just hits different... it is definitely a "Netflix and Chill" type of album, in the best way possible 💗
Thank you Grady, I went to listen to it based on this video. You have really opened my eyes to help appreciate country music
Stapleton by a country mile
I had to call my doctor cause that new Stapelton album is siiiiiiick
I didnt even bother trying to single along to the Stapleton title track “higher” bc the dude hit a new note i never heard him do before lol. Amazing album in my opinion
Its not even a contest. Higher is the album of the year.
Can't wait till next year when Cody is releasing part 2 I've already heard one of the songs called,over you written by trick savage ,Scott Sean white ,and Helen chroning, it so darn good ,
Love Chris he's so talented and such a story teller
I love these albums. There's more pedal steel on the Chris Stapleton album than on starting over. I love the vibe and sound of think I'm in love with you.
Chris Stapleton is so superior nobody is even close,
Grady you HAVE to talk about the new Hunger Games soundtrack and all the country music in it
i kinda feel like if John Mayer is doing a song with Chris Stapleton on this album.😊
Both albums are wonderful, each in their own way. If I had to choose, it would be Higher. I kinda felt the disconnect also with the Leather album, but the songs are still amazing. Stapleton knocked another album out of the park. I can't say there's a song on Higher that I don't like. It's an album I can hear on repeat
I wish Cody would make an entire mainstream bluegrass sound album, Fenceposts is a masterpiece IMO. Love that song
These are both two amazing artists and two amazing albums. Chris Stapleton's songs The Fire and The Bottom are my favorites. When I hear The Bottom I'm thinking of alcoholism and someone getting over it. I love them both and both albums are solid
I really love "comma songs". It feels they have become more common in the last couple of years. One great example is "Next Girl" by Carly Pearce.
Chris Stapleton all the way. No question!
Both albums are so good!
When you say you're feeling down, here and in that beautiful and emotional insta porch video, I just want to give you a big hug. Remember this Grady, YOU are the light in the dark! If I'm feeling down I can always watch you go through song by song on the Zach Bryan album, and I feel fine again! 🙌❤ I hope someone hugs you on your dark days. I hope someone is the light to you like you're the light to many of us. 🤍
That is so nice of you to say. Thank you!!
I think Stapleton strives to not make the same record twice
Stapleton’s album was unbelievably good.
With all do respect for Cody Johnson…this ain’t even a contest. Chris Stapleton is the King of country at the very least in this era.
It’s not even a country album!
Chris Stapleton’s track “Loving you on my mind” is basically John Mayer’s “Covered in Rain” just lyric swapped. I like it, I’m just surprised at how they got away with it being so similar?
You need to talk about Mike Henderson, Chris’s mentor and writing partner…he passed away recently and Chris is mentioning him a lot.
Need you to do a CMA recap on TH-cam! You’re opinion is impactful on the Country community!
Which one is better: Higher. Which ones belong in top 5 country albums of the year: Both.
I like LEATHER more. And yes Dirt Cheap makes me tear up every time
Another great vid Grady. Speaking of new WHO WAS GONNA TELL ME FLATLAND, CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN, SIERRA FERREL, AND BILLY STRINGS WERE ON THE HUNGER GAMES SOUNDTRACK
I don't know if you've heard of them, but I think you should check out Larry Fleet and The Wilder Blue, 2 of my favorite newer (ish) country artists/bands, and they have been coming out with some great music as of late.
So glad he finally put out "It Takes a Woman".
Mr.Johnson is one of my favorite. It only getting better.I see him to get as good as the top ones or pass them up
Ian Munsick wrote Leather on the Cody Johnson album. I just wanted to give him a little credit and shout out lol.
I was waiting for you to review Chris Stapleton’s album! I’ve been listening to it nonstop since it was released and was very curious to hear what you think. Turns out everything you said it what I was thinking 😊
I am shocked that you didn’t talk about whiskey bent!!! It was my absolute favorite song in this reord
I love the videos Grady. Keep up the good work man
Glad you’re backer!
Grady spot on. Stapleton record is an amazing full listen, but I do think the CoJo album has more hits. Can’t go wrong either way. These are the two best vocalists in country music rn imo.
Great video, Grady! Also, one night I was right next to you on a country star event leaderboard lol! Country Star is one of my favorite games to play right now
Stapleton took Eric Church’s “ Higher Wire” concept with Higher. Which was also the first time Church showed off that range.
I am gonna go listen to the Higher you teased us with in the beginning LOL
We want a Morgan album!!!
Dirt Cheap…song of the year…
Downloaded Leather. Love it. Pass on Higher
The Bottom is something else man. Good stuff
Great review of Higher, Grady. Wanted to also point out the genius in the songwriting of “The Bottom” although you find it to be a slight word jumble. The song is, at a basic level, about drinking to forget the pain of a lost relationship. However, the real genius comes in with the lyric, “So I don’t have a problem, if I don’t see the bottom.” This could simply mean he’s given up on drinking as the memory of the woman is attached to his drunkenness, and that problem is now gone. Alternately (and the way I prefer to interpret it) is that he’s in denial of his problem and he’s not seeing the bottom of the glass because he keeps refilling his drink. Ton of metaphors throughout the song as well like when he says “the past holds the woman at the bottom of the glass” alluding to the fact that throughout their relationship he valued drinking over his time with her which led to their demise. Anyways, this might have been an easy catch but wanted to point it out if anyone missed it since that leveled up the song for me lol. I also personally learned to like the wordplay in the chorus how it uses the subject of the previous line to begin the next line, but totally get where you’re coming from as I felt similarly off first listen. Hope this changes your perspective if you hadn’t considered it yet, keep up the great videos as usual!
I got there eventually, but LOVE the breakdown!!
@@GradySmithhaha thanks Grady! Wanted to be informative because that brought it to the top of the album for me😂
“The past holds the woman at the bottom of the glass” could also mean when the drinking is done, the memories start.
,
Grady! Do a video on the score to the new “Hunger Games” movie. It’s extremely country and features Charles Wesley Godwin, Sierra Ferrel, Billy Strings, and more.
Hey Grady, JA is definitely worth a listen. Love CO JO !!
Do a video on Jon Pardi’s Christmas album and Flatland Cavalry’s Wandering Star album 🤠🤠
Lighting looks great Grady!
I'm loving both albums. Although 'think I'm in love with you' reminds me slightly of the song evil kermit sings in the muppets most wanted.
Cojo video!!! YES PLEASE!
Love it, you better watch what you say about George strait!
I was waiting for this video😄
11:06 Caught me so off guard😂
Great vid
Josh Phillips has some really good solo stuff and also had a cut on Aldeans record… bro goin places, been one of my favorites for a couple years.
Both great albums. Eager to hear your thoughts on Norther by Shane Smith and the Saints 😃
Grady, I have the EXACT same thoughts as you in regards to the George Strait/Alan Jackson comment. Can’t say I’ve heard many others say that other than me so that was spot on 😂
Immediately cried listening to dirt cheap but I felt like most of the album could’ve used more harmonies and fiddle. Felt pretty basic, but better than the last album. Chris Stapleton has the best baselines!!
I was definitely felt “bored”. Wish he would really go for it on the entire album, not just on a few songs!
The only memorable song for me on Jason's album is "Whose Rearview". Idk why, I just like it.
Oh yeah Jason "Fake Cowboy" Aldean strikes again with another song about rearview what a jackass!
Double Album? No. Double Review. Love this 🤟🏼
Stapelton is the best mainstream artist out there no doubt about it. He is far superior to all.
Love both albums, but more songs from CoJos album made it on my daily playlist than Chris Stapletons for sure.
Great vid Grady.
I feel like Stapleton’s ‘The Bottom’ is a man’s round about way of justifying his bad drinking habits. It’s supposed to be confusing a little bit because he knows he can’t really justify it which might maybe be a little self reflecting? Idk might be reading into it too much but as of right now that’s my favorite on the record which might be a hot take.
Not sure if you know this, but George Strait has writing credits on ~8 of the songs on Honkey Tonk Time Machine. I think his next album (when?) will be mostly Bubba, George, and Dean as well.
You gotta cover Alexandra Kay's debut album, All I've Ever Known. Its so good.
Grady is a certified alpha for Alan > George
I’m surprised you didn’t notice or highlight Leather was written by your boy Ian Munsick!
Chris Stapleton no contest
The reason Leather makes you feel like that is as you said he literally had zero writing himself in it. Hope that changes next time
I need your thoughts on Luke Combs/Wilder Woods collaboration.
You should look into Stephen Wilson Jr if you haven't
@GradySmith you should really do a video comparing Alan Jackson to George Strait as the king
Why a smackdown? Why not both 😂😅
Both have their strengths and weaknesses, ive added both to my 'escape for the weekend and forget about the world' playlist.
Are you going to review jason aldeans highway desperado album, grady?
Show idea: recent songs that have a religious feel, religious title, and choir. Start with Jesus Loves You and Ol’ Church Hymn by Darius Rucker.
I’d agree about your comment Alan Jackson over George Strait! As far as the Cody Johnson album! I was really looking forward to this one! I had high expectations and I think I was let down easy! It’s a solid album but, not the most amazing thing like his last few albums! I’d say there’s two or three songs on this album I could listen to over and over the rest are just okay lol!
Not one mentoion of The Day I Die. Crying emoji activated
I did! But yeah it was brief! I talked about him writing it with Carolyn and his good it is
Agree with the COJO record. Its really good but maybe not great. Needed 1 or 2 more songs like Dirt Cheap to get to that level. Dirt Cheap was awesome though.
I see Grady, I click. Simple
Stapleton and Godwin 2024. This country needs “husband country”.
Should give Jason’s new album a chance. A lot better than his last 3!
Can you review Hannah dashers new album? She deserves some love! Best female country singer at the minute
Higher is easily the best song on the album
I like both albums but as a whole album I like Higher better. There are individual songs on Leather that have become some of my favorite by Cody Johnson, the main two being The Painter and Dirt Cheap.