Scotty McCreery, Rise and Fall
By Christian F. Scalise - Country Stars Central (CountryStarsCentral.com)
Country music superstar, platinum recording artist and newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Scotty McCreery, has just released his long-awaited sixth studio album, Rise and Fall this past month, May 10th, 2024 on Triple Tigers Records.
There are many achievements that welcome cause for celebration in the traditional country singer's world, both personal and professional; a beautiful wife (Gabi), an adorable baby son (Avery), induction into the famed Grand Ole Opry, and garnering a sixth No. 1 hit on the mediabase country chart with, "Cab in a Solo," the debut single off of Rise and Fall!
It's hard to believe it was just 13 years ago that the North Carolina native won the tenth season of American Idol besting fellow country artist, Lauren Alaina. It's a true honor and once in a lifetime opportunity to hold such a title, and Scotty has proven two things; he's never taken it for granted, and he has risen far beyond the American Idol platform to make a name for himself in country music. These past 13 years, we've been privileged to witness the chronicles of a young boy grow into a man.
Produced by Frank Rogers, Aaron Eshuis, and Derek Wells, this record is full of treasures and all the sentiments that a TRUE country album would define; Quality written songs, Dobro, pedal steel (Mike Johnson), fiddle (Larry Franklin), Banjo, mandolin (Ilya Toshinskiy), tight harmonies and authentic depth.
What's even more special is Scotty himself co-wrote 12 of the 13 tracks on the album with his songwriting buddies in the beautiful mountains of the Tar Heel state, North Carolina, where he opts to reside versus living in Nashville, TN. Remaining true to oneself and their roots is very important to Scotty, and it shines in all that he does as an artist!
Highlights include "Cab in a Solo," a song about a brokenhearted individual who has tried every attempt to reignite love lost, only to find out his love interest has moved on, leaving him drinking a Silver Oak 1998 in a solo cup, solo, in the cab of his truck. The accompanying pedal steel on this track is phenomenal!
"Lonely" is another gem on the record. A country music standard waiting in the wings to become a mega-hit. This one will thrill traditional county music lovers alike. Just when one couldn't think things could get any worse, you hit ultimate rock bottom, feeling helpless and hopeless. Scotty really showcases his impeccable and unmistakable vocals on this song. From start to finish, this song plays like a glass of smooth red wine.
"Fall of Summer," without a doubt, will become not just this summer's anthem but one for years to come! It's a gentle and melodious track that tells the story of bliss, first kisses and the excitement of newfound love! One might choose to relate to this song and focus on current love, or find comfort in reflecting on a beloved relationship that is once no more. This song is very radio friendly and deserves every chance to run to the top of the country charts!
"Slow Dance," might just be the crown jewel of this record. Chilling sounds of the pedal steel, the deep baritone of Scotty, and gentle guitar strumming, this beautiful song paints a picture of life's craziness, the hustle and bustle of an ever-changing world, but the one thing that remains true is that slow dance with your lover. It brings security and happiness, a moment in time that should never end. This delightful track has some George Strait (no pun intended) influenced sentiments to it and already sounds like a George Jones or Merle Haggard classic from the vault.
"No Country For Old Men," is a lighthearted and clever tune. It's another favorite and should be for any real fan of country music. In the era of all the greats like John Anderson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Jack Greene, Patsy Cline, Johnny Paycheck and Johnny Cash, one has to wonder what the hell happened to originality and authentic COUNTRY MUSIC!... Well, the good news is that there are artists in country music who value its roots, history and tradition, and Scotty McCreery is one of them! He really does country music proud and this song proves that in his tribute to all the greats!
This album is a must have. It's pure, refreshing, emotional and worth listening to. Start at track number one and let it play all the way until thirteen. You won't be disappointed one bit! Rise and Fall, just like its namesake, tells the tale of the lows once experienced by Scotty, but it is those very moments that taught him to press on and rise above it all!
George Jones, Randy Travis, Josh Turner... Yes, these names are synonymous with not just country music, but music in general; artists who never strayed from their roots, have kept it real and blessed their fans with hardcore country music.
Scotty McCreery stands in that lineup of icons. He's got all that it takes to carry forth the torch for country music, and he will, with humble pride and great respect! He is not in their shadows nor filling their shoes, but rather cementing himself as the next generation of a true, honest, traditional country music artist!
This album is beyond deserving of 5 out of 5 stars!!
You can purchase signed copies of the album and vinyl on Scotty's official website: https://scottymccreery.myshopify.com/
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