SLUG: Kip Moore Album
DOP: 9.14.17
HED: Kip Moore’s “Slowheart” a Long Time Coming
SUBHED: Kip Moore fans’ two year wait for third album proves justified
BYLINE: Laura Ellen Brandjord
BYTITLE: Staff Writer
Photo1: Kip Moore
Photo cred: n/a
Photo 2: SlowHeart album cover
Photo cred: UMG Recordings, INC.
Kip Moore burst onto the country music scene in 2012, with his debut album “Up All Night” rising to the rank of best-selling debut by a male artist in 2012 and 2013. Hits such as “Beer Money,” Hey Pretty Girl,” and “Something ‘Bout a Truck,” had country music fans expecting great things in Moore’s future. With a debut album that big, no doubt pressures ran high for a stellar sophomore album.
Unfortunately, it would appear the pressure got the best of the young musician. His second album, “Wild Ones”, proved lackluster with only one track barely sliding into the Top 100 Billboard chart. Perhaps the poor reception told Moore he had some introspection to do on the part of his songwriting, because it took him a full two years to release Slowheart on September 8th of this year. The “bro country” star proves with his most recent release country music still has a lot to hear from the young artist.
Right out the gate, Moore busts out a catchy breakup anthem “Plead the Fifth.” The clear guitar riff at the beginning sets the cool factor pretty high before Moore’s rough voice cuts through and blows the song out of the water. “One hand on a bible the other on a beer, I plead the fifth.” A song dialoguing the longing felt after a serious relationship breaks up and the struggle to keep those feelings from an ex, Moore starts strong on an album that showcases varied styles and instrumental arrangements. Definitely my favorite song on the album.
The current single from the album, “More Girls Like You,” is a song about a relationship gone right. “God made girls like you make guys like me, wanna reach for the brightest star and set on a ring, put it on your hand, buy a piece of land, and raise a few- more girls like you.” With a unique blend of bright electric guitar and accents of acoustic picking, this song has very little country flavor to it. Yet it somehow still fits within the genre. Perhaps it’s the subject matter or Moore’s signature gravelly southern voice, but whatever it is, fans are embracing it. Jumping two spots on Billboard’s Hot Country chart, it sits at number 15 this week poised to jump further up in weeks to come.
Immediately following the successful single is the feel good, boot stompin’ “The Bull.” It’s a song about realizing dreams and acknowledging those that helped you on your journey. The fresh take on acoustic guitar picking is layered again with both electric guitar and more modern musical additives. A song destined for shoe tapping and head nodding, it is as addictive as it is uplifting.
“Guitar Man” closes out an album that departs largely from traditional country. This final track tips its hat to the traditional storytellers of the country. As the name might suggest, the closing song of “Slowheart” laments the rough road of a traveling guitar player. There is the essential trail of broken hearts, too much whiskey drinking, and gritty, plaintive vocals. Add in a pairing of spars guitar and the result will draw in those yearning for a revival of the country of the past.
With “Slowheart” Kip Moore successfully proves he was worth the wait with his third studio album. With a varied sound and fresh take on traditional facets of the genre, Moore demonstrates to critics and fans alike he is a talented musician capable of hanging in the charts with the likes of Thomas Rhett and Dustin Lynch. Every track has something different to offer the listener, making “Slowheart” worth a listen.