Scotty McCreery - Rise & Fall
By Soda Canter
McCreery channels the music of his North Carolinian upbringing to create a nostalgic, throwback country sound that allows his notable baritone to shine.
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Scotty McCreery - Rise & Fall
Label: Triple Tigers
Producer: Frank Rogers, Derek Wells & Aaron Eshuis
Release Date: May 10, 2024
Tracklisting:
1. Little More Gone
2. Cab In A Solo
3. Lonely
4. Can’t Pass the Bar
5. Hey Rose
6. Fall of Summer
7. Love Like This
8. Slow Dance
9. No Country for Old Men
10. And Countin’
11. Stuck Behind a Tractor
12. Red Letter Blueprint
13. Porch
On Rise & Fall, Scotty McCreery explores the highs and lows of the circle of life. With his longtime production team of Frank Rogers, Derek Wells and Aaron Eshuis, McCreery channels the music of his North Carolinian upbringing to create a nostalgic, throwback country sound that allows his notable baritone to shine.
Standout track ‘Little More Gone’ absolutely sizzles while sketching a vivid portrait of love gone wrong. “Everytime she says goodbye / There’s a little more gravel flying outta that drive,” McCreery sings with ample swagger, conjuring visions of seeing tail lights in the distance for the last time. Meanwhile, the infectious and already hit-proven ‘Cab In A Solo’ is a lyrical slam dunk, breathing new life into a classic cheating trope. With memorable lines, like “So now I'm finding out how a heartbreak tastes / With a Silver Oak 1998 / Drinking cab in a solo, solo in the cab of my truck,” he delivers an irresistible ear worm that’s both relatable and, most importantly, memeable.
Yet, other offerings like ‘Can’t Pass the Bar’ don't quite reach the same glorious heights. While there are moments of cleverness, the lyrics are underdeveloped and at times crowded, leaving his malleable vocals to sound forced. Further, McCreery has never presented as a rough and rowdy bar kind, making him all the more convincing when being authentically himself, such as on the joyful ‘Love Like This.’ His vocals stretch with charming emotion as he honors the deep love he feels for his wife and son. Similarly, on stripped back ‘Porch,’ his voice swells with gratefulness for the Southern home staple but more so with the comfort he’s found in setting down roots.
Overall, Rise & Fall serves as a mature and assured next chapter from one of the Grand Ole Opry’s newest inducted members. Across the 13 track collection, McCreery exhibits his continued growth as a vocalist and songwriter. In offering such a sincere reflection on his own peaks and valleys, he gives ample space for the future, which is sure to be bright for one of country music’s most resilient stars.
7/10
Scotty McCreery’s 2024 project, Rise & Fall, is available May 10 via Triple Tigers.
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