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 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 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’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
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! 👍👍
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 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 ,
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 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.
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. 🤍
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.
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
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
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 😂
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.
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!
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!!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
We didn’t deserve these two albums in all honesty. Cody Johnson wrote so many songs you wouldn’t know unless you’re very familiar with Texas country but a lot of his greatest in my opinion were recorded by other people. Such as Broken Heart, Ain’t no Woman of mine. It’s okay that he’s singing some other stuff his vocals and performance carry him well above other artist 🤷🏼♂️
Jason aldeans sound is fucking amazing. His production isn’t necessarily country, but Michael Knox knows what he’s doing and I think his albums have gotten better with age. Yes his songwriting gets repetitive but damn is that production good
@@GradySmith also listen to higher, then listen to koe wetzels honey pain.. other than the lyrics it’s almost note for note. Haven’t heard anything that close since ice ice baby 😂
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.
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.
I was blown away by the songwriting on Leather! Higher didn't hit me hard first listen, but it's growing on me.
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 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.
Chris Stapleton will cement himself as one of the greatest country artists of all time by the time he is done.
He already has
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.
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’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
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.
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!"
This Leather album is my favorite album in a few years.
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! 👍👍
Leather was fabulous.all those writers on the album did incredible.It definitely feels like a very Cody Johnson album.
Both albums are so good!
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
Love Chris he's so talented and such a story teller
Grady you HAVE to talk about the new Hunger Games soundtrack and all the country music in it
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 ,
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
Chris Stapleton is so superior nobody is even close,
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.
I had to call my doctor cause that new Stapelton album is siiiiiiick
Its not even a contest. Higher is the album of the year.
Chris Stapleton all the way. No question!
Need you to do a CMA recap on UA-cam! You’re opinion is impactful on the Country community!
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
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.
Stapleton by a country mile
Glad you’re backer!
So glad he finally put out "It Takes a Woman".
White Horse makes me feel like I could run through a wall Kool-Aid Man style.
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!!
Stapleton’s album was unbelievably good.
11:06 Caught me so off guard😂
I wish Cody would make an entire mainstream bluegrass sound album, Fenceposts is a masterpiece IMO. Love that song
i kinda feel like if John Mayer is doing a song with Chris Stapleton on this album.😊
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 😊
Downloaded Leather. Love it. Pass on Higher
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!
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.
I am gonna go listen to the Higher you teased us with in the beginning LOL
You need to talk about Mike Henderson, Chris’s mentor and writing partner…he passed away recently and Chris is mentioning him a lot.
I like LEATHER more. And yes Dirt Cheap makes me tear up every time
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
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
The Bottom is something else man. Good stuff
I am shocked that you didn’t talk about whiskey bent!!! It was my absolute favorite song in this reord
Which one is better: Higher. Which ones belong in top 5 country albums of the year: Both.
Cojo video!!! YES PLEASE!
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 😂
I love the videos Grady. Keep up the good work man
I was waiting for this video😄
Hey Grady, JA is definitely worth a listen. Love CO JO !!
I think Stapleton strives to not make the same record twice
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.
Stapleton took Eric Church’s “ Higher Wire” concept with Higher. Which was also the first time Church showed off that range.
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.
Ian Munsick wrote Leather on the Cody Johnson album. I just wanted to give him a little credit and shout out lol.
Lighting looks great Grady!
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.
,
Love both albums, but more songs from CoJos album made it on my daily playlist than Chris Stapletons for sure.
Great vid Grady.
Dirt Cheap…song of the year…
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.
Double Album? No. Double Review. Love this 🤟🏼
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!
Love it, you better watch what you say about George strait!
Both great albums. Eager to hear your thoughts on Norther by Shane Smith and the Saints 😃
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.
Great vid
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!
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!
Higher is easily the best song on the album
Do a video on Jon Pardi’s Christmas album and Flatland Cavalry’s Wandering Star album 🤠🤠
Grady is a certified alpha for Alan > George
I see Grady, I click. Simple
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.
We want a Morgan 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.
Stapelton is the best mainstream artist out there no doubt about it. He is far superior to all.
You gotta cover Alexandra Kay's debut album, All I've Ever Known. Its so good.
Stapleton and Godwin 2024. This country needs “husband country”.
That Alan Jackson/ Strait take has gotten me so much hate but glad someone agrees!
Chris Stapleton no contest
Should give Jason’s new album a chance. A lot better than his last 3!
I’m surprised you didn’t notice or highlight Leather was written by your boy Ian Munsick!
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.
Can you review Hannah dashers new album? She deserves some love! Best female country singer at the minute
We didn’t deserve these two albums in all honesty. Cody Johnson wrote so many songs you wouldn’t know unless you’re very familiar with Texas country but a lot of his greatest in my opinion were recorded by other people. Such as Broken Heart, Ain’t no Woman of mine. It’s okay that he’s singing some other stuff his vocals and performance carry him well above other artist 🤷🏼♂️
Jason aldeans sound is fucking amazing. His production isn’t necessarily country, but Michael Knox knows what he’s doing and I think his albums have gotten better with age. Yes his songwriting gets repetitive but damn is that production good
Thanks for making me laugh Jake 🤣 🤣 🤣
Stapletons career was already way blown up even before the cmas with Justin
What??? Nah, his album had been out for six months but like like quadrupled in total sales in one week after that performance.
@@GradySmith also listen to higher, then listen to koe wetzels honey pain.. other than the lyrics it’s almost note for note. Haven’t heard anything that close since ice ice baby 😂
@@devinjessup9613Chris wrote that song way before Koe Wetzel released Honey Pain.
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
Been waiting on this
In one of the later tracks I thought "This song could 100% be a John Mayer track."
I've been following a long time Grady....sadly I "watched our old flame go out" on that George Strait take...😂😂 Jk, great stuff sir! 🤙
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.