Dustin Lynch is not known to be a particularly unique or original country music artist. As I looked over his album that I plan on reviewing this time around, Blue in the Sky, I noticed that every single one of his six studio albums is essentially just him wearing a cowboy hat, with the only changes over the 10 years is him progressively growing some stubble on his face and looking farther and farther down at the ground. Lynch’s songs typically revolve around the common country music themes of girls, trucks, and sunshine. However, this newest album (with him finally looking up) provides a summer soundtrack full of laughs, smiles, and good vibes, showing that sometimes when you want to enjoy the good times in life, going back to what you know best is not so bad.
Showcasing this theme is the first song off of the album, Party Mode. He describes getting over a heartbreak by flipping the switch and having a good time: “Well, I sure do miss her and what we had / But there ain’t no future in lookin’ back / So I keep on rollin’ and movin’ on.” This theme of letting loose and having a good time is continued in Tequila on Boat, which essentially describes the same situation… but on a boat: “Tequila on a boat, a boat on a lake / A lake on fire and the tans ain’t fake / A girl with a smile smiling at me / Me with my eyes on her in the heat.” Though the lyrics are not particularly poetic, the steady beat and energetic instrumentation transfers from the good vibes from the song to wherever it is playing.
The next tune, a duet with rising country star MacKenzie Porter, does include more thoughtful lyrics with Thinkin’ Bout You. This song recounts reconnecting with an old flame and reminiscing on good times spent together: “I was just thinking ’bout that weekend out on Cumberland Lake / And that one time in Baton Rouge when we made out in the rain / Where we went chasin’ fallin’ stars on a hill at your daddy’s farm / Don’t be sorry for callin’ me up right outta the blue.” The specific situations outlined in the lyrics may not seem very relatable to most people, but the general feeling of bittersweet longing can be felt when listening to this song. Funny enough, this is actually one of my girlfriend and I’s favorite songs, and we did in fact dance in the rain one time on farmland, so this song is especially meaningful for me.
A later song, Stars Like Confetti, is an ideal song to blast through the stereo while driving with the windows down. Though the story of this song takes place at night, the song emanates rays of sun that are sure to get you in a good mood: “Ooh, I don’t remember what the radio was playin’ / I was hangin’ like the moon on all the words your lips were sayin’ / All I know is there was magic in that Chevy / Baby, you were glowin’, God was throwin’ / Stars like confetti.” Overall, Dustin Lynch provides a great soundtrack for summer parties and cookouts, making this album well worth a listen.
Hi Emmanuel! Thanks for sharing another album and providing so much information. I find it interesting that he changed up the content of his music but I liked that even though the lyrics may not be considered as impactful/meaningful, the album is just as good. I also find it funny that one of the songs is called “party mode” cause after hearing the title I would not think of a country song.
Wow, this album is quite different from your previously mentioned ones. It’s more on the romantic and fun side while your previous albums were more emotional and full of words of wisdom. You’re right to say that the lyrics themselves do not have a very poetic sound to them, but I can see how one could still be able to relate to these words without ever experiencing them before. I also really like how you called out the stereotype of country music being all about “girls, trucks, and sunshine.” I don’t listen to a lot of country music myself, but even I have heard of these stereotypes before. But as demonstrated by your previous posts, it’s not always the case. Still, this album really does sound like it would be romantic and fun to listen to and I’m looking forward to try it out one day!
Great review as always! Dustin Lynch is a country artist that I can’t say I listen to often, but when I do it is always a treat. As Courtney explained, there certainly seems to be a more upbeat, fun while romantic side of this album that we have not seen in other reviews you have compiled. Dustin certainly has a unique voice in the country music arena that, in my opinion, enables listeners to really just sit back and enjoy his distinguished flow. Good work!