It’s time to pay attention to Dillon Carmichael, folks.
And after you hear his new album, you’re going to know why.
With his traditional country sound that’s reminiscent of some of the great country of the 90’s, his clever songwriting, and his booming baritone voice that bears more than a little resemblance to his uncle, Eddie Montgomery from Montgomery Gentry, I’ve been saying for a while that Dillon is one of the most promising young mainstream country artists in the game.
Now, he’s has finally dropped his sophomore album, Son Of A, after teasing us with an EP and several new tracks over the last few months.
There are plenty of the rocking, beer-soaked tunes like the album’s first single, “Hot Beer” and “Paychecks and Longnecks” that he dropped on us a few weeks ago.
And then there are the tributes to Dillon’s blue-collar, Kentucky upbringing on songs like “Family Tree.”
“We’re a little backward for this wayward world
We march to the beat of some old school Merle
Our whiskey bent ways ain’t everybody’s cup of tea
We ain’t pulling our roots up no time soon
We’ll survive without no silver spoon
Give us ammo, camo, and a Zebco 33
There’s a long line of deer stands
In our family tree”
There are also songs that really show off Dillon’s 90’s-country sound, like one of my personal favorites from the album, “Man Made A Bar.”
When I heard this one my first thought was “Damn, this could have been a 90’s Brooks & Dunn song.”
But the shining moment from the album has to be the title track.
I’ll admit, before I heard the song, I saw the title and thought “Ok, I know where this one’s going to go.”
Well lemme tell ya I was wrong – and this is one that will knock you on your ass.
“I’m a son of a momma
A son of a dad
Who will never stop loving me and being there
And giving me everything they have
Let me tell you that I get it now
I’ll admit it now
Why I am the man I am
I’m the son of a momma, a son of a dad
Who give a damn”
With seven tracks produced by Jon Pardi, and songs written by names like Jaren Johnston of The Cadillac Three, Hardy, Rhett Akins, Casey Beathard and frequent Luke Combs co-writer Ray Fulcher, it’s pretty clear that Dillon was trying to come out swinging with this one.
And after listening to the album, it sounds like he landed right on his target.
