Somehow, I think I like this version better.
Luke Grimes, who plays Kayce Dutton on Yellowstone, released the demo version of his debut country single “No Horse To Ride,” and though it’s pretty damn similar to what he did in the studio, there are obviously a few more imperfections and inflections in his vocals on the demo that I actually love.
Something about it just gives the song a little bit more character…
Written by Grimes alongside Jonathan Singleton and Tony Lane, “No Horse To Ride” is a beautiful, acoustic driven song with the wail of a steel guitar in the background, as Grimes sings about how he would be half the person he is now if it weren’t for his significant other.
He says that music was his “first love,” so it’s been a dream for him to really jump fully into making music:
“I think of music as sort of a first love; it was my first creative outlet. To be at the start of this journey, putting my own music out into the world, is beyond a dream come true.
I’m grateful to the people who helped make this happen and to anyone who connects with these songs, I will do my best to keep them honest.
Music has always helped me find meaning. Hopefully this song means something to some folks out there, that would sure mean a lot to me. Much love, more soon…”
He’s actually been working on a full country album with some of the best songwriters in the business, like Randy Montana, Brent Cobb, Jamey Johnson, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Osborne, Jon Randall, and Jessi Alexander, for the better part of a year now.
Luke has previously noted some of his inspirations as country greats like Johnny, Waylon, Willie and Merle, as well as great modern-day artists like Colter Wall, Ruston Kelly, Paul Cauthen, and the late, great Townes Van Zandt, so it’s no surprise he prefers a more simple, stripped-back production like is on display in both versions of the song.
He officially inked a deal with Universal Music Group Nashville not long ago, and said recently that his debut country album should be out towards the end of March, and I’m really looking forward to hearing what else he has coming for us.
Make sure you check out the “No Horse To Ride” demo and see what you think:
The studio cut:
