His most personal work yet.
And it’s way too early on a Friday morning to be crying…
Today, Luke Combs released his fifth studio album called Fathers & Sons, which is about his journey thus far as a father of two young boys, his perspective of his own dad and special times they’ve shared together, and how important the role of a father is to be and have, no matter what phase of life you’re in.
Of course, there are also several songs on the 12-song tracklist that aren’t directly related to Luke specifically, like the easy standout “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” As a whole, it’s incredibly nuanced and intricate in terms of the fact that Luke seemingly manages to touch on every aspect of being a dad, son or daughter and even grandfather.
In many ways, you could consider this a concept album of sorts, and I find it to be so well done and beautifully presented from the writing, production, and of course, his pure country vocals.
The album cover is perfect too, which features Luke and his dad, Chester, fishing with his two little ones Tex, who will be two this month, and Beau, who was born last August. I can only imagine how special it will be for Tex and Beau to hear this album when they can full understand it, and it will be something they cherish forever:
It’s extremely apparent on every song Luke included in this album that being a parent has certainly given him new inspiration and much more depth as a songwriter, and has only added to his life in so many positive and beautiful ways.
And whether you’re a parent or not, this record has something for everyone, and as a daughter myself, someone who is not a parent, father or son, I found myself tearing up more than once listening to multiple song as I was reminded of so many memories I have with my own dad.
Being a parent is an emotional, life-altering experience, and he managed to capture it in such a simple, yet poignant way that I know fans will absolutely relate to and love.
Fathers & Sons doesn’t have his typical good-timin’, beer-drinkin’ tunes that we all know and love, but it does have so many deep, introspective and sincere songs that will stand the test of time and define this part of his career as one of the most special and important.
Luke’s evolution is obvious, and being a father certainly suits him. Here’s to all the great dads out there, and happy (early) Father’s day. Now let’s get into the music…
“In Case I Ain’t Around”
“In Case I Ain’t Around” is written from the perspective of Luke when he was younger, remembering when his dad would tell him little things and give him life advice he needs to know just in case his dad isn’t around one day to remind him.
I’m sure many of us have heard our dad’s say something along these lines, though Luke still manages to make it feel so personal and meaningful in terms of his own father which makes it an easy standout (and tearjerker).
“Whoever You Turn Out To Be”
“Whoever You Turn Out to Be” is a beautiful song that finds Luke telling his sons that no matter who they become, or what they want to do or be, he already loves them more than they can imagine.
He doesn’t want them to ever feel like they have to be what he wants them to be, and puts into words how so many parents feel and I think will mean a lot to his own children one day.
“Plant a Seed”
“Plant a Seed” is written from the view of Luke’s father now, talking to him about being a dad and reminding him to plant the simple, important seeds in his own kids, because time goes by so fast and it’s best to trust God and just enjoy the ride.
“My Old Man Was Right”
I have a sneaking suspicion the dads are going to be partial to “My Old Man Was Right,” including my own dad, as it finds Luke admitting all the things his father use to warn him about or tried teach him that he used to roll his eyes at were all true.
He now realizes he could’ve save a lot of time, heartache and trouble if he would’ve simply listened, but maybe he can try to save his own sons from those mistakes… but I think we all know how that will go, and it’s simply the beauty of life and the relationship between a father and son or daughter.
“Take Me Out to the Ballgame”
And because there’s definitely something wrong with me, the one I was most eager to hear that Luke has been teasing for a while now is heartbreaking song “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” The incredibly sad tune finds the narrator, seemingly a young boy, wondering why his dad isn’t home all the time anymore and why they can’t just go to a ballgame together anytime they want like he’s used to.
He can’t wrap his mind around why his parents wouldn’t be together since his mom says “she still loves” his dad and in “someways always will,” and sadly feels like he had something to do with it because he was misbehaving. It feels rare to hear a country song that’s about divorce, and this is a total hit in my humble opinion.
A career-defining album that show off the best parts of who Luke is as an artist and person, Fathers & Sons is a masterpiece full of emotion, lessons learned and hopes for the future, and is already in contention as the all-around best body of work the North Carolina native has ever released.
Fathers & Sons tracklist:
1. “Front Door Famous”
2. “In Case I Ain’t Around”
3. “Huntin’ By yourself”
4. “Little Country Boys”
5. “Whoever You Turn Out To Be”
6. “Remember Him That Way”
7. “The Man He Sees in Me”
8. “All I Ever Do Is Leave”
9. “Plant a Seed”
10. “Ride Around Heaven”
11. “My Old Man Was Right”
12. “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”
