J.R. Carroll is one of country music’s best kept secrets.
He’s gained some notoriety as an impeccable songwriter ever since the his debut single “Grass That Isn’t Green” hit streaming platforms in 2020, but due to his commitment as the keyboard player in Zach Bryan’s band, he hasn’t had as much time as he may like to focus on his own original music over the past few years. Now he’s got new music on the way, though, and it’s been a longtime coming.
Carroll has kept his fans engaged with a handful of singles and a few EPs along the way, but he recently announced a debut album that is sure to take his solo career to the next level. Aptly titled Dark Cloud, which is the English translation of his Cherokee named hometown of Oologah, Oklahoma, Carroll’s forthcoming work is an ode to his home state and the experiences he has had as an aspiring musician hailing form the heart of Oklahoma’s esteemed red dirt scene.
Amidst the demanding schedule of Zach Bryan’s stadium tours, Carroll has been honing his craft as a songwriter and musician behind the scenes, and this album is the necessary addition to his potent catalog that will prove just why he is one of the country music’s best kept secrets. And now with the release of the project’s lead single “Hometown Hero,” fans have a glimpse of the masterpiece that is to come.
A cleverly written track with a honky tonk sound, “Hometown Hero” serves as an autobiographical and somewhat satirical look into what Carroll’s career has been like as both an internationally touring musician in one of country music’s biggest bands as well as an up and coming regional act trying to make a name of his own, and simultaneously it takes on the persona of a love song that shines a light on the lonesome aspect of life on the road.
The song’s opening lyrics set the scene perfectly.
“I get my drinks for free in Tulsa if I’m feeling friendly
I can make a couple bucks if I sing a little Whitley
I’m a hometown hero taking time off the road”
And the chorus drives home the song’s poignant kicker.
“But I don’t need any sympathy
And I don’t want anything but wine
She may be gone but she won’t forget me
‘Cause heroes don’t die, Lord knows I’ve tried
jBut love just won’t let me”
Check out “Hometown Hero” below, the lead single off of J.R. Carroll’s forthcoming debut record Dark Cloud.
With the album slated for release in its entirety on December 6, Carroll is on the verge of letting the country music world know what the rest of us have known for a while: He’s the real deal, and his music deserves every bit of your attention.
In case you aren’t familiar with much of his catalog to date, let these next few songs serve as an introduction in anticipation of the rapidly approaching new album Dark Cloud.
“Red Fern”
“Diamondhead”
And my personal favorite…
“Rocky Ford”
