Another solid release from Luke Grimes. Today, the Yellowstone star turned country artist released the second song from his forthcoming album Redbird called “Haunted,” which he wrote with Dave Cobb and Jessie Jo Dillon.
Of course, you might better recognize Grimes as Kayce Dutton, though he has already released his self-titled debut country album 2024, and has played shows and festivals here and there over the last couple years too.
The album was solid, and it was produced by legendary producer Dave Cobb too (who has produced for artists like Sturgill Simpson and Chris Stapleton), though Grimes is no stranger to the music world as he was previously part of an alt-country band called Mitchell’s Folly, which actually released an album in 2008. In interviews from the time put out Luke Grimes, he mentioned icons like Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson as musical inspirations, so he clearly has great taste in terms of the music he listens to.
Redbird is set for release on April 3rd, and once again, the 10-track project was produced Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb. Grimes says making the record was a “cathartic experience in many ways,” calling it a “deeply personal” project:
“‘Making Redbird’ was a cathartic experience in many ways. Sometimes the highs and lows of life are too much to express with words, so song becomes necessary. As deeply personal as it is, the themes are simple and universal: love, loss, and learning along the way.”
It looks like Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon and Grimes wrote almost the entire album together, which is a great sign because they’re incredibly talented musicians and writers, and it was recorded primarily at Georgia May Studio in Savannah and Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A.
In addition to writing, Grimes contributed his acoustic guitar, percussion, and drum-playing talents throughout the sessions, and it once again promises to lean into his love for more traditional country that inspires his love for music. Of course, he’s got a lot going on this Spring already, as the Yellowstone spinoff she he’s staring in for CBS called MARSHALS is set to air this Sunday, March 1st, and will feature country star Riley Green as one of the cast members.
I was impressed with Grimes debut, he really did have a great team working with him and the music was good, especially considering I had no idea what to expect because let’s be honest, it usually doesn’t work out when a successful Hollywood actor tries to go country… but Grimes clearly has the talent and passion to make it work, and he once again has a simple, stripped back and very country song for fans to enjoy today.
“Haunted,” as you might imagine, finds him constantly reminded of the ghost of a former lover, so to speak, as he can’t seem to shake her memory and still sees the memories of her everywhere in his house.
I appreciate his approach to this whole process, and I think it’s a big part as to why it’s worked so well and he’s had a warm reception from country fans who already loved him on Yellowstone.
You can listen to both songs from Redbird below.
“Haunted”
“Love You Now”
Redbird Tracklisting
1. High Rise Jeans (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
2. Come Home (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
3. Love You Now (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
4. Hummingbird (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
5. Drink Drink Drink (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
6. Love Me That Way (Luke Grimes, Nick Walsh, Wolf Mahler)
7. I’m Not Gonna Leave You (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
8. Without You (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
9. Haunted (Luke Grimes, Dave Cobb, Jessie Jo Dillon)
10. A Little More Time (Luke Grimes, Natalie Hemby)
