One of the best in the business.
Like many artists out there today, Kip Moore is one of those names that simply has never gotten the attention he deserves. Despite having a #1 right out of the gate with his debut single “Something ‘Bout a Truck” back in 2012, the Georgia native has routinely fallen into the “severely underrated” category throughout most of his career. And yet, it’s never really mattered. He’s carved his own path, earned his own fans around the country, and even around the world, building an impressive and sustainable career without much help from the likes of country radio.
Throughout the years, he’s simply gotten better with age. It seems as if many artists, especially those like Moore who experience success early in their career, tend to fizzle out creatively and never try to reinvent themselves as creatives. That’s simply never been the case with the “She’s Mine” singer.
Despite being around for nearly 15 years at this point, recently, it seems as if Moore has hit his stride from a creative standpoint and has been on an absolute tear release-wise.
Last February, Moore released yet another fantastic record, Solitary Tracks, which served as his sixth studio album and first under Virgin Music Group. Like nearly every one of his albums, Solitary Tracks was yet another wholly unique venture from Moore and even received a deluxe version in August that totaled 26 songs.
Just over a year later, the 46-year-old singer/songwriter is back with yet another record, Reason to Believe, his seventh studio album which was released today and undoubtedly continues his hot streak.
Discussing the album in an Instagram post, Moore would explain that Reason to Believe, at its core, is all about his faith and battling the darkness found in the trials of life.
“My belief in my faith is at my core. Even when the dark is there and it’s winning, I know it won’t ultimately win. I just have to find my way back to the light.”
Additionally, he’d address the late, great songwriter Brett James, who tragically passed away last September in an airplane accident. He’d note that James, a longtime friend, was the biggest supporter of the title track, which remained an unreleased fan-favorite for years until today.
“Thank you to my redlight & Virgin Music team for helping me get this music heard and into the fans hands & ears. I appreciate all you guys do! I hope you guys enjoy Reason To Believe. Brett, RTB was always your favorite. It finally found a home. I love you and I’ll see you on the other side amigo.”
What results is an undoubtedly soulful outing from Moore. If you’ve been a fan of his for years, there’s simply a lot to love here on Reason To Believe. From the start, you receive a patented, southern rock-inspired romp on “Levee,” which sees the Georgia native expressing his pent-up frustration with the current state of the world.
“I ain’t no killer, I ain’t no victim
Ain’t on the bankroll of any politician, no
Ain’t no canary singing from a coal mine
But I got both fists clenched if you’re lookin’ for a fight”
From there, Moore provides a killer mix of introspective tracks like the pre-released “The Darkness” and “Faith In The Wind,” which continue his long-established themes of searching for something bigger than himself and battling his inner demons. These tracks, however, are balanced incredibly well with some extremely fun, Tom Petty-inspired tracks like “Heartbreaker” and “You & Me.”
Obviously, the track that most fans of the “Hey Pretty Girl” singer were waiting for was none other than “Reason To Believe,” which was posted to YouTube back in 2019. Seven years later, it’s finally here, and it was well-worth the wait. Simply put, it’s a track that serves as an encapsulation of him as an artist, showcasing his passion, faith and rough-around-the-edges nature in one, soulful ballad.
“And it’s goodbye lonely nights
So long restless sleep
I’ll be yours and you’ll be my
Reason to believe”
Reason To Believe sticks the landing and then some on the final few tracks, which contain the incredibly earnest ballads, “Long Time Coming” and “Wild Things Like You.” Finally, the album’s closer, “Josephine,” puts the proverbial bow on this gem of an album, feeling incredibly reminiscent of his severely underrated deep cut, “Janie Blu.”
Overall, Reaston To Believe finds Moore in his sweet spot once again. Though the Georgia native found his footing in the mainstream years ago, it’s become increasingly clear that he’s risen above many of his contemporaries of yesteryear and has never compromised his creative vision. An album that is equally focused on looking towards the future as it is looking back towards the past, Reason To Believe is nothing short of a knock-out punch from the veteran songwriter.
“Reason To Believe”
“Josephine”
“You & Me”
Kip Moore Tour Dates
June 5 – Hinckley, MN – Hinckley Amphitheater *
June 6 – Milwaukee, WI – Landmark Credit Union Live *
June 12 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park *
June 13 – Des Moines, IA – Lauridsen Amphitheater *
June 19 – Grolloo, NL – Holland International Blues Festival #
June 21 – Munich, DE – TonHalle**
June 23 – Zurich, CH – X-TRA**
June 25 – Cologne, DE – Carlswerk**
June 27 – Chelmsford, UK – State Fayre #
July 17 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 *
July 18 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage *
July 24 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater *
July 25 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater *
August 7 – Port Wentworth, GA – Port Wentworth Amphitheater *
August 8 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy *
August 20 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center *
August 21 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed *
August 22 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill *
September 10 – Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery *
September 11 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre *
September 12 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront *
October 17 – Pretoria, ZA – SuperSport Park Stadium
October 23 – Cape Town, ZA – GrandWest Arena
October 24 – Cape Town, ZA – GrandWest Arena
October 30 – Melbourne, AU – The Forum
October 31 – Melbourne, AU – The Forum
November 6 – Brisbane, AU – The Fortitude Music Hall
November 7 – Brisbane, AU – The Fortitude Music Hall
November 13 – Sydney, AU – The Enmore Theatre
November 14 – Sydney, AU – The Enmore Theatre
November 21 – Christchurch, NZ – Christchurch Town Hall
November 22 – Auckland, NZ – Auckland Town Hall
^ – with Cody Johnson
* – Billy Currington & Kip Moore: Live In Concert
** with Jackson Dean
# – Festival
