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Review By Amy Blizzard
Though Brantley Gilbert may not currently be a name that is well known to all country music listeners, the Georgia native is not without a fan base. For the last few years, Gilbert has been gaining popularity through a rigorous work ethic: playing live shows that garnered positive reviews and resonated with audience members, releasing two albums through Average Joe’s Entertainment and having a few of the songs in his impressive catalog recorded by former label mate Colt Ford and superstar Jason Aldean.
This winter Gilbert experienced a career highlight when he was signed by the Valory Music Group and
Ladies And Gentlemen: Brantley Gilbert
joined in the elite company of: Jewel, Justin Moore and Reba McEntire. Now, he is ready to step into the mainstream music scene alongside them.
However, devoted fans need not worry that the change in record labels will transform Gilbert into someone they no longer visually or audibly recognize. From the start, part of Brantley Gilbert’s appeal has been his overtly evident Southern pride, authentic Georgia boy charm and ability to incorporate his various country and rock influences into his sound.
All of those celebrated attributes are present in his newest single ‘Country Must Be Country Wide’, which originally appeared on his sophomore album ‘Halfway to Heaven’. In the track, he displays a gritty swagger while reflecting and reminiscing about the widespread attraction of a laid back, country lifestyle.
The storyline begins when Gilbert spots an Ohio license plate in his rural, Southern neighborhood and imagines the man must be lost. Upon seeing the stranger in his Wranglers and boots, he discovers that ‘country must be country wide’ and alive in every state in the nation regardless of the geographical location.
He acknowledges there are true-spirited cowboys and hillbillies living everywhere, listening to the classic songs of Johnny Cash or Waylon Jennings because country life actually thrives in the heart and spirit and not the ground you walk on. Reverently, he explains that the lifestyle is more than the hunting or fishing you do with your neighbors- it is the ingrained, honest sense of community, assistance to one another and faith.
‘Country Must Be Country Wide’ does not display a theme that breaks the musical mold, but is does continue the long developed tradition of home pride without coming across as bland or boring. In a similar vein to Aaron Lewis’ country turn, the track showcases and encompasses Gilbert’s signature rock edge and true passion.
Gilbert possesses an ease in his delivery with an authentic twang that is understandably reminiscent of fellow Georgia son Jason Aldean. With the arrival of summer, it is easy to imagine ‘Country Must Be Country Wide’ becoming a part of the season soundtrack, playing on car radios during bonfires and camping trips in the countryside.
Hopefully, this single will only be the beginning of another career breakthrough for Gilbert and country music lovers across the nation will soon be able to hear the true depth of his talent which has been revealed through inspiring gems such as ‘Saving Amy’ and ‘Halfway to Heaven’.
Brantley Gilbert Video Up Close
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More on “Country Must Be Country Wide”
Country Universe doesn’t think the debut single from Gilbert is airplay worthy |
Brantley Gilbert “Country Must Be Country Wide” Lyrics
I grew up south of the Mason Dixon
Working spitting hunting and fishing
Stone cold country by the grace of God
I was gassing up the other day
And an old boy pulled up with a license plate
From Ohio I thought of good lord he’s lost
From his wranglers to his boots
He reminded me of Chris LeDoux
And that Copenhagen smile
Country must be country wide
In every state
There’s a station
Playing Cash, Hank, Willie, and Waylon
In foreign cars and four wheel drives
There’s cowboys and hillbillies
From farm towns to big cities
There ain’t no doubt in my mind
Country must be country wide
It ain’t where
It’s how you live
We weren’t raised to take
We were raised to give
The shirt off our back
To anyone in need
We bow our heads before we eat
Before we start our day
Before we fall asleep
Because in god we trust and we believe
And we see what’s wrong
And we know what’s right
And old Hank he said it all
When he said country folks can survive
There ain’t no doubt in my mind
Country must be country wide
