by Dalton Belcher
Just Gettin’ Started” by Chris DeStefano, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley
Recently announced to be the new single, this one kicks the album off with some Country-Rock and is likely to be another #1 hit for Aldean.
“Show You Off” by Neil Thrasher, Tony Martin, Brett Beavers
Really catchy tune about taking your girl out to make all other guys jealous of what you've got.
“Burnin’ It Down” by Rodney Clawson, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Chris Tompkins
It's not really Country, it's more Pop/R&B, but it's catchy and has been named the highest selling digital single of all time.
“Tryin’ to Love Me” by Wendell Mobley, Hillary Lindsey, Neil Thrasher
It's the first time Aldean dials back the Rock on this album and it's a standout. It's a unique look at a past relationship.
“Sweet Little Somethin’” by David Lee Murphy, Ben Hayslip, Marv Green
Probably the weakest song on the album, it almost has a techno beat to it, meshing with modern "bro-country" themes.
“Laid Back” by Michael Tyler Spragg, Jaron Boyer, Adam Shoenfeld
Not a stand out, not bad. This song is more generic than anything else, but it fits well with the other songs.
“Tonight Looks Good on You” by Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins, Ashley Gorley
It's about wanting to take your girl out (sound familiar?), it's not a stand-out, but does sound like something that will be a hit if released.
“Too Fast” by Chris Stapleton, Lee Thomas Miller
One of the best songs on the album, Aldean sounds great on this track and the lyrics tell a good story of life on he road.
“If My Truck Could Talk” by Wendell Mobley, Neil Thrasher, Andrew Pates
Honestly, titles can be deceiving and this is one. It's more mid-tempo and serious than a lot of the album. Aldean recalls all the times he's had in his truck and what that would mean if it could verbalize those things.
“Old Boots, New Dirt” by Lee Thomas Miller, Tom Shapiro, Neil Thrasher
When you have a break-up, you wanna get away. Aldean puts his old boots, in new dirt and tries to move on from a past love on this title track.
“I Took It With Me” by David Lee Murphy, Ben Haysli
Aldean talks about leaving or being on the road quite a bit with this album, on this track he notes that all the things from his childhood became a part of him when he left.
“Don’t Change Gone” by Neil Thrasher, Tony Martin, Michael Dulaney
Another heartbreak song, but that's not a problem. Aldean sings as a man who is trying to change everything around him to get over a girl.
“Miss That Girl” by Ross Copperman, David Lee Murph
Two heartbreak songs in a row and it's hard to tell which is the better of the two. The imagery in this one is stronger and paints a vivid picture.
“Gonna Know We Were Here” by Brett Beavers, Brett James
Nothing mind blowing lyrically (a more relationship-focused "Tattoos on This Town" really), but Aldean challenges himself vocally at certain parts (specifically the bridge) and it's nice to see him trying to new things vocally
“Two Night Town” by Tim Nichols, Brett James
Without a doubt, the most "traditional country" song on this album. It sounds like something Waylon Jennings or Merle Haggard would've sung and Aldean knocks it out of the park. When he slows down and sings traditional country, he's hard to beat.
Bonus tracks
"Fast Lanes" by Josh Thompson, Adam Craig, Michael Howard
The most confusing thing in Country music this year is how all 3 of these bonus tracks are bonus tracks, not album tracks. Aldean sings as a man who can't seem to stay tied down.
"Too Much You For Me" by Vicky McGhee, Brian Davis, John Edwards
This song feels like it would fit perfectly before "Old Boots, New Dirt". Aldean is a man ready to leave his hometown, because the memories of a past love are just too much for him.
"Ain't No Easy Way" by Brett James, Terry Clayton, Kevin Mason
One of the few slow tracks on the album. The guitars are dialed back and Aldean tells a unique story of a man who knows breaking up is going to be hard, but it's become necessary.
Overall, it's probably not his best album, but it's not bad at all. It may be a bit more Country-Rock than preferred, but that's the way of most mainstream music today. 8/10
Stand-out Tracks: "Tryin' To Love Me", "Old Boots, New Dirt", "Two Night Town", "Fast Lanes", and "Too Much You For Me"