By Katherine Hatcher | Staff Writer
Coming from someone whose favorite country artist already happens to be Thomas Rhett, his new album “About a Woman,” somehow made me like him and his music even more. Every song is a dangerously catchy banger and a straight window into his muse — his beautiful wife Lauren Atkins, along with his other relationships.
Rhett is well known for his ability to combine traditional country music with pop, providing a modern mix that is refreshing to hear. However, Rhett took this album a step further with songs that could be classified under all sorts of genres including old country, new country, rock, pop and more.
This time, Rhett included his own twist on the classic pop song like Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody,” in his song “Don’t Wanna Dance.” He takes the sound of Houston’s song and applies it to the lyrics, “I don’t want to dance with somebody/I don’t wanna be at this party” and “I don’t wanna dance with somebody if that somebody ain’t you.” Houston’s famous tune matched with Rhett’s own situation adds to the romantic layers of the album in such a unique and creative way.
Although some might say that the different genres overwhelmed each other, I think they blended together perfectly to create 14 tracks that will stay stuck in your head. Rhett himself said in an interview with People magazine that in his past albums, there were many songs that his wife and daughters would skip. He said he wanted to add more energy in this one to prevent that.
“I don’t really know the reason why except that it didn’t make them want to dance. I really wanted to make sure that my wife and kids felt like this was one that put a smile on their face and has really made ’em want to move,” Rhett said.
With only one ballad and 13 upbeat songs, he achieved his goal of making a memorable tracklist that could keep a party going all night long. I found myself humming to “What Could Go Right” after only one listen on my way to work.
Rhett created this energy, whether the topic was of deeper substance or on the simpler side. While the country singer pulled most of his inspiration for the album from his wife, his song “Boots” is simply about a pair of shoes. Even though the song has less of a story than the others, its beat embraces the deep country musical elements and just makes you want to get on the floor and line dance.
The album is brilliant because it reaches a wide range of people due to the various genres of music, but it also applies to different stages in romantic relationships. “What Could Go Right,” is the story of two best friends falling in love. “Overdrive” and “Gone Country” are examples of when you first start dating someone and are in the “honeymoon” phase. “Can’t Love You Anymore” illustrates the stage of beautiful commitment in marriage. All phases were a part of Rhett’s life, and his ability to include them all in his work is what makes the album so versatile.
All in all, this album was a pleasant surprise with zero skips. It made for a wonderful listening experience that will make you smile, dance, and remind you of the one you love.
