Written by: Beka Bishop
The 2019 CMA Male Vocalist of the Year has had great success in the Country music industry this year. Luke Combs released his album, What You See Is What You Get, on November 8, 2019. This is Combs’ second released album. Combs released an EP called The Prequel on June 7, 2019. The songs on The Prequel are all featured on What You See Is What You Get. The following content is my personal review of What You See Is What You Get.
Before I review each song individually, I wanted to talk about the album as a whole. I think Combs did a great job of having a variety of songs on this album. However, 17 songs on the album is a bit much and as you read, you will learn of the songs I think could have been pulled from the album.
1. Beer Never Broke My Heart
The first song on the album is Beer Never Broke My Heart. There is absolutely no question why this song has hit the charts as many times as it has. It is arguably also the best upbeat song on the album. It’s a great start to the album. I remember hearing this song and saying that I could already hear it being played in every Texas Roadhouse. This song is enjoyable to listen to
2. Refrigerator Door
Transitioning from the upbeat song about beer, Combs sings a song about the memories on the refrigerator. This unique way of talking about the past truly connects with any audience member, whether they’re a country music fan or not. It makes you want to go back to your mom’s fridge and see what is still on there. The pictures, recipes, drawings, letters, etc. Combs truly gets the listener in “their feels”.
3. Even Though I’m Leaving
The third song always makes me tear up. The song is beautifully written and tells a relatable story about growing up and needing your dad. I fell in love with this song right before I moved from Indiana to Florida and the lyrics, “Even though I’m leavin’, It don’t mean I won’t be right by your side… Just close your eyes and say a prayer, it’s okay I know you’re scared” really stuck out to me. I’ve found myself singing this chorus when I’m homesick.
4. Lovin’ On You
A Luke Combs album without a love song is well… not a Luke Combs album. This upbeat love song reminds the listener you can love things but being in love is a lot different. The guitar solo starting at 2:08 is a classic modern Country solo, which is not necessarily a bad thing. It fits with the song. There’s nothing super special about this song, but it’s still a great listen!
5. Moon Over Mexico
Luke Combs wrote this song so vividly, you almost feel like you’re in Mexico with him. This beautiful ballad is short and sweet but would make a great First Dance at a wedding.. or maybe add it to your Honeymoon playlist! If you’re attending a Luke Combs concert soon, get ready to get your lighter (or phone flashlight) out for this one!
6. 1,2 Many
1,2 Many is a perfect fusion of Luke Combs and Brooks & Dunn, who are featured in this song. This song is also arguably the best upbeat song on the album and one of my favorites. It’s the perfect line dancing song and would be an even better song to listen to live. Get your boots on and get ready for this song!
7. Blue Collar Boys
This song is one of my favorites from the album because it’s honest and simple. Combs’ voice in the chorus gives me chills every time I hear it too. Blue Collar Boys was written perfectly in his range. This song is the most “country boy” song I’ve heard in a while. Beer, trucks, dogs, women, prayers, coffee, and working hard. All of the topics of a stereotypical Country song and yet somehow not annoying. (Yes, even a Country music lover gets annoyed with the stereotypical Country songs.) It’s honestly just a feel-good song that everyone needs to listen to!
8. New Every Day
The beginning of this song definitely sounds more like a Morgan Wallen song, but the lyrics and melody are 100% Luke Combs. I can see this song being used for college graduations or even class reunions. The purpose of this song is to talk about moving on, but the chorus has an uplifting feeling even though the lyrics are sad. This song also features my favorite lyrics from the entire album. “I’m findin’ out how freedom can feel anything but free.”
9. Reasons
If there is a song that I would pull from the album it would be this one. It sounds like every other break up song and doesn’t quite show off Comb’s talents. I think there could have been more builds in the song to make it more enjoyable to listen to. It’s still a good song, I just don’t think it compares to the rest of the songs on the album.
10. Every Little Bit Helps
This song doesn’t sound like a Luke Combs song at first, but by the end of the chorus, it does. The song as a whole isn’t my favorite, but the chorus is really catchy and fun to listen to. This song is another a breakup song but more of a recovering breakup song. I also wish this song picked up a little bit with a break or a key change.
11. Dear Today
Dear Today is very real and raw. The recording is just Luke Combs’ vocals and the guitar for about half the song. Then a full band with backup vocals jumps in and really fills up what was missing in the song. The last 20 seconds go back to Combs’ vocals and his guitar, which is a unique way to close off the song. This song is a great song, just not one I would necessarily go out of my way to listen to.
12. What You See Is What You Get
The song that named the album.. and again Luke Combs doesn’t disappoint. This song is another classic “country boy” song but more focused on the “simple man” approach. This song will be a great listen to hear live and honestly would be a good closing song for a set (of course with encores afterward).
13. Does To Me
This song features Eric Church, who is also one of my favorites. This song is also very honest and another classic “country boy” song. Combs and Church focus on the “good guy” approach with this song. This makes me feel like this song was written for the people who are unnoticed for doing the good things in life, but they just do it from the good of their hearts.
14. Angels Workin’ Overtime
This is my personal favorite song on the album. It’s a classic Country song about hard work and beer hopping. It’s also the longest song on the album, but it’s worth every second of listening. It’s a cross between a 90s Country song and a modern-day Country song. This song is very “honky-tonk” and features many jam sessions. I can see this song being used for a line dance as well.
15. All Over Again
This song is a fun song to listen too. It’s a Country-Pop version of a love song. Combs sings about falling in love with the same person all over again. This song was written for the on and off couples! I recommend reading the lyrics as you listen to this song because it might make you fall in love with Country love songs all over again.
16. Nothing Like You
This song is for the long-distance couples. Combs sings about seeing the most beautiful things while on tour but nothing compares to the love of his life. I might be reading too much into these lyrics, but I feel like he’s also trying to say every show he does is one show closer to being able to be home with her. This song will make you cry if you are in or have been in a long-distance relationship.
17. Better Together
The final song on the album is one of Combs’ best love songs. Months before this song was released. Combs teased his fans with the chorus to this song written on notebook paper. This song is beautifully written and one of the best Country love songs I’ve heard since Thomas Rhett’s Die a Happy Man. Combs’ voice really shines in this song. I think this was the best song to end the album with.
*Featured picture from lukecombs.com
Stay tuned for more album reviews!
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