As a proud and faithful country music fan, I’m always excited to see new albums pop up on the charts. It is no secret that Dustin Lynch has been making a name for himself on country radio over the past few years. With top tracks like “Small Town Boy,” released in 2017, and “Ridin’ Roads,” released in 2019, he’s built a solid reputation for producing damn good music.
Feb. 11 marked the release of Lynch’s fifth studio album, Blue In The Sky, which includes 12 brand new tracks including the recent single “Thinkin’ Bout You,” featuring MacKenzie Porter. This song has been in hot demand on country radio stations for months — and for good reason. Both artists have similar vocal styles that not only harmonize well together but also bring a lot of emotion and authenticity to the lyrics.
Upon first hearing the album’s single, the opening lyrics felt reminiscent of fellow country artist Sam Hunt, who is known to break up his songs with periods of talking. “Thinkin’ Bout You” follows a similar vibe to Hunt, as Lynch starts out by playing through a casual phone call with an ex. And, let’s face it, there is something so endearing about hearing Lynch ask, “how’s your mama?” in the first few lines that just feels so genuine.
It is clear that the album was inspired by Lynch’s struggles throughout the pandemic and dealing with a sudden break-up with his then-girlfriend. He explained that “[he’d] just gone through a breakup, and [he] remember[ed having] that kind of heart-wrenching inside, and you can’t sleep for weeks on end.” When you listen to all of the numbers, these feelings clearly translate in the lyrics and in the instrumental production — no matter if it is a more upbeat song or an emotional ode.
There is a mix of tracks that make you want to grab a cold Corona and party somewhere, like “Party Mode,” and more heartfelt melodies, like “Not Every Cowboy.” Both styles work well for the album, though, and neither overshadows the other. In a way, the entire album feels like the soundtrack to a summer romance and the emotional phases of a break-up during the season.
Other featured artists on the album include Chris Lane, who shares Lynch’s energetic and enthusiastic style. As an avid Lane fan, I was beyond excited to hear the two pair up on Lynch’s track “Tequila On A Boat,” and it did not disappoint. I’m actually surprised that this track doesn’t get more radio attention, if any. It’s just a feel-good song, really, and reminds us to relax and live carefree with friends.
A lot of the tracks on the album follow this summertime narrative of livin’ it up with friends on the beach or in the water. This is even sprinkled into more reminiscent numbers, like “Break It On A Beach,” which associates the setting with heartbreak. There is a fluidity to the album with this overarching theme that is really powerful when you listen to all twelve tracks consecutively.
Lynch described having spent summers in the water with friends after his breakup and how this inspired him to appreciate these smaller moments in life. He stated, “We can complain about the clouds in life or notice the good and be a ‘glass half full’ type of person.” This outlook really comes across in the lyrics of each song but also in the production of the tracks.
So whether you just went through a break-up and are looking for a pick-me-up, or just want a new album to add to your summer playlist, Blue In The Sky has got it all. Even for those of you who might not like country music, I challenge you to take a listen. Lynch’s voice isn’t too twangy or backdropped with banjos like some of the older yeehaw classics. Mostly, this album makes me want to sit on a boat, grab a few beers, and chill in the summer sun.
Sydney is a BA English major, creative writing student, who has been a content contributor for The Cascade and is now the Opinion editor. In 7th grade, she won $100 in a writing contest but hasn’t made an earning from writing since. In the meantime, she is hoping that her half-written novels will write themselves, be published, and help pay the bills.