Album Review – Cody Johnson’s “Cowboy Like Me”
Cody Johnson is country. There’s no denying that. But there’s a mantra around Saving Country Music which states that just because something is real country, doesn’t mean it is real good. Just as if something isn’t real country doesn’t mean it’s real bad. People tend to be fans of music first, and then their loyalties break towards certain genres. And even though most of the business conducted around here centers around country music, the underlying loyalty is to music with soul, not just a certain sound.
I’ve received more requests to comment on Cody Johnson’s music in 2014 than any other artist. Meanwhile my status of staying mum on him has caused some to question whether I actually care about country music, others to question the legitimacy of of flying the “Saving Country Music” banner, and still others have come out saying point blank Saving Country Music must be a fraud for not discussing the Texas singer. Most requests are punctuated with caps locked proclamations of how Cody Johnson is REAL country, which over the years has unfortunately become a marker for music that tries really hard to prove how country it is, while leaving things like taste and originality behind.
Cowboy Like Me is country, yes. This is a Texas artist who grew up in Huntsville and was home schooled and spent much of his time hunting, fishing, and singing at church. Cowboy Like Me utilizes as much or more fiddle and steel guitar as any album released in the last year or so, and Cody’s singing style features a sharp twang punctuating songs dyed in themes of country life.
Cowboy Like Me also features a lot of loud, Stratocaster-style cliché rock guitar, formulaic themes and movements, rising choruses indicative of commercial-oriented music looking for radio play, incessant references to how country Cody Johnson is no different than what can be found on the latest albums from Florida Georgia Line or Jason Aldean, and possibly most disappointing, what sounds like one of the most egregious deployments of Auto-Tune I’ve heard this side of George Strait’s final concert album.
All of this combines to make Cody Johnson and Cowboy Like Me a mixed bag at best, and not wanting to be the bearer of bad news or the one to break the heart of a Cody Johnson fan, I felt avoiding him, especially when there’s so much other music out there to talk about, was probably the best course of action. Because overall, Cody Johnson is not the enemy, he’s an ally. If I turn on my radio, I sure as hell would rather hear Cody Johnson coming out compared to whatever Music Row is peddling, or if I’m in a bar filled with music fans, I’m going to gravitate toward Cody Johnson fans way before the people in Florida Georgia Line T-shirts. But in the face of criticisms for remaining so quiet on this artist, here are my opinions, open and honest, be damned the popularity or reception of them.
I wonder if Dale Watson, Jason Eady, or even Marty Stuart would label Cody Johnson REAL country. When the most striking characteristic of your music is overdriven arena rock guitar and the Auto-Tune is so obvious, it leaves little that is REAL or country except for some of the buried instrumentation and the lyrics. Cowboy Like Me makes a headlong effort to prove how country it is, and for many ears, it worked. But if I had to label this music, I would call it commercial country: More country-sounding than Music Row material, yet still with many of the same sonic hooks and lyrical tropes indicative of the mainstream world.
If you give a cowboy a truck on a Friday night He’ll pull a $100 bill from a coffee can Spray the mud off of them tires Drop $20 in the tank, save the rest for beer So all you girls in here need to know thisAnd as much as Cody Johnson fans like to paint him as the scrappy underdog independent artist who needs support from places like Saving Country Music, he’s won big endorsement deals from Bud Light, Wrangler, and other corporate sponsors. Hey, good for him. It’s great Cody has found a way to support himself with his music. But just like many elements of his sound, Cody Johnson’s independent status is not exactly what it’s sold to be.
One of the redeeming points for Cody’s music can be found in the writing of his songs. Where some of the bigger numbers not only feel quite cliché, they also feel very stuck in the mid to late 90’s as far as style—not modern enough to feel relevant to today, but not classic or traditional enough to appeal to that crowd either. Meanwhile some of the lyrical hooks and payoffs fall flat, like the line “Even My pain is hurtin'” from the song “Hurtin,'” as if this poor attempt at a double entendre is something to be considered “deep.” Nonetheless, songs like “Bottle It Up,” “Holes,” and even the opening numbers of “Dance Her Home” and “Me and My Kind” are decently-written songs, even if they do have that 90’s-era cheese as a character trait.
Some will vehemently deny that there’s any Auto-Tune on this album whatsoever, and even if this is true, the engineer on this project should still be fired from how ultra-polished and digitized Cody Johnson’s voice sounds on the finished product, whatever enhancements were employed during the mixing and mastering process. Please understand, I’m not criticizing Cody’s prowess as a vocalist whatsoever. By all accounts, whether fronting a band, or going out on stage with just an acoustic guitar, Cody Johnson can send hearts stirring with his voice. But during too many moments to list on this album, the sharp-edged mark left by audio enhancement drains any life in the performance or lyric, and really erodes any authenticity this project tries to convey. Some listeners won’t be able to hear the enhancement, but Cody’s first verse on “Me and My Kind” might be the most blaring example of Auto-Tune, or some other perfecting filter I’ve ever heard on a studio album.
Cowboy Like Me is too polished, too perfect, too pandering to radio to get too excited about as a vehicle to save country music. Should people be embarrassed for liking Cody Johnson or this album? Of course not, because in the end it is undoubtedly a better, healthier country music option than most of what Music Row is serving for dinner. But I would be lying if I said I thought Cowboy Like Me was a good album, or even REAL country.
1 Gun Up for some well-written songs ideas and some good country instrumentation.
1 Gun Down for all the rock guitar, cliché country lyrics and modes, and Auto-Tune.
– – – – – – – – – – –
Janice Brooks
December 13, 2014 @ 10:16 am
The intros turned me off
Billy
December 13, 2014 @ 10:26 am
I had never heard of him until now. I just listened to “me and my kind” and I’m a little indifferent about it. I kinda like it. Reminds me of something I would’ve liked back in the early 90s when I was in grade school and Pirates of the Mississippi could still be found on CMT. VERY polished but kinda cool too. I’ll probably come back to this guy when the mood is right. Very good review, and some good points too.
Rich Tubbs
December 13, 2014 @ 10:33 am
I’m over him and his kind.
Vinnie Morana
December 13, 2014 @ 10:37 am
My thoughts exactly!
It’s a great listenable album for sure.
But not an every day album.
Maybe if you’re trying to lure someone away from the basic Iheartradio BS that clogs the airwaves, this might open their ears to a different sound.
Thanks for the review!
Synthetic Paper
December 13, 2014 @ 11:01 am
Hmm, I had never heard of him before, but the two songs linked here have a very “mainstream ’90s country” sound. It’s okay I guess. I mean, I didn’t dislike it and if it was playing somewhere I wouldn’t leave, but it didn’t really grab me either.
I can see why this would appeal really strongly to a certain audience though. If someone was really into mainstream country music in the ’90s and they absolutely hate what it’s turned into … this album (or at least the two songs linked here) will bring you right back to those days. On the other hand, if you weren’t into that style, it’s probably not going to do a lot for you.
Applejack
December 13, 2014 @ 11:03 am
Yeah, sounds like mainstream country circa fifteen or twenty years ago.
And yeah, there’s definitely Auto-tune (or some kind of off-brand equivalent) on “Me and My Kind.” Either that, or this guy accidentally swallowed an iPhone with a pitch-correcting app. My question is, is Cody Johnson trying to become a mainstream commercial artist? If not, more power to him, but it makes the overly-polished production and the presence of Auto-Tune particularly baffling. And it’s not necessary, because as the review stated, it sounds like this guy is actually a pretty strong vocalist in the commercial country idiom.
From the two songs posted here, I think the description of “not modern enough to feel relevant to today, but not classic or traditional enough to appeal to that crowd” is pretty apt. But with 1990’s nostalgia in full swing at this point, I wonder if somebody like Cody Johnson could sustain a career just playing to folks who grew up on 90’s country and still like that sound.
Evan
December 14, 2014 @ 5:07 pm
Yup, I noticed that in me and my kind. Sounds like the new live George Strait album.
Brian
December 15, 2014 @ 2:37 am
Cody Johnson Band’s NEW RADIO SINGLE “Me and My K”¦: http://youtu.be/OBweiCXDS88
Cody Johnson Band – Me and My Kind: http://youtu.be/sqblX83AwD4
I don’t know, maybe the dude can just sing.
I ain’t no trained professional or anything but I’d say he does it live acoustically as well as on record.
Powderfinger
December 13, 2014 @ 11:25 am
I really liked this album, but I can also see it for what it is. I like Cody’s voice, auto tuned or not, but this album isn’t any critical masterpiece. I think he has some songwriting chops, and if he could get away from trying to “countrify” the themes he could make an impact. Hopefully his next release is more toned town.
BwareDWare94
December 13, 2014 @ 11:25 am
I have this album, and like quite a few of the songs, but I’m not gullible enough to think Cody Johnson is any more country than a Prius.
Taylor
December 13, 2014 @ 11:29 am
I may be in the minority here but I have enjoyed this album. Is it extremely traditional, no but it is a heck of a lot better than most of the stuff on the radio. IMO I will listen to any type of Country from Luke Bell to Jackson Taylor to Cody Johnson to J.P Harris & The Tough Choices.
Cobra
December 13, 2014 @ 1:26 pm
It’s definitely better than most of what’s in the mainstream, yes, but this album was such a disappointment when you compare it to his prior two albums. There was no need for all the cliches on it, as Johnson has shown he’s clearly better than that. Listen to his two previous albums (“Six Strings, One Dream” and “A Different Day”) and you’ll see what I mean.
This isn’t a horrible album, but it’s just so below par for an otherwise strong artist.
Taylor
December 13, 2014 @ 1:57 pm
I would agree, I also have the album A Different Day, and I like it a lot better, better songwriting on that album. I have yet to find the 6 springs 1 dream album but I will probably pick it up whenever I find it or get it at a show whenever he comes around my area next.
UT84043
December 13, 2014 @ 10:21 pm
We should have a rule where if you accuse someone of using cliches in their songs, you should be required to list the cliches. I’m serious. It’s one of the lazy critics’ largest and easiest crutches to use. And then list the artists you listen to who do not use cliches. I would love to see that happen, in all honesty. Great learning experience for us all.
Trigger
December 13, 2014 @ 11:36 pm
I know you may be talking about the commenters here, but that was the reason I included a snippet of lyrics in this review to give an example of what I felt was cliche. I probably could have given more examples or different examples, but I didn’t want to bog down on the point. As much as I believe cliches are an issue here, I also give the writing on this album credit. Really just a few passes trying to give a little more originality to a few key lines would have long a long way here.
UT84043
December 14, 2014 @ 4:01 pm
Yes, I was referring to commentators here, but I appreciate your thoughts on the topic. I read the snippet you speak of, and yeah, the idea of a guy who works on a ranch, spraying off the tires on his truck after a week of working in the pastures, putting gas in a near empty tank, and then going out for drinks with friends on a Friday night may not be the freshest of lyrics, I’ll agree with you there. That’s ground that’s been covered lyrically before by other artists. But if those lyrics hit home with guys across the country who hear themselves in those songs and live those lyrics from time to time, man, maybe they live boring, cliched lives, but sometimes it’s fun to hear parts of your boring life put to music like that. I’m also confident I could listen to each album nominated for SCM end of year awards and find on each album examples of cliches that Cody is being criticized for here. I guess I struggle to understand why Johnson gets docked points and SCM preferred artists get a pass.
GR
December 13, 2014 @ 11:37 am
Seems I’ve heard this before…
the pistolero
December 13, 2014 @ 12:38 pm
Dude can sing, no doubt about it. I’m sure he’s got a great album in him. But what I heard from this album was kinda meh. I heard him compared to Jason Boland vocally speaking, but after I actually heard him I was rather dubious. And that’s before the actual songs were even discussed, but I never would have thought “Me And My Kind” would’ve been one of the better songs from that album.
ShadeGrown
December 13, 2014 @ 1:02 pm
Excellent first paragraph. Not saying the rest of the piece stunk but the first paragraph knocked it out of the park as far as I am concerned. Well done.
Cobra
December 13, 2014 @ 1:24 pm
This album was a bit of an oddity. It was the first one I listened to by Johnson, and while I found there to be some good songs on it, there was a lot of cliched lyrics, just like you said. I mentioned this myself in my own review last month.
What I would suggest is that you give a listen to his other two albums, “Six Strings, One Dream” and “A Different Day.” The songs are a lot less cliche driven and the music was a lot more authentic.
“Cowboy Like Me” wasn’t a complete turn-off, but it was definitely a let-down after the much higher quality of his two prior albums.
markf
December 13, 2014 @ 1:50 pm
Well, I could listen to these tunes right through, good start, the players are outstanding whoever they are”¦
tunes are ok, really generic.
“Even My pain is hurting”
I can imagine some songwriter throwing down his pencil, and cackling, thinking he hit a homer with that one.
He didn’t though.
He is a good singer.
For me, biggest thing lacking is in the tunes. They are not interesting to me in any way.
Sounds like he’s doing fine, so good for him.
Hank
December 13, 2014 @ 3:32 pm
I listened to this album quite a bit after it was released. Like you said, it’s nothing groundbreaking but it’s a good time. Some of the songs seem like the kind that George Strait would have sent to the top of the charts over a decade ago. And that’s in absolutely no way meant as an insult towards George.
Mike W.
December 13, 2014 @ 6:50 pm
I agree with the review, Johnson has a few good songs on the album, but overall it’s pretty “meh” for me.
The frustrating thing to me about Johnson is I have seen a couple of videos where he has performed songs acoustically on the radio or in concert and they are really well written, well sung songs, but they never seem to make it to his albums. Seems he is more content to sing Justin Moore-esque “I’m Country” songs than release some of his other cuts.
UT84043
December 13, 2014 @ 10:13 pm
I”™ve been searching for the songs where he continually tries to convince people how country he is, I”™m wondering which you were refering to. Do you hold all of your favorite artists to that same standard?
Mike W.
December 14, 2014 @ 8:43 am
Not sure what you mean by if I hold my favorite artists to the same standard, but I’ll assume you mean if I “call them out” when they record or write songs I don’t care for? The answer to that would be yes, I mean I’m a big Dierks Bentley fan, but I’ll be the first to admit some of the songs he has released to Country radio in recent years have been pretty bad. Not all of them mind you, but some of them have been so weak it’s been discouraging especially since with Riser and Up On The Ridge he has shown what he is capable of which is a lot more than “Sideways”.
I think for me what is frustrating about Johnson is the guy is clearly capable of a lot. He is a decent to good singer who has a lot of potential as evidenced by songs like this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm_8B-1tzWE
That is what I would like to hear more of from him. Instead he seems content at times to record stuff like “Proud” or “Me and My Kind” or “Lucky”. None of those songs are terrible in the same way Florida Georgia Line or Justin Moore are terrible and maybe the Justin Moore comparison was a bit off base looking back at it, but I just can’t get really excited about Johnson until he starts to trend more towards songs like in the video above.
UT84043
December 14, 2014 @ 4:25 pm
You answered my question exactly. I too am a big Dierks fan, and I nodded my head in agreement with your comments on some of his past releases. Good take.
I also liked the video you linked to, and I agree it’s a good song and would prefer to hear more songs in that vein. But I think some of his songs like Proud and Me and My Kind (didn’t care for Lucky) are what adds to his charm. They’re fun, upbeat songs that are enjoyable to listen to and easy to relate to as a guy. I like artists who aren’t afraid to have fun with their music and don’t always need to take themselves so damn seriously. They can smile. They laugh at themselves. They realize that their music probably won’t ever win a Nobel Peace prize or cure cancer. I like some of Sturgill’s music, and Jamey’s, and others some might consider to be more independent; but it would be nice to see those guys smile, or laugh, or look like they actually enjoy what they’re doing, while recognizing that at the end of the day, they’re musicians not rocket scientists.
MH
December 13, 2014 @ 7:08 pm
This is a perfect example of the Red Dirt flag wavers that like to proclaim that real country is still being played in Texas but then toss out names like this guy.
And here I thought Texas knew what country was.
Mike W.
December 14, 2014 @ 8:53 am
To be fair the Texas scene still has WAY more artists churning out quality Country music than a lot of the stuff coming out of mainstream Nashville. Now, there are a lot of crappy Texas acts as well, see Casey Donahew Band, Josh Abbot, even some of Granger Smith and Kevin Fowler.
The flip side is artists like Jason Eady, Stoney Larue, Reckless Kelly, Cody Canada, Turnpike Troubadors, etc. all get pretty heavy radio play in Texas and all of those artists/bands crank out a lot better music than what you will find on Music Row.
It’s all a sliding scale, is Texas Country perfect? No of course not, like any music scene you have good artists and bad artists and the stuff by Abbot and Donahew is just as awful as Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, but I still think the Red Dirt/Texas scene is filled with a lot of good to great artists. I mean I love Jason Isbell and Sturgill Simpson, but I have no problem stacking Jason Eady’s latest album against either of those artists and I’m not sure you can point out to a mainstream Country album from Music Row/Mainstream Nashville that you can do the same.
BwareDWare94
December 14, 2014 @ 10:28 am
Not sure what the hate for all of what Donahew and Abbott is for. Small Town Family Dream is a great album. Donahew is a bit hokey, at times, but he also has some great songs. They certainly aren’t as bad as Luke Bryan and other Music Row mularky.
the pistolero
December 14, 2014 @ 8:09 pm
Small Town Family Dream is a great album.
Yeah, I really liked that one, and She’s Like Texas too. “FFA” and “Hotty Toddy” we’re kinda cringeworthy, but he made up for those with “I’ll Sing About Mine” and “She Will Be Free.” Abbott is a bit more polished and pop-country than some of the other Texas acts, to be sure, but I still like him quite a bit.
Tyler
December 14, 2014 @ 9:14 pm
Sorry, but Josh Abbott is a Grade A Douche. “I’ll Sing About Mine” is a good song, but not his.
http://newslanglbk.com/2014/10/24/panhandle-playboy-the-two-step-misstep/
the pistolero
December 15, 2014 @ 4:47 am
Sigh. I am well aware that ISAM was penned by two other people. (For the record, Adam Hood’s is my favorite version.) As far as that interview goes, well, I’m gonna have to agree with my wife on that one:
“I’ve…I’ve got to be missing something here. For full disclosure though I read the interview she linked, I couldn’t make it through her blog post because it’s just nonsensical….Abbott’s probably a middle-of-the-road artist as far as quality goes, but he’s not misogynist or untalented. It honestly comes off as though he snubbed her in high school and she’s still carrying a grudge. (And I know that borders on a sexist statement on its own, but she seems angry on a personal level.)”
Mike W.
December 15, 2014 @ 11:03 am
In Josh Abbott’s case, I just find all the Texas songs he has written to be just as lazy as a lot of the stuff coming out of Music Row.
Maybe I have a different perspective since I dont live in Texas, but some of Abbot’s Texas songs just feel like pandering.
Donahew I just can’t get behind, it feels like watered down Randy Rogers Band for whatever reason to me.
Spoony
December 15, 2014 @ 12:25 am
Oh no, I better get to burning my Josh Abbott albums, I just read how awful they are! As bad as Luke Bryan you say? Whoa!
Brandon
December 13, 2014 @ 7:38 pm
Not to get way off topic (though I agree with Trig about this particular album), could Trigger write a rant about “Ready Set Roll” or whatever the hell it is? That is THE most ridiculous song in existence and it’s past time it got a proper bashing.
Heyday
December 13, 2014 @ 8:03 pm
If you have to continually tell people you are country, you probably aren’t country.
UT84043
December 13, 2014 @ 10:12 pm
I’ve been searching for the songs where he continually tries to convince people how country he is, I’m wondering which you were refering to. Do you hold all of your favorite artists to that same standard?
Sam Jimenez
December 13, 2014 @ 8:59 pm
You get a lot of that in the blues genre too. Entire albums dedicated to the artist singing about how bluesy they are. Every song title has the word “blues” in it. The cover is a picture of the artist wearing Muddy Waters Underoos. They carry a key chain that says “blues” on it. They wear the government issue blues hat and shades. And after all that, you pop in the CD and it’s just crappy rock music.
UT84043
December 13, 2014 @ 9:56 pm
I really enjoyed Cowboy Like Me, first brought to my attention by That Nashville Sound blog. The album isn’t perfect, but I really enjoy most of the album, and also was excited to discover his previous work as well. The music is fun and doesn’t take itself too seriously; you can tell he’s enjoying himself – Cody actually seems to be having a good time! “Time to get Western” is something you’ll see him say quite a bit, I appreciate the Western reference as opposed to “Time to get ‘Country'”. Trigger gives Cowboy Like Me a thumb down for rock guitar, cliche lyrics and alleged auto-tune… Wish he would be as consistent with those criticisms when it’s the “SCM preferred artists” who at times commit the same offenses. Hope Cody Johnson continues to get the recognition he deserves. Thanks, Trigger, for finally reviewing the album, it was fun to read your thoughts on it.
Brian
December 14, 2014 @ 5:03 am
I’m a big Cody Johnson fan, won’t deny that at all. I have all his albums in heavy rotation on my Spotify. With that being said, I’m also a huge George Strait fan. I grew up on George. I know, I know, I loose “I’m real country points”
Personally, because that’s how most of relate to music. When I listen to him, it’s because at that point in time his music gives me exactly what I want. Something I can put on while driving my truck, see how I did that, sing along in the car and just enjoy having a good time.
I’m no music critic and probably wouldn’t want to be. It’d rob the joy and simplicity of just listening to music because I like it. I don’t even know what autotune is for crying out loud but I do know. When I go see Cody live i always have a great time dancing with my wife. Cody and his band sound good live and he puts on a good show.
Now I’ll stir the pot.
I’d rather listen to Cody Johnson than Whitey Morgan. I can’t relate to Whitey, I’m not trying to be some “outlaw” from yankeeville pretending to be all southern.
I can relate to Cody Johnson, i grew up in a small town in south Texas, I did the rodeo circuit, like he did.
when Cody sings songs like “what’s left of Texas” I know exactly what he is saying. When he sings Dance her home, man, I can crank it up sing along and just enjoy myself.
I’m glad you actually gave Cody some press, no matter how ya feel about it, I’d much rather read about him or anyone else than let’s say Florida Georgia Line, amigo, you gives those guys lots of press.
Who knows, maybe you’ll get Cody some new fans buy giving him some press. Notice some of these comments said they heard of him. Like him, love him or hate him he ain’t pop country and he’s country as country can be and definitely deserved a review.
Kevin Tarlton
December 14, 2014 @ 9:04 am
So you don’t like whitey cause he’s from “yankeeville” ? Cause “real” country only comes from Texas right? You can keep your auto tune douche bag. He couldn’t tune whiteys guitar. It’s asshole comments like that that will make me never want to listen to this guy. So since trig didn’t praise this guy with 2 guns way up, now we’ll all be little bitches and bash on real artists?
Clint
December 14, 2014 @ 12:22 pm
Kevin,
Dry your tears buddy. Nobody said, “real Country only comes from Texas”. In fact, I’ve even heard real Country come from across the ocean. But the fact is, even though Whitey’s style is traditional, his persona and his accent are fake, and it’s cheesy.
For the record, I don’t give two craps about Cody Johnson.
Brian
December 14, 2014 @ 1:17 pm
Amigo, where ever you dropped your balls, go get them and reattach them.
Your response is the typical Whitey fan response when someone says they don’t like him.
Fact; he’s a Yankee with a fake southern accent. That’s just as bad as Kieth Urban and his fake accent. It makes you a poser and a loser.
There is a a lot of hypocrisy when it comes down whitey fans, they infanticidally defend his fake accent, trust me, southerners don’t think it’s funny or cute, pretend like his some “outlaw” robin banks and on the run from the law. He’s the vanilla ice of “outlaw” country.
Trigger
December 14, 2014 @ 3:16 pm
Judging music based off of where an artist is from is an unnecessary limitation imposed on one’s musical experience. One of my favorite albums all year is from a Canadian now living in New Zealand. And in my opinion, it is more country than Cody Johnson’s. Yes, country music’s origins trace back to the South, to Texas, and the West, and artists from there maybe have an extra skin on the wall starting out. But beyond that, I find geography to be a point of interest, not either a validation or reasons for dismissal of an artist.
Clint
December 14, 2014 @ 5:50 pm
Trigger,
Nobody is judging music based on where the artist is from. We’re judging it based on where the artist is pretending to be from. If Whitey Morgan sang his Honky Tonk music in his own accent, I wouldn’t have anything bad to say about him.
Trigger
December 15, 2014 @ 12:31 am
These accent arguments are so subjective, it’s really hard to come to any conclusion. I really don’t hear a thick Southern accent in Whitey’s music, though there is some of that there. But when you talk to him, he doesn’t sound like he’s from Michigan, and has Southern inflections at times. Cody Johnson could be putting on his accent just as much with the amount of twang in his voice. But I don’t know this is the case because I’ve never held a conversation with Cody.
Here’s how Whitey addressed the issue when I interviewed him a few years ago.
“20 minutes outside of any city in Michigan could be northern Alabama. The people are that backwoods and turned around. In the 70”²s when my grandpa was playing music in Flint, almost a quarter of the population were transplants from the South that came to work at the factories. When you have a quarter of the population, and they start having babies, what you have is this Southern culture that is ingrained in them, even though some of them have never even been there. Like me when I was growing up, the things we ate, certain words that you said were Southern. To me it was normal. To my friends that were really Yankee”™s, it was weird. They didn”™t eat fried bologna sandwiches and drink sweet tea and listen to gospel and bluegrass on Sundays at their grandpas house. Any of the Southern food, that”™s what my grandma”™s house smelled like any time I went in there. My grandpa demanded that stuff, he was a hardcore Southern guy living in fucking Flint, MI.”
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/interview-whitey-morgan-jeremy-mackinder
Brian
December 14, 2014 @ 8:39 pm
I don’t know Triggerman,
dismissing a Canadian because he is Canadian is a good reason, they put brown gravy on french fries. WTF, everybody knows you dip french fries in creamy white gravy from your chicken fried steak.
Eric
December 15, 2014 @ 1:06 am
I don’t know much about Whitey Morgan’s history, but the idea that there is any significant reserve of Southern culture in Michigan sounds pretty ridiculous to me. Everybody who has studied regional accents in Michigan label it as 100% Northern, specifically “Inland Northern”.
Trigger
December 15, 2014 @ 11:32 am
I completely disagree. I personally lived in and around Flint and other parts of rural Michigan while working construction jobs in the late 90’s. I experienced exactly what Whitey is talking about personally, with people talking in Southern accents, living what would be considered Southern lifestyles, eating Southern food, and tacking Confederate Flags on their walls. Poor whites moving from the deep South to the industrialized north looking for work in steel and auto factories is a very well-documented phenomenon. Furthermore, if you’ve ever spent much time in Michigan, you would understand even urban Michigan has a culture of its own. Terms like “Party Store” and “Pasty” have completely different meanings in Michigan than anywhere else in north America.
Eric
December 15, 2014 @ 4:49 pm
Flint is (was) a fairly large city, not a rural area. I would expect the transplant influence to be concentrated mainly in urban/suburban Michigan.
Brian
December 15, 2014 @ 1:57 am
Seriously trigger,
You’d have us believe you can hear autotune but you can’t hear Whitey’s fake southern accent?
I’m calling major B.S.
Then your defense is Cody, whome you’ve never had a conversation with could be playing up on his accent. Come on, my accent his ten times as strong as his and I ain’t from that far from him. Oh, I could be faking that too.
I totally get it, Cody ain’t trying to “put the cunt back in country” he ain’t reinventing the wheel. He’s turning out, well produced music. Oh the crimes he’s commited.
He’s not pretending to be something he’s not, he’s a small town Texas boy singing about small town Texas life, sure to some city slicker that may be cliché, but to guys like me. It’s real life day in and day out.
I get, you probably know nothing about getting up at 4:30 in the morning working on the farm for 16 hours and go to bed just to do it all over again. Just like I’ll never know what it’s like to grab the attention of Taylor Swift and Eric Church, I can say. That isn’t high on my priority list either. Ok maybe Eric Church’s so I can kick his southern rock ass back to his Nashville mansion for even calling himself country.
I ain’t like most the folk that read your page, I don’t bow to Hank III, Whitey Morgan or Hellbound Glory.
I do know when I shell out my hard earned money on a CD, I want it to sound as good as possible. I know, I keep loosing “country” points. I should be all about some low budget recorded bitching about Nashville or what it’s like to be an “outlaw” on the run from the law for murder, or robbin banks, cause I’m 100% positive that’s the hardcore life you and your readers lead.
Trigger
December 15, 2014 @ 11:27 am
“I get, you probably know nothing about getting up at 4:30 in the morning working on the farm for 16 hours and go to bed just to do it all over again.”
That’s an assumption. Just as the idea is that I don’t like Cody Johnson because of the artists I do like. My criticisms aren’t looking to smear artists, but to offer a perspective on how they might improve. I think Cody Johnson would find more reception steering away from the Auto-Tune and focusing more on authenticity. Those are my opinions.
As far as the accent, this comes up all the time, and it is a matter of great subjectivity. I have defended Justin Moore and his accent, even though I hate his music. There’s just too many factors that go into accents to make blanket accusations in my opinion. Maybe Whitey does put on an accent slightly, but I can’t prove that like I can Cody Johnson’s use of Auto-Tune.
Schooley
December 16, 2014 @ 11:37 am
I get, you probably know nothing about getting up at 4:30 in the morning working on the farm for 16 hours and go to bed just to do it all over again.
I’m always amused by these “I’m more country than you” kinda comments (and the list songs), because I guarantee I grew up more “country” and rural than 90% of the fans of most modern country music today. If you wanna have a pissing contest, I’ve met few people who grew up in towns smaller than the one where I’m from (or rather, in towns smaller than the nearest town to my parent’s farm). But, I listen to very little new country music now, because I find most contemporary country (mainstream, “alt,” “americana,” “roots hipster”, or otherwise) pretty mediocre. But, I like reading the reviews here, just to keep up with what has become of a once-great genre.
I’d never heard of Cody Johnson before this so I just checked him out. If anything, this review is bending over backwards trying to be kind.
Benjamin
February 12, 2015 @ 11:05 am
I strongly disagree with this review. I know everyone is entitled to their opinion, so i’m not bashing you, i’m just offering my opinion in return. I personally think this album is great. Sure he uses rock guitars, but it’s the twenty first century, country music is changing, and if its going to change i’d much rather see electric guitars than rap and pop being mixed in. everyone here has to agree that this album is MUCH better than whats coming out of Nashville. i’m a fiddle player, and i have to say the songs on here have some awesome violin, that are real fun to play too.i also love the steel guitar. He may have used a few cliches here and there, and i agree, they could’ve been avoided. But im just glad he’s not singing about beer, girls bodies, and actually bringing in some new material like killing people (Never Go Home Again is a personal favorite) and dancing with girls instead of sleeping with them. he seems like a honest guy who just wants to make country music. i’d put this on my top five favorite albums of 2014, although nothing will touch Remedy by the Old Crow Medicine Show. review that trigger!
Kevin Tarlton
December 15, 2014 @ 9:17 am
You’ll have to retrieve my balls out of your fat wife’s mouth.I was teabaggin’ her on the ol’ dance floor right there in front of Cody Johnson! You say a lot of tough shit on this computer. Next time whitey plays down in Texas, how bought go tell him how fake his accent is and how he’s a fake and a loser?
Brian
December 20, 2014 @ 4:36 am
So,
I don’t know where to start, your grammer or the fact you first claimed you’ll never listen to Cody and now not only do you listen to him, you were right in front of him on the Ole dance floor.
I suggest, if you’re going to try to insult someone, don’t make yourself into a hypocrite.
Clint
December 14, 2014 @ 12:15 pm
I completely agree with you about Whitey man. Although I prefer his hard-Country sound over Cody’s sound, I just can’t get into a Yankee city boy singing with a Southern drawl. It’s just too corny for me.
Trigger
December 14, 2014 @ 2:53 pm
Brian,
A couple of things. “He”™s country as country can be.” I think that’s an opinion. I think I pointed out many reasons why Cody Johnson’s music does not define the epicenter of what is “country.” I would look towards Jason Eady, Dale Watson, Jamey Johnson, maybe Jason Boland, and many others before I would look at Cody Johnson as the definition of that distinction. That’s not a comment on his or anyone else’s music, it’s simply an assessment based on sonic benchmarks, some of which Cody Johnson hits, others which he goes completely against the grain of.
Also, I don’t really understanding the point of comparing Cody Johnson to Whitey Morgan, as if there is some rivaly, as if they are artists of comparable size, or any other reasons these two artists should be used to judge each other upon. Sometimes comparing and contrasting two artists is a good discussion point. But many times, as you illustrated here, it is used to downcast artists simply based on personal preference, and isn’t really helpful in any way.
Whitey Morgan in no way sets the ground zero or is one of the “favorite artists” of Saving Country Music, and this should not be assumed or implied. Saving Country Music doesn’t play favorites with ANYONE. The only reason there has been numerous articles about Whitey Morgan lately is because he just released two albums after going almost five years without releasing any. Just because this coincided with you showing up to Saving Country Music doesn’t make him the centerpiece of this site’s music coverage. Before then, I probably posted two articles on Whitey Morgan in the last 4 1/2 years.
If you don’t like Whitey Morgan, hey, that’s your opinion and I respect that. But I don’t see how reducing him in any way props up Cody Johnson. Music is not a competition.
As I stated above, I don’t want to ruin anyone’s enjoyment in Cody Johnson’s music. Similarly, you shouldn’t want to ruin anyone’s enjoyment in Whitey Morgan’s.
Brian
December 14, 2014 @ 4:47 pm
Trig,
I’m definitely not trying to get into “Who’s more country” argument. I do believe I said, and it was just an example. Not a personal attack on you. That I’d rather listen to Cody than Whitey. I do believe I even said why. Because I can relate to his “cliché” songs. His cliché songs are my life. I work on a ranch, fill up my truck once a week and go out with the boys. I didn’t realize my simple life was that offensive.
I can’t relate to Whitey, I don’t know what it’s like to put on a fake accent and sing like I’m an outlaw, I ain’t no outlaw. Nor do I want to be or pretend to be one.
I open doors for the ladies, I say yes ma’am, I say yes sir, I love my momma too. Dang I’m square. You get the point.
As surprised as you might be, Dale and I are friends have been for over 20 years. Back when he could barely fill seats at Cheatem Street warehouse.
I’m wel l versed musically, I just listen to music I like, obviously, and music where I am from. Because it’s what I related to.
I can relate to Keven Fowler singing panhandle poorboy or Whiskey Myers singing Ballad of a Southern Man.
When Jason Boland sings Comal County Blue, I relate, those are roads and places I go. Hen he sings Backsliders Blues I relate I’ve been there.
When Rick Trevno sings everything is better in Texas, I relate, I’ve been there.
When Dale sings She needs her momma, it reminds me of my little girl.
I think you get the point.
Once again,
I’m glad you gave Cody some press. Like him or not he deserves some press.
UT84043
December 14, 2014 @ 5:30 pm
I freakin’ love Rick Trevino, nice job! Also had some of the same comments above about living the cliches of some of Cody’s songs, almost word for word what you said.
Brian
December 14, 2014 @ 5:45 pm
Uh-oh,
Your life is a cliche too…
Watch out, it ain’t “country” to live that life amigo.
BrettS
December 14, 2014 @ 8:27 am
I’m a CJB fan and have been awhile. Although there were some songs on this album that I didn’t like as well as others. Enjoyed ” a different day” probably a little more but all in all I still enjoy most of his music. But I sure as hell will take CJB music that may not be up to par, or any of the texas artists who’s tunes may not be up to standard over just about anything from Nashville these days. Just saying
James
December 14, 2014 @ 9:14 am
Thanks for this review, Trigger.
It really sums up about my thoughts as well. I have “Different Day” and played the crap out of it when I got. This one I couldn’t even bring myself to play through twice in a row. It’s not bad, but it just didn’t grab me. I’m rather indifferent.
Some of the songs are incredibly catchy, but I feel like that’s where most of them end. They don’t possess that timeless song quality. This being said, I’m a Cody Johnson fan; in a live show, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen anyone with more energy. He’s definitely not a ‘problem’, but I wish he would do better. Unfortunately, and I have seen this happening with a few Texas Country acts, their main demographic sometimes turns into the 20-26 y/o ladies, which limits the breadth of their potential. I saw leanings to this in Aaron Watson’s last release, and am even more concerned about it on his upcoming album “The Underdog” (2/17/15). I’m hoping you’ll review that one as well with this kind of honest assessment.
cclark
December 14, 2014 @ 10:33 am
Great review, I am a big Cody Johnson fan and big fan of this website. I like what you said about him not being the enemy, he is an ally in the realm of country music. Do his songs hit you as hard as some by Jason Isbell and Chris Knight? Not really, but his music is aimed a different demographic than those two. That statement doesn’t make his music and less enjoyable and doesn’t mean he writes half-hearted lyrics. I have never been to a Jason Isbell concert but I doubt there will be half as many people two stepping and swing dancing that there would be at a Cody Johnson concert. Cody Johnson is an ally. It is hard to turn pop-country listeners into audiophiles or music snobs,( I think most of us who frequent this site are, myself included) and Cody Johnson is a good turn on for those people. I think you would be hard pressed to find people who instantly fall in love with Jason Isbell or Guy Clark or Chris Knight if “The Highway” is their number one preset on XM radio. Cody Johnson and Aaron Watson are great entry level artists to get those listeners interested in artists that don’t get the publicity that the big shots get.
CAH
December 14, 2014 @ 11:23 am
Good review.
I will give this a spin when I see a used copy of it at my LRS.
There is so much undisputedly quality music out there that I still don’t have, so these mixed review CDs take a back seat.
Until I get all 50 of the CDs listed in the article earlier this week.
TX Music Jim
December 14, 2014 @ 11:51 am
Saw him open for Gary P Nunn a few years back not bad not great but had great stage presence. I agree with the review some good songs some not so good. I will give Cody this his live show is excellent in terms of charisma and connecting with his audience. Texas music is still built on the live show and Cody delivers live which is why he is a solid draw in Texas.Hopefully future albums will give us more well written songs and less rock and roll flash.
Albert
December 14, 2014 @ 8:36 pm
I’ll take Autotune over ” CAN’T SING ” or ” CAN’T LISTEN TO THIS EXCUSE FOR A VOCALIST ” anyday . This record is aimed for some sort of commercial ( radio ) success and Autotune comes with that territory . As many here have suggested , I’ll take this over most of what radio has to offer right now . No its not trad …but its a step in the right direction . Real players , real instruments , no EDM, no loops ,no cut time ,no mile-a- minute- run-on phrases syncopating the life right out of a lyric . Yeah ..its a start similar to what Easton Corbin , Josh Turner and even the Garth man are throwing out there .
andie
December 14, 2014 @ 8:39 pm
Trigger, off-topic but looks like you were right about Taylor and JT collabing; your prediction was just premature by an album.
At least now its much more likely for her next album, since Taylor has become good friends with JT and now even Jayz and Beyonce.
Trigger
December 15, 2014 @ 12:24 am
I think Taylor Swift and Justin Timberlake did collaborate on a song. It just didn’t make the final cut of “1989” because Taylor wanted to focus so much on “cohesiveness.” We may hear it in the future, or future collaborations.
Eric
December 15, 2014 @ 1:12 am
Taylor and Justin Timberlake have been friends for many years now. Take a look at this video from 2008, for example:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlOIDOmPZQI
Justin
December 14, 2014 @ 8:58 pm
This guy ain’t no Mark Chestnutt
Don
December 15, 2014 @ 8:33 am
So this review led me to check out his music. I like this stuff. It’s what I call easy listening country, this kind of stuff you put on in your car driving to work or going back home when you don’t want to get to serious. This room in my collection for many types of country, this seems like a welcome addition. I does kind of remind me of latter day George Strait.
Jim F
December 15, 2014 @ 9:49 am
I am not a mainstream country fan at all. I love this record to death. One of my favorite records of 2013. Just great songs all the way through.
josh s
December 15, 2014 @ 1:11 pm
Cody Johnson, Josh Abbott, Randy Rogers, and a ton of other “texas country guys” are interchangeable to me. I dont think any of them are bad, they are just all the same. I was a huge texas music fan 10 years ago and spent every Friday and Saturday in Blaines, watching whatever band came through that weekend. It became homogenized and really is one voice now, rather than a ton of great song writers. Just dosent seem to be a whole lot of ground breaking going on in the scene anymore. Nothing wrong with any of it, just nothing really stands out.
Kristin
December 15, 2014 @ 1:17 pm
Great review! I have a couple of his albums and agree about the song writing. Good, but still cliché in some songs. Aaron Watson next!
SenorBB
December 15, 2014 @ 2:27 pm
I’m late to the Cody table in that I just discovered this record last week. I actually really enjoyed a handful of songs on it for the hooks, good energy and fun.
Definitely some clichés, but a lot of moments of just good 90s country vibe. I don’t consider the 90s country awful. Lot’s of good stuff. Sometimes the production is too slick but whatever.
My only issue with this album is there’s too many songs about being a hardcore cowboy, so it’s tough to relate to in some songs. But maybe that was the point it is called “Cowboy Like Me”…
I’m surprised to see this panned so hard with so much country garbage out there right now. If you need convincing just watch this guy on one of the solo radio station clips on YouTube. He can sing.
Also, what’s wrong with sounding like 90s country? Sturgill Sounds like 70s country? The 70s country might be considered cooler, but both are very much modeled after a certain era sound.
stephaniek.
December 15, 2014 @ 5:11 pm
First, I would like to start off by saying that I am a huge fan of the Cody Johnson Band. Naturally, I would have to disagree about the “forced accent.” I’m not quite sure if you have actually paid any kind of attention to Cody, or his music, if the authenticity of his voice is truly in question. Also, if that is a main focus, which is what I got from the article, and the comments on here, you are looking at his music through very shallow eyes. If you had given ONE of his live videos a listen, you’d realize that his voice is fairly amazing. Along with that, you’ll notice that his voice sounds just the same, if not better, than it does on the album. I know this is an older song, but it can kind of give you an idea about the purity of his voice. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ycIjI0Nk2k
Secondly, I have an inquiry about some of the articles you have recently written. Do you ever consider that your page is fairly large enough that some of the artists you write about, may actually take the time to read the articles written about them? I wanted to write this on the satirical article you put together about Sturgill Simpson a few days ago, but it slipped my mind. Nonetheless, may I ask the point of that? Sturgill is one of the biggest names on the underground scene, so for you to randomly come out with that ludicrousness is absurd to me. Now, you have written an article blatantly questioning the talents of Cody Johnson, without actually listening to his music (clearly). Do you take your hobby as journalist seriously? If so, why are you so hard on artists that put their heart, and soul into their music? Comparing the music of the Cody Johnson Band to that of Florida-Georgia Line, and Jason Aldean is completely illogical. The music of CJB carries so much more lyrical depth than that of FGL, or Jason Aldean combined. The fact that just months ago, you were giving nothing but the highest of praises to FGL’s newest single “Dirt,” and “Girl in a country song” by Maddie and Tae, makes me question the credibility of this website. Exactly what side of country music are you trying to save? It seems to me that some of the comments, and rumors I have recently seen spreading around the internet about you being paid off may be true. My reasoning for believing this is simple. Not only are you giving a preposterous amount of credit to the very artists that are single handedly ruining the very genre that you claim you are trying to “save,” but you are also mindlessly tearing down genuine artists in the process.
Finally, I would like to question the level of hypocrisy being displayed on this site. Years ago, you appeared to be a fan of Waylon. Recently, you have displayed a level of disinterest in him that I find hard to ignore. As previously mentioned, you have been defending the “pop country” artists, which in my opinion, is fine. Everyone has their own style of music, so to each his own. However, you start off by defending artists such as Maddie and Tae, and Florida-Georgia Line, and then months later I find you saying the complete opposite of something that you claimed to like. Did you like it enough to make a brief statement about it, but not enough to defend your take on the matter till the end? What exactly are your trying to accomplish with this site? I used to know where you stood, as I have been following your blog for quite some time. As of lately, I find it hard to decipher anything you write. It’s very hard to mark this site as credible when you clearly don’t even know where you stand on a topic, until everyone else’s opinion has been has been announced publicly. Rather than trying to be the first site to post on a new topic, why not take the time to form a knowledgeable, and educated opinion on said topic?
Regardless of my recently formed opinion of your site, you are still an excellent writer. I hope that you will put a little more thought into your articles, and stop trying to aimlessly tear down the artists that are purely in this to make the music that they want to make.
Brian
December 15, 2014 @ 10:29 pm
I wanted to say what a well written response to his “review” things I wished I had said, things I didn’t think to ask.
I don’t think Trigger has the cojones to truthfully answer your questions.
From the little time I’ve been here, I’ve noticed a few things about him.
He’s self absorbed
Even when faced with facts, will not admit wrong doing.
Is he saving country music or currently causing more division?
That’s the question I ask myself.
As you stated, he’ll praise Nashvegas in one breathe, then the next tear down hard working guys.
Does he get paid? I’m sure he does, at some point the lure of money always wins to guys runnin websites like this. Will he admit it if he was, hell no. He still claims Whitey has a southern accent, as Flint, Michigan is the “new” south.
Notice his loyalty to Whitey even when called out. Makes sense as the story unfolds.
Whitey, from Flint, Michigan.
Trigger, worked in Flint, Michigan.
That’s a heck of coincidence isn’t it.
The dudes a joke, trigger, looking to make a name for himself and piss a few people off along the way. Just cause he knows it’s the internet.
Heck, why not make a few bucks along the way, nobody will notice the hypocrisy or double talk right?
When they do notice, he dismisses them as amateurs.
I can certainly solve this”auto tune” I’ll have my people straight up ask Cody. Problem solved. Though Trigger claims he has irrefutable evidence that he does, he has never produced that evidence. Serious doubt he can.
Trigger
December 15, 2014 @ 10:37 pm
“I don”™t think Trigger has the cojones to truthfully answer your questions.”
Just did.
Trigger
December 15, 2014 @ 10:41 pm
“Though Trigger claims he has irrefutable evidence that he does.”
Show me where I said I had “irrefutable evidence” or anything close to that. Don’t put words in my mouth. I take plenty of controversial stances without people lying about what what I’ve said or what I believe.
Brian
December 15, 2014 @ 10:46 pm
“Maybe Whitey does put on an accent slightly, but I can”™t prove that like I can Cody Johnson”™s use of Auto-Tune.” Direct quote from you. Is that close enough?
Amigo, you don’t even remember sayin do you?
Trigger
December 15, 2014 @ 11:43 pm
Yeah I do asshole, and once again you pulled one of my quotes out of context. Not cool.
Here, yet again, for the third time, is the full quote, which you cherry picked to support your bullshit claim.
“These accent arguments are so subjective, it”™s really hard to come to any conclusion. I really don”™t hear a thick Southern accent in Whitey”™s music, though there is some of that there. But when you talk to him, he doesn”™t sound like he”™s from Michigan, and has Southern inflections at times. Cody Johnson could be putting on his accent just as much with the amount of twang in his voice. But I don”™t know this is the case because I”™ve never held a conversation with Cody.
Clearly I’m not saying here that Cody Johnson is faking his accent. Clearly I am saying that a similar claim could be made against him as is being made against Whitey Morgan. In other words, I’m saying that criticizing someone’s accent is a very subjective business.
Trigger
December 15, 2014 @ 10:36 pm
Stephanie K.
I would have to disagree about the “forced accent.”
I never said that Cody Johnson had a forced accent. Ever. I didn’t imply that did, I didn’t hint that he did. You are putting words in my mouth and painting me with a stance that does not exist in this review or subsequent comments, and putting quotation marks around those words also makes your accusation that much more hurtful and incorrect. I did say in one comment to a person that compared Cody Johnson with Whitey Morgan that someone else might say Cody has a fake accent as well, but in no way represented that as my position. In fact I went out of my way to say in the review, “Please understand, I”™m not criticizing Cody”™s prowess as a vocalist whatsoever. By all accounts, whether fronting a band, or going out on stage with just an acoustic guitar, Cody Johnson can send hearts stirring with his voice.”
– – – – –
“Sturgill is one of the biggest names on the underground scene.
Bullshit. The underground scene ignored Sturgill Simpson for years until he didn’t need their support anymore. He tried to get booked at underground festivals, tried to integrate himself in underground cliques, and as with happens with many artists, he was shut out. So he side stepped them and on his next tour will be selling out theaters. And the reason for that is BECAUSE the underground ignored him. The underground “scene” kills artists and their careers. Quote me.
– – – – – – – – – –
“so for you to randomly come out with that ludicrousness is absurd to me.”
My suggestion would be for you to talk to a friend who can explain to you what that Sturgill Simpson article was all about. For the record (not to brag), I have received compliments from artists, managers, label people, and many fans over that article. It was a very important article and I was proud to have written it. If you don’t get it, don’t blame me. Work to figure it out.
– – – – – – – – –
“Comparing the music of the Cody Johnson Band to that of Florida-Georgia Line, and Jason Aldean is completely illogical.”
Never ever ever compared the music of Cody Johnson to Florida Georgia Line. Once again, you’re putting words into my mouth and painting me with stances that don’t exist.
– – – – – – – – –
“It seems to me that some of the comments, and rumors I have recently seen spreading around the internet about you being paid off may be true.”
Fuck off. I don’t give a fuck what Facebook-centric fucksticks and their conspiracy theories have to say. If it makes you feel any better, I remain extremely, extremely poor.
– – – – – – – –
“However, you start off by defending artists such as Maddie and Tae, and Florida-Georgia Line, and then months later I find you saying the complete opposite of something that you claimed to like.”
It’s because I judge music on its own merit, not on the names of the artist. In other words, if I say something positive about Florida Georgia Line’s “Dirt” doesn’t mean I have to like their entire album. I’m not flip flopping. I’m not changing my stance. I’m judging each song, each album on its own objectively. If you don’t get that, and think I’m being bought off, then with all due respect, you’re not ready for Saving Country Music.
– – – – – –
“Years ago, you appeared to be a fan of Waylon. Recently, you have displayed a level of disinterest in him that I find hard to ignore.”
Are you fucking kidding me?
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/results-from-the-waylon-jennings-arizona-estate-auction
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/waylon-jennings-estate-auction-the-guitars
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/johnny-cash-writes-a-letter-to-waylon-jennings
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/muhammad-alis-remarkable-friendship-with-waylon-jennings
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/john-lennons-letter-to-waylon-jennings
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/more-waylon-jennings-artifacts-revealed-in-estate-auction
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/2000-waylon-jennings-items-famous-motorcycle-to-be-auctioned
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/the-waylon-jennings-quote-about-garth-brooks-real-or-fake
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/johnny-cash-waylon-jennings-duet-on-im-movin-on
https://www.savingcountrymusic.com/10-badass-waylon-jennings-moments
Brian
December 15, 2014 @ 11:12 pm
“Cody Johnson is no different than what can be found on the latest albums from Florida Georgia Line or Jason Aldean, and possibly most disappointing, what sounds like one of the most egregious deployments of Auto-Tune I”™ve heard this side of George Strait”™s final concert album.”
From your review of the album, I do noticed a Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line reference, actually I think you said “Cody Johnson is no different than what can be found on Jason or FGL records.
Caught in a lie.
Oh, and an auto tune reference, which you said you never said you had irrefutable proof or anything close to that.
Another lie you’ve been busted in.
So either, you’re just pulling auto tune out of your ass or you’re not.
Which one is it?
Trigger
December 15, 2014 @ 11:39 pm
Brian, I don’t appreciate you calling me a liar. Once again, you misquoted me by pulling a quote completely out of context, and cutting it off half sentence to support your incorrect and irresponsible claim. Here is the ENTIRE quote:
“Cowboy Like Me also features a lot of loud, Stratocaster-style cliché rock guitar, formulaic themes and movements, rising choruses indicative of commercial-oriented music looking for radio play, incessant references to how country Cody Johnson is no different than what can be found on the latest albums from Florida Georgia Line or Jason Aldean, and possibly most disappointing, what sounds like one of the most egregious deployments of Auto-Tune I”™ve heard this side of George Strait”™s final concert album.”
That is one complete sentence, no periods. You cut it off at “Cody Johnson” to support your bullshit claim. Clearly what I’m saying here is the “incessant references to how country Cody Johnson is no different than what can be found on the latest albums from Florida Georgia Line…”, NOT comparing both artists’ entire body of work. If you don’t get that, then I’m sorry, you’re not smart enough to be reading Saving Country Music.
I don’t appreciate you trying to portray me as a liar, and none of this helps to cultivate an environment of understanding. It creates incessant back and forth conflict. Get it, or move on.
– – – – – –
As for the Auto-Tune, Cody Johnson’s album “Cowboy Like Me” employs vocal enhancements that hurt the integrity of this album. I don’t say that because I want to cut down Cody Johnson. I don’t say this because I want to feel better about my self by criticizing someone else. I say this because I want Cody Johnson’s music to get better, just like I want all music to get better. This is why I offer criticism. If you disagree, then I respect that. But these are my opinions. I want Cody Johnson’s music to prosper, and in my opinion, his use of Auto-Tune is hindering that. If you, Cody Johnson, his management, or whomever want to swear until your blue in the face there’s no Auto-Tune on this album, then you’re missing an opportunity to improve his music.
Shit on me all you want. Make me the bad guy. Say I have an agenda. It won’t change the fact that many people listen to his music and believe his voice sounds too polished, and addressing this on future projects wouldn’t result in better music.
Tom
December 16, 2014 @ 10:36 pm
” If you had given ONE of his live videos a listen, you”™d realize that his voice is fairly amazing.”
Why would he do that? He was reviewing the “Cowboys Like Me” album, not dissecting the guy’s entire career. If the album doesn’t accurately reflect CoJo’s (sorry, couldn’t resist) vocal ability, the fault lies at the feet of the producer rather than the reviewer who called a spade a spade.
Cody
December 15, 2014 @ 9:18 pm
I would really love to see a review of his album “a different day” which imo is better. I have seen him live and the guy can sing. Not sure why he would use auto tune.
Applejack
December 15, 2014 @ 11:25 pm
For what it’s worth, I can also attest to the phenomenon of Southerners living in the Flint, Michigan area. I don’t want to give out too much personal info, but I come from a Southern family and I’ve had older relatives who moved to Flint to find work at a certain point and lived there for a season. The mass migration of Southerners to that area was a real phenomenon that started during the Great Depression, as far as I know.
The idea that there would be a lingering Southern subculture in that area isn’t surprising to me in the least. I’ve heard similar things about Bakersfield and other far-flung locations.
D
December 15, 2014 @ 11:34 pm
Whoa, tough crowd. I listened to half of those two songs and felt a strong urge to cease the action in a swift manner. I promptly succumbed to my urge. I am surprised Cody is not mainstream because that is what I imagine mainstream country sounds like. Though, I must admit, I don’t listen to country music on the radio and have not for quite some time – though I did witness several vomit-inducing acts from this website’s “worst list” from last year that are purportedly played on the radio. I am not real familiar with auto tune but I assume that is the computer-like sound I hear coming from his voice, especially that second song. As for most of this thread…well, I would like to nominate it for possibly, the poster child for the rationale of avoiding the topic at hand in the first place. I think I read a blue ribbon winner here.
HaydenLane
December 15, 2014 @ 11:44 pm
Well this review seems to have really gotten the Cody Johnson fanboys worked up. People defending him by saying they relate, bullshit. There are countless country musicians saying the exact same thing he is. I can relate to his songs, sure. I live that life every day and always have. But that’s not enough to make me believe this is a good album. Sonically it’s forgettable and predictable, and the lyrics are trite at best. Honestly, I would much rather listen to Josh Abbott or Casey Donahew (referencing earlier comments, not stating that they are my favorite Texas artists by any means). Or *gasp* Whitey Morgan.
I don’t know. Must be because I’m just a fuckin yank.
the pistolero
December 16, 2014 @ 7:34 am
Honestly, I would much rather listen to Josh Abbott or Casey Donahew (referencing earlier comments, not stating that they are my favorite Texas artists by any means)
Yeah. I mean, I’d take Jason Boland, Adam Hood, the Turnpike Troubadours, or Reckless Kelly over any of them, but I do like a little JAB & Casey Donahew every so often. I just find Cody Johnson to be more than a bit, shall we say, overrated, and not just because of the fanboy invasion in the comments here.
Brian
December 20, 2014 @ 4:45 am
Turnpike Troubador’s are from Oklahoma not Texas.
Just so you know.
the pistolero
December 21, 2014 @ 5:29 pm
And Adam Hood is from fuckin’ Alabama. What’s your fuckin’ point?
Brian
December 21, 2014 @ 5:37 pm
You wouldn’t get my point if I explained it anyway.
Nevermind.
Don
December 16, 2014 @ 11:43 am
Wow, this thread blew the hell up didn’t it? I had never heard of Cody prior to this article. I have to admit, I like the guy. Sometimes I miss that nineties sound. It worked for me then, and still does now. I like Waylon, but not everything has to sound like Waylon. I love Sturgill, but he has his place too. Loved Tami Neilson, but sometimes I just have to be in the mood for it. I thought the Jason Isbell album everyone raves about sucks. Sorry, just the way it is. It didn’t appeal to me. I do not think everything has to be edgy and sometimes cliche lyrics are okay. I appreciate Trigger’s solid work here, and I appreciate being introduced to a wide variety of artists. If we agreed on everything, there would be no point in web sites like these. You certainly aren’t getting paid what this site is worth in my opinion.
Tom
December 16, 2014 @ 10:19 pm
I visited his website. He’s probably a really great guy and puts on a whale of a show for his fans. But he’s referred to as “CoJo” several times on the site.. Call me narrow-minded if you will, but that fact is reason enough for me to not want to know any more about him.
Brandon James Burke
December 17, 2014 @ 9:16 am
When do these TX mouthbreathers start taking Jerry Jeff and Ray Benson to task? Cpl of east coast heebs who yucked it up well enough I guess. How this devolved to Whitey Morgan’s “fake” MI via KY accent vs. Cody’s Autotune is just proof that whether you’re a drama geek dressupipoloitan throw back fan or a “real” TX hardcore country lover you’re still a fucking idiot.
gbkeith
December 17, 2014 @ 7:33 pm
There’s not a lot of crossover between Cody Johnson fans and Jerry Jeff or Asleep at the Wheel.
Anabel
June 11, 2016 @ 2:42 am
How come we can’t just like music without picking it apart? In bout as southern as you get its note about accents or any of that shit. It’s a lifestyle I like to thank my southern upbringing for still having my manners and respect for my elders unlike half of my generation. But I loved Cody’s music do i know what auto tune is yes but I don’t want to pick apart music if I like a song I like it
Just like I like rascal flats music and Justin moore