Album Review – Parker McCollum’s “Gold Chain Cowboy”
Some, or many on the independent and traditional side of country music will never give this guy a chance. He’s too pretty. His sound is too polished. The brim on his baseball cap is too flat. Would a raindrop even roll to one side or the other if it landed in the center? He recently launched his own wine brand for crying out loud. And what’s with this title, “Gold Chain Cowboy?” A sleek image always seems to accompany whatever Parker McCollum is doing. He reminds you of the dudes you hated in high school.
Parker McCollum will probably never be for the deeper, darker, more twangy, and more Americana crowd, and this new album likely won’t help his prospects with them either. But for a strong legion of disenfranchised country fans who find little to no favor with the ultra-polished and pop/hip-hop-influenced stylings of the country mainstream, and want music that speaks to them a bit more deeper—yet don’t necessarily want a dictionary to to be able to digest it, or get doubled over with emotional wallops on every single song while melody and infectiousness are forgotten—Parker McCollum sits right down in their wheelhouse, or may even mark the pinnacle of their musical pyramid.
Parker McCollum once said, “I’m trying to make Luke Bryan money singing Chris Knight-caliber songs.” This new album is not exactly that, on either of those counts. It’s too good to find a Luke Bryan level of appeal, yet it’s too safe to find favor with the Chris Knight crowd. McCollum’s first official major label release is a fairly-impressive collection of mostly heartfelt and well-performed love songs, with strong hooks and choruses, and production that refuses to utilize a lick of drum machine beats or hip-hop accents, and it even works in a steel guitar solo or two. But ultimately, the sameness and safeness of the effort renders it just alright instead of great, unless that sameness is what you’re seeking.
An 80’s influence is palpable throughout Gold Chain Cowboy, but not really country 80’s. “Falling Apart” sounds like it could be a Loverboy cut, and the only true country song is the final track on the record, “Never Loved You At All.” This is a mainstream rock country record that is surprisingly consistent with its approach, cover to cover. Songs like “To Be Loved By You” and “Heart Like Mine” could have been quality country songs, but take the same fairly uniform musical style as the rest of the record. There’s little spice or variety here.
“Drinkin'” does veer more in the country direction, and deserves praise as probably one of the best songs of the set. But it’s still set in the same sameness and consistency as the rest of Gold Chain Cowboy. It’s also inconclusive if you have that one signature Parker McCollum song on this record, like “Meet You in the Middle” and “I Can’t Breathe” from earlier in his career that helped put him on the radar of so many fans, and eventually the major labels.
But what’s also consistent with Gold Chain Cowboy is the quality of the writing, the strength of the choruses, and the unmistakable appeal these songs will find within their key demographic. He also doesn’t really turn in a stinker here. If you’re looking for strong character creation, or the unraveling of profundities in otherwise plainspoken language indicative of Chris Knight or some of you other favorite country songwriters, then no, this record will leave you limp. But as a pragmatic record from a Texas-based performer on a popular country label, it turns in a scorecard above par.
Parker McCollum is just kind of an enigma. His sleekness and attractiveness makes it easy for some to dismiss his music before a lick of it is even heard. For those who’ve migrated from the mainstream, his songs and melodies just carry so much more meaning and weight than what they’re used to, and the attractiveness draws them in.
In the end, the naysayers and the supporters are probably both right, and both wrong to some extent. For the package Parker McCollum comes in, he delivers more than you expect, but for some, less than they desire. And that’s where Gold Chain Cowboy rests—in a margin that’s better than most in the mainstream, but still mild compared to many others. But ultimately, it might be the bridge Parker McCollum presents between the two that makes his career and sound so paramount.
7/10
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Throwback Country
August 2, 2021 @ 9:20 am
I actually like McCollum quite a bit. I’ve defended some of his polished-ness and emphasized the fact that he’s young and still finding his way, so to speak. He’s put out plenty of songs that justify those beliefs.
With that being said, this album is very meh. Instead of taking either a step forward toward something more sincere and genuine or a step backward in the direction of pop and bro country, he just kind of stands pat with this one.
Sev
August 2, 2021 @ 9:27 am
His first two albums are some of my favorites in the Texas Country realm. I even liked the Hollywood Gold EP, but this collection of songs don’t do anything for me. I think I speak for just about every fan that’s been there since before he got signed to MCA Nashville.
Roy Bowlin
August 3, 2021 @ 7:10 am
You are right he is a perfect fit for Nashville. Good luck to him, They ‘eat em’ up and ‘spit em’ out there daily…..
Andrew
August 2, 2021 @ 9:29 am
I can’t put my finger on it exactly, but there’s just something about his voice I don’t care for regardless of the quality of what he’s singing.
Trainwreck92
August 2, 2021 @ 1:58 pm
I think that may be my biggest problem with his stuff. I think I could maybe look past the mainstream radio style production if he just had a more compelling voice. His song “Meet You in the Middle” off his first record is one of maybe three songs of his that I like, but I like it in spite of his voice.
porker McDonald
August 2, 2021 @ 11:58 pm
5th member of nsync?
karl
August 2, 2021 @ 9:31 am
I really like his first album, and also really like his more recent 6 song EP. I have listened to this a couple of times and haven’t really been hooked yet. This might be an off album. He should have saved some of his EP songs for this maybe. I’ll still listen, still might get hooked.
stupidwordpress
August 2, 2021 @ 9:37 am
He’s just marginally a half step higher than Koe Wetzel or William Clark Green in my opinion. I can’t get passed the mediocre songwriting and the whiny voice. The fact that he even remotely compares himself to Chris Knight is laughable.
Spoony
August 2, 2021 @ 11:33 am
He didn’t remotely compare himself to anything. Your reading comprehension could use some work.
Trigger
August 2, 2021 @ 12:10 pm
Yes, aspiration and comparison are two different things.
stupidwordpress
August 2, 2021 @ 3:13 pm
My reading comprehension is fine sweetheart. Aspiration would be, “I’m trying to write the best song I can.” Comparison is mentioning one of the best songwriters to ever live in a sentence about what he’s doing. Regardless, call it what you will, the guy should never speak the name Chris Knight outside his cushy tour bus.
Joe Mama
August 2, 2021 @ 5:16 pm
“I’m trying to make Luke Bryan money singing Chris Knight-caliber songs,” McCollum says.
Nah you can’t read.
Bubbyscoot
August 2, 2021 @ 5:30 pm
You know, I bet Chris Knight has a cushy tour bus too.
stupidwordpress
August 2, 2021 @ 7:43 pm
See, now you’re showing your ignorance. If all you nut hugging frat boys actually knew who Chris Knight was, you wouldn’t make stupid comments like that.
Papa Shango
August 3, 2021 @ 6:34 am
Remarkably silly, and I think Chris Knight would call you an imbecile for saying all this too.
Joe Mama
August 3, 2021 @ 7:27 am
Hey LensCrafters has some great deals on reading glasses right now. 50% off lenses with frame purchase. Get it while you can!
Joejoe
August 4, 2021 @ 9:45 am
Chris knight can’t compare to this guy plus chris knight is a asshole and don’t do request
Cool Lester Smooth
August 5, 2021 @ 2:26 pm
^Tell me the WCG song you can name is “Sympathy” without saying it, hahah.
I like Parker…but the best way to describe his sound is “What people who’ve never seen WCG think WCG sounds like.”
hoptowntiger94
August 2, 2021 @ 9:38 am
I stopped calling him your boyfriend since “Young Man’s Blues.”
I really like “Drinkin’.” I’ll give this album a chance.
I’m planning on seeing him in November and throwing a pair of my boxers on the stage.
Di Harris
August 2, 2021 @ 11:37 am
Rob Leines and the boys brought the house down at Duke’s on Friday night.
They were smokin’. Band is ultra tight.
hoptowntiger94
August 2, 2021 @ 11:48 am
I bet! I love that album. I’ve been working like a dog. I had 4 days off in July, 4 in June and 3 in May. Hopefully, things slow down soon (or my body will give out) and I can take in a concert. My last was December 2019 – Chris Knight (over 19 months ago!).
We are planning on back to back outlaw fest dates in September in North Carolina. Hopefully we make it before any shutdowns.
Di Harris
August 2, 2021 @ 12:04 pm
Keeping my fingers crossed for you guys! Stay hydrated out there.
And if they try to shut the country down again, i hope enough people will ball up, & see that the Outlaw Music Fest still goes.
Jeremy
August 2, 2021 @ 9:54 am
I would bet $100 that Parker drives a squatted truck.
Apple music has this as a Dolby Atmos album, and even in 360 degree sound and mastered, the recording still sounds terrible.
Jake Cutter
August 2, 2021 @ 10:09 am
Damn, just listened in Atmos and it does sound pretty weird. Listen to the guitar solo on “To Be Loved by you”…it disappears. Atmos can sound cool, IF it’s done right. Doesn’t seem to be the case here.
Robert Coffey
August 3, 2021 @ 6:32 am
I’ve had this feature off for a while now, but just turned it back to see what y’all were talking about and…just wow…can’t hear Danielle Bradberry’s harmony or that “to be loved” guitar solo whatsoever. Disappointing that this is the way most people who might not know about this new “feature” will hear it.
Parkers 2021 2500HD
August 2, 2021 @ 10:47 am
Pay up sucker. You can vemo, cash app, paypal, apple pay me, whatever suits you.
Jake Cutter
August 2, 2021 @ 9:58 am
“In the end, the naysayers and the supporters are probably both right, and both wrong to some extent.” Not sure that doesn’t apply to almost everything.
This isn’t something I’ll listen to in the contemplative, late evening hours for any deeper meaning. But I’m a sucker for big, feel good, melodic choruses sometimes, and could see myself giving this more of a whirl in the right circumstances.
OMFS88
August 2, 2021 @ 11:13 am
That’s how I feel about all of his music, it’s catchy, he has a good voice but when I’m trying to understand what the underlying message of all of his songs are, I am lost.
“Meet You in the middle” is the best example here, I can’t tell if he is talking to a sibling, an ex-lover, etc. I don’t turn it off when it shows up in a shuffle but only because it’s a jam.
Travis
August 2, 2021 @ 11:56 am
Is he from the South? Maybe he’s talking to an ex-lover sibling?
Sorry, I know y’all try to distance country music from that inbred hick stereotype, rightfully so; just couldn’t help myself on that one.
JB-Chicago
August 2, 2021 @ 10:11 am
I really like Drinkin’ it’s a great song and Never Loved You At All, the rest is melodic rock that reminds me of Bryan Adams and such. It’s not for me or I’m going to guess many of us on here. There’s just too many good Country albums out now and coming soon. He’ll be here in November maybe I’ll mosey over to Joe’s for the “scenery” of mom/daughter combos that’ll be out in full force.
Robert
August 2, 2021 @ 10:31 am
I’ve been a big fan, but this is just ok. I’ve listened to it 4-5 times. I try paying attention to the lyrics but eventually my mind drifts and I haven’t really payed attention to about half the album. The last song does a good job of bringing me back in but then it’s over.
Trigger
August 2, 2021 @ 12:16 pm
Variety is such and important aspect to an album. You need fast songs and slow songs, electric songs and acoustic songs, twangy songs and more pop or rock songs, and diversity in subject matter. This album is all mid-tempo electric country rock songs about love. Taken individually, none of the songs are bad, but they become less than the sum of their parts because there’s nothing to engage the listener and to keep them attentive. Fearing to make a mistake or take a chance is the biggest mistake of this record.
All that said, we have to judge it among its peers, which is mainstream country. Parker is on a major label. He’s had a #1 song on country radio. That’s the reason it was scored the way it was. It’s consistently better than average. Unfortunately though, it’s just very very consistent throughout.
Country Charley Crockett's Butter
August 2, 2021 @ 10:38 am
Gold Chain Cowboy vs Beach Cowboy
JF
August 2, 2021 @ 10:42 am
I consider myself a Parker fan, but unlike others, I actually think this record is a step up. Probably his most consistent since maybe “Limestone Kid.” I dig it. Oh, and Chris Knight is one of my favorite artists (I enjoy listening to lots of different stuff).
The title and cover though — ugh. Makes me cringe.
Jack Davis
August 2, 2021 @ 11:08 am
He was on the Hippies and Cowboys Podcast (#53) and said something along the line of you can look like a douchebag as long as you don’t sing douchebag songs. He also gives good insight to his passion for songwriting. Made me appreciate him more and look past his look. It’s a good record for sure.
Dogit
August 2, 2021 @ 10:56 am
I like Parker. This is his worst album by far. The only thing that matters is will these records get played on the radio. If so, mission accomplished. He then can start releasing some of the better stuff like Hell of a Year. He will be Pardi 2.0.
The Ghost Of OlaR
August 2, 2021 @ 11:16 am
Style over Substance!?
He is playing (?) the pretty-boy-with-gold-chain-for-teen-girls role pretty good.
Well…i’m not part of the focus group. Maybe that’s the reason why the album can’t grab my attention for more than a couple of minutes.
Gold Chain Cowboy is a slick & polished production. Not bad…but no real highlight. Next.
While Parker McCollum is doing well on Spotify…Texas radio is not going gaga over “Drinkin'” (#60 – week 7 – relative slow week overall).
When i need my Texas radio-friendly-mainstream fix right now i listen to Carson Jeffrey, Chris Colston, Cody Hibbard & Cory Kent.
One class above: Jon Stork, Gabe Garcia & Clay Hollis.
Best album right now: Brian Douglas Phillips – Old Believers (Released – 10 Tracks).
Not mainstream, not (so) radio-friendly, not so pretty.
Daniel Cooper
August 2, 2021 @ 1:43 pm
Trigger,
Any intention of reviewing the new Clay Walker release? And thanks for the review, wasn’t sure what to make of this release
Trigger
August 2, 2021 @ 2:41 pm
It’s definitely on the radar. Last Friday was a very busy release week. Two down, and many more to go.
Keepin it Country
August 3, 2021 @ 3:53 am
I don’t know about you but I’m not a fan of the new Clay Walker album. It sounds like he’s trying to go for a modern sound with a traditional approach which for him at this point on his career doesn’t make since to me. I’m not a fan of his latest album.
wayne
August 2, 2021 @ 2:21 pm
I like some songs. There is potential. But I cannot make a decision overall about him. And therein lies the problem. The fact that an artist does not force me to like or not like him/her.
For me, I want to be smacked in the face and be forced to accept or reject said artist(s). For now, he does neither one. I do not know which lane to get into as he is straddling the line at the moment.
Wonkyhorse
August 2, 2021 @ 2:51 pm
Lol didn’t read. lol didn’t listen. No thanks
JoseyWales
August 3, 2021 @ 7:53 am
Lol felt the need to comment still. What a joke. The fact you had to actually open this article to make this comment speaks volumes about your idiocy.
Scott S.
August 2, 2021 @ 3:21 pm
I like Parker, and I like this album. I think Luke Combs would be a better comparison than Luke Bryan though. Parker seems to be aiming this album towards the younger Texas country crowd who are into Koe Wetzle, Kolby Cooper, and Slade Coulter. While McCollum may be slightly more rounded than these artists, he appears to be looking more to fans who are influenced by Combs than more traditional Texas Country artists like Wade Bowen or Randy Rogers.
Overall, I like the album, especially Drinkin’ which has a little bit of a Dwight Yoakam feel to it. But it falls short of great.
Cool Lester Smooth
August 5, 2021 @ 2:29 pm
Yeah, if WCG is trying to be the spot between Wade/Randy/Watson and Tom Petty, Parker’s trying to find the spot between them and Combs.
Bobby
August 2, 2021 @ 3:34 pm
The naysayers and supporters could have been right, but were probably wrong.
Kevin Davis
August 2, 2021 @ 5:47 pm
I was intrigued and sort-of a fan of Parker’s for a while, but honestly his voice just grates on my ears at this point. And these songs are rather forgettable.
As for his visual style and self-presentation, I try to judge the music on its own merits. But, yeah, he looks ridiculous, and that doesn’t help. He has the physical features of an ancient Greek god but the stylistic sensibility of a trying-too-hard to be cool high school student.
strait country 81
August 2, 2021 @ 8:53 pm
Always funny when someone complains about someone’s voice when they probably get off to Isbell 24/7.
Cool Lester Smooth
August 5, 2021 @ 2:32 pm
Like Isbell’s voice or not…he knows *exactly* how to write to it, and turn his limitations into strengths.
There’s no reason to expect Parker to be on that level, at this point in his career.
Jason certainly wasn’t.
Oregon Outlaw
August 2, 2021 @ 6:06 pm
LOL at the raindrop rolling on the flat brim line! Writing like that sets this website above all the insufferably serious journos out there toeing the party line.
As for the album, the lyrics are pretty good, but yeah, the production is just too slick for my tastes.
max
August 2, 2021 @ 9:04 pm
I’m a pretty big Parker fan who fits the younger Texas demographic that makes up the vast majority of his fans. I LOVE his first two albums. I’m definitely a little disappointed by the production on this, because the songwriting is really strong. If he took the production from his first two albums this would be truly excellent.
That being said, I’d say “Dallas” is the clear standout for me – strong writing, harmonies, and the production we’ve been used to hearing from him in the past.
Hopefully, this is just to win the mainstream over and he’ll go back to some more organic stuff now. But I doubt that’s what will happen
porker McDonald
August 2, 2021 @ 11:57 pm
the drinkin song is okay I hear some steel guitar. Judging a book by its cover with the gold chain and flat bill hat BLECHHHH trurning into florida georgia line. His voice kind of sounds like he could be a backstreet boy or in BBMAK from the 90s lol
Darren
August 3, 2021 @ 5:14 am
I think we are living in a post rock world. I think this is really fine rock record. I think the Bryan Adams comparison is not out of line. I also here a little Charlie Robison in some of the songs. I wanted to be put off by the the album title, but just listening to the album, I really enjoy it.
kross
August 3, 2021 @ 5:28 am
I like this kid. seen him a couple of times live. he’s the real deal. this newest offering feels a little bland to me tho. It’s not bad, but not jumping out at me either. I’ve already downloaded the album. But rather than listen to the album as a single entity, I’ll just put all of his music on shuffle to hear these songs.
Morgan Lowder
August 3, 2021 @ 6:26 am
This album just disappointed me. I really enjoyed the pre releases but every song on the album just felt the same to me.
North Woods Country
August 3, 2021 @ 7:52 am
I think you’ve caught so much flack for supporting him over the years that you’re taking a really measured approach on this. If Parker McCollum was an average looking guy there’d be a general consensus opinion of him as surpremely talented.
This album should be a smash, and it’s level of substance is far above average for mainstream. +1 for the good guys
ECSNYDER
August 3, 2021 @ 1:02 pm
The funny thing is I actually have know a couple guys from Texas and they all have the same “pretty boy” look Parker does. Also they think he’s the best thing sense sliced bread.
Therhodeo
August 4, 2021 @ 11:23 am
Coworker went to school with him. Said he legitimately was the type of guy everyone hated.
Cool Lester Smooth
August 5, 2021 @ 2:34 pm
Honestly…sounds like this is basically Midland album, but by someone you like, haha!
CountryKnight
August 6, 2021 @ 7:13 am
That cover is terrible. Just screams “high school jerk.”
HankThrilliams
August 11, 2021 @ 9:03 am
I hear some Wallflowers and that’s a victory. The cover is super douchey so that’s unfortunate
Nick
January 14, 2022 @ 4:49 pm
Very refreshing to hear. Not being told by writers you have to have drinking, pick ups trucks, tailgate parties, dirt roads( everything I love), but it gets tiresome and so scripted. So happy I found a new artist and he is authentic and the real deal. Listen to everything he has three times . My 20 something kids are hooked now 😉. Way to go Parker . Can’t wait to see you in Canada sometime with one of my kids. Keep doing your own thing.
A
February 7, 2024 @ 10:38 am
Parker McCollum? More like Parker McAutotune.