E.P REVIEW: Cole Swindell; Down Home Sessions IV

(image: coleswindell.com)

Cole Swindell released his first instalment of the Down Home Sessions back in 2014, going on to release one every year since. However, for this instalment of the EP we are getting a little bit more than we had bargained for, and I could not be happier about it….

Maybe this should be the time to tell you that I am a huge fangirl and no, I’m not even sorry!

Before Cole gained success as an artist in his own right he had already carved the path to a pretty successful career for himself as a songwriter. Penning tracks for the likes of his good buddy Luke Bryan, as well as Florida Georgia Line, Scotty McCreery and Chris Young to name but a few.

So, Cole has a bit of a different treat in store for us with the latest DHS. He has decided to record songs that he had gained success with as a songwriter, but had previously been cut by another artist. Honestly, as much of a fan as I am of his work this had me thinking ‘Ohhhhh Noooooo’. I just wasn’t sure this would work, if it would be possible to love them just as much with Coles voice on them, or if they would be ruined forever…

Roller Coaster, co-written with Michael Carter, is first up on the record. Originally recorded by Luke Bryan and featured on his Crash My Party Album. Personally, I don’t think this is much different from Luke’s version and is just as pleasing to the ears, maybe this has something to do with the fact that they are both Georgia men so the underlying sound isn’t so different, it’s a stripped back acoustic version but yes, I loved it.

Second, is Thomas Rhett’s Get Me Some of That, from his debut record It Goes Like. Fun fact; TR’s dad was actually one of the writers. Now, this for me is a hard one, I love the original and in my opinion Coles version just doesn’t cut the mustard in comparison. For me, his voice just doesn’t do it justice and the acoustic version falls short of the bouncy, infectious original, which has me wanting to get up and dance.

My personal favourite of the collection is Outta My Head. Originally recorded by Craig Campbell and featured on his second record, Never Regret. In my opinion, this is one of those tracks that Cole should have kept for himself. His voice on this is pure GOLD. The catchy chorus pulls you in and the relatable lyrics, mixed with the simplistic, backyard style jam sound is just pure heaven...

Florida Georgia Line’s This is How We Roll, was a bit of a bold move for Swindy. The track was featured on their debut record, Here’s to the Good Times, and was written with T Hubb and BK. Now this has me shouting No Cole… just No. The way that the original was produced, with that very commercial Country- Pop, party vibe and mixed with the distinctive voices from the FGL guys, leaves Coles version sounding lost. Honestly, I don’t think anyone but FGL could cover this track and do it justice. To be frank, it’s just one of those that is best left alone. You wrote an absolutely banging song Cole… leave it at that.

Last, but by no means least, is Luke Bryans’ Beer in The Headlights. Another hit from the Crash My Party Album. Coles voice is soft, relaxed and pulls you in to the story. A light and breezy tune with some added piano depth…beautifully done. This is the perfect track to put on, grab a glass of vino and just chill.

Overall, this is a real mixed bag, but for the most part I loved it. Cole just seems to get it right when it comes to his music. He recently celebrated a huge milestone… Seven consecutive number one singles, making him the only solo Country artist in the history of the Country Aircheck/Media base to achieve such an accolade. He also has ten number one singles as a songwriter under his belt. All of this making him one of Country Music’s treasures.

Now, on a personal note… Cole stop messing about, I think it’s high time we have a UK tour put on your schedule. Please….

Bev Foster