Written by carll, moorer, and matraca berg in 2016, it was originally recorded by kenny chesney on his #1 country album, ‘cosmic hallelujah’. it may be the best song on the album, along with the title cut. Maybe the best example of the power of co-writing is ‘jesus and elvis’, a song set in lala’s, a dive bar carll used to frequent in north austin. the songs about relationships seem to have a theme of being honest about themselves and to each other, possibly reflecting their recent divorces (allison had recently left her ex husband steve earle).
foremost among them is moorer, who co-wrote half of the twelve songs (she also co-produced the album). one of the things i noticed on this one is his sharing of songwriting credits with other writers, a trend that is becoming much more common in his new hometown of nashville. this is his sixth studio album – i have all of them – and i think this ranks with his best work. i thought ‘lovers and leavers’ was good, but i am really enjoying this one. all bookended by a couple of love songs, inspired by his new fiancee, allison moorer.Ĭarll’s career seemed to be on the brink of stardom after his 2011 release, ‘kmag yoyo’, but his unhealthy habits on the road and the collapse of his marriage seemed to derail him, unfortunately.
‘what it is’ finds him returning to his earlier work, including more character songs, his trademark self deprecating humor, and a few roadhouse country rockers. It has been three years since hayes released ‘lovers and leavers’, an album that explored his recent divorce, self medication, and fatherhood.
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