Old Dominion is an interesting fusion of typical country music with elements of many other different musical styles. The Nashville band’s album, Meat and Candy, released Nov. 6, will please fans of classic country music, but also has enough hints of rock, hip-hop and pop to appeal to a wider audience.
Some lyrics on the album, like “gas tank full of freedom” from the track “Nowhere Fast,” are so stereotypically Southern it’s surprising, but bubblegum-pop guitar and percussion dominate other tracks, like “Crazy Beautiful Sexy.” Yet the consistency of the Southern twang in the vocals is there throughout each track.
Each of the five members of the group is an accomplished songwriter, and many have writing credits for songs by famous groups such as The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley and the TV show “Nashville.”As a result, each track is carefully crafted and tightly performed.
However, the most impressive track on the album ironically pulls lyrics from other famous songs. “Song for Another Time” packs endless references to famous songs like “Brown Eyed Girl,” “Sweet Caroline” and “I Will Always Love You” into a catchy ballad as an homage to musical icons and letting loose.
After being a band for eight years, Old Dominion is having their busiest year yet as they release their major-label debut album, headline their own tour and open for Kenny Chesney next spring, along with Miranda Lambert and Sam Hunt. They will perform here at the UW-Madison Nov. 20, and with a strong new album to promote, the Tennesseans will no doubt be a crowd-pleaser.
Grade: B
