Overdue Album Review: Luke Combs’ “This One’s For You”
I heard Luke Combs for the first time in 2015 through a video on Twitter. Combs made my ears perk up at the sound of his vocal range and gravelly voice on his debut song, “Hurricane.” Many up-and-coming country artists have begun to lean towards a pop sound in recent years, however Luke Combs had a sound that was all his own.
Combs Released a three song EP, Can I Get an Outlaw in Nov. 2016. Songs “She Got the Best of Me” and “Can I Get an Outlaw” gained the 27 year-old plenty of popularity on the country music scene, leading up to the release of “This One’s For You.”
Combs’ 12-song debut album, This One’s For You was released in June 2017 and has already garnered three hits on Billboard’s Hot 100 Country Songs list. “Hurricane” peaked at number three, and “When It Rains It Pours” peaked at number one in 2017. “One Number Away” is currently climbing its way up the charts.
Overall, the tracks are well-written and well-performed. There will definitely be more to come from Combs.
Below are some individual song reviews and links to all songs on Luke Combs’ album, This One’s For You.
- “Out There”
Sometimes you just have to take a break from the real world, hop in a truck and go somewhere “Out There.”
- “Memories Are Made Of”
This song is a classic case of nostalgia waiting to happen. The title gives it away, but the whole song really says it all.
- “Lonely One”
“Lonely One” is possibly my favorite song on this album, mainly because it tells a Kenny Rogers-esque story. Combs plays the part of the concerned and caring bartender to a woman who has been through a breakup. This is a breakup song with a twist that really tells a tale.
- “Beer Can”
“Beer Can” is the song about the weekend warrior who can’t wait to finish work on Friday so he can “pick up a beer can…any flavor, size or brand.”
- “Hurricane”
Although this song has been extremely overplayed in my mind, it’s still the one that drew me to Luke Combs in the first place, and is one of his most popular singles.
- “One Number Away”
This song is currently climbing the charts on country radio as Combs’ newest single. Most memorable line: “In my brain dialing up everything I wanna say; But I’m still one number away.”
- “Don’t Tempt Me”
“Don’t Tempt Me” is about a man who has his act together, but isn’t afraid to get a little rowdy if he’s so inclined.
- “When It Rains It Pours”
By far the most popular song by Combs is “When It Rains It Pours.” This tongue-in-cheek song is all about how a breakup could possibly be the best thing to ever happen to someone.
- “This One’s For You”
This track is Combs’ way of thanking everyone in his life who has seen him through the good times and the bad. Although it’s probably personal to him and close to his heart, it certainly resonates with others who feel they have people to thank too.
- “Be Careful What You Wish For”
The title says it all in this case. Most memorable line: “Don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone and you’re out on your own; All you want is what you can’t get back.”
- “I Got Away With You”
Another of my favorites, “I Got Away With You” is about a man who can’t believe he got a girl as wonderful as this. Most memorable line: “Let alone, a fool like me, hand-in-hand with you should be doing time.”
- “Honky Tonk Highway”
“Honky Tonk Highway” takes me back to 80s and 90s country roots with its plucky guitar riff and full band. It feels like you’re there on the road playing in old, smoky dive bars. Overall, it’s a fun song that would probably be great to line dance to, and finishes off the album in true country fashion.
