Josh Thompson, 'Turn It Up': Track-by-Track Album Review
Josh Thompson is back on the scene. After his sudden departure from RCA Nashville (after transferred from Columbia Nashville), Josh is finally releasing the follow-up to his debut LP "Way Out Here" (2010). Now signed to Show Dog-Universal Music, the 36-year-old country singer (who recently chopped off his signature ponytail for charity) released two weeks ago (April 1) his sophomore studio album called "Turn It Up".
And he's definitely turning it up in this new album. Is it better than "Way Out Here"? Duh, obviously. Our friends at Show Dog-Universal Music sent us a copy of the album, and we loved it. From track #1 to track #10. "Turn It Up" is fresh, most of the songs put you in a good mood, it's kind of 'summery' sounding (nice timing for release!), but above all things, the first word to describe this album should be 'cohesive'.
Read our track-by-track review of this piece of country-rock flawlessness.
1. ‘Down for a Get Down’:
Opening song and one of the best in the album? All about this song is 'catchy'. From its country-rock melody, to the hypnotizing rapid verses, and the 'wo-oh wo-oh', 'go down, go down' bits that will get stuck in your head. "Let me hear you holler if you're down for a get down", sings Josh in the chorus of the flirtatious song.
2. ‘Turn It Up’
Still country-rock but this time more country-vibed than rock. Josh makes up a list of all the things he wants his lady friend to 'turn up'. "Turn up the music, turn up the feel good, turn up the crazy" are a few of the lyrics in the chorus. If you wanna serenade your girlfriend before a wild night this is your song. Casey Beathard is co-writer.
3. ‘Cold Beer With Your Name on It’
First single of the album. Don't be fooled by the super-slow beginning, tempo builds up just in time for the chorus. Josh has big plans for his girlfriend today, and they're going to have fun downing a few beers together. Melody is so hot girls won't resist dancing sensually to this music. ‘Cold Beer With Your Name on It’ peaked at #27 on Country radio.
4. ‘Wanted Me Gone’
Girl, if you've kicked out your man from your house, and you've abandoned him, don't expect him to come back. He's moved on from you, sorry. And he's living better! That's the theme of ‘Wanted Me Gone’. "Hear that you want me back but I just can't do that", tells Josh to his ex who is full of remorse now. Should've thought twice, huh? The 'filtered' bridge of this song is definitely a highlight, with the 'wanted me, wanted me gone' bits.
5. ‘Hillbilly Limo’
What a title, huh? The only exception to the 'cohesive' above is this song. It's so vintage country rock. Certainly, inhabitants of deep deep down Nashville will love this. Just listen to Josh get his 'rock' on remembering an old 1984 Dodge truck that needed oil at gas station and overheated regularly.
6. ‘A Little Memory’
Our friend Josh gets a little blue and nostalgic here. "I still hear that goodbye in the front door closing", sings a still-upset Mr. Thompson about former flame that should have been the flame of his life. The message in the end is quite positive, though.
7. ‘Drink Drink Drink’
The beer lover sings about what he likes to do the most in track #7. "Sip sip sip til the last sip is gone", advises Josh. But he likes to drink, drink, and drink to the point of having a hangover the next day only occasionally, he's not an alcoholic! This country tune is anthemic! And hopefully will get a music video soon, 'cause it'll be hilarious.
8. ‘Left This Town’
The banjo takes the spotlight in this track. ‘Left This Town’ is probably the most serious song on the album. I believe Josh reflects in this about how if you're not from a big city then with all probability you will have to leave your small town if you want your dreams to happen, and in Josh's case, a music career. Also, the lyrics "Remember that cold December/Watching that north wind carry you out" puzzle me a bit. Is Josh also singing about leaving behind a special somebody when left town?
9. ‘Firebird’
He may or may not be singing about a special somebody in the previous track, but Josh is most definitely singing about someone in the summery country-rock jam "Firebird". He's cruising down the highway with his girlfriend by his side on the co-pilot's seat. "Looking so fine, fire burn, sitting next to the prettiest girl", is what Josh exactly says about his co-pilot girl. The girl is having so much fun she even jams to Josh's music letting her hair feel the powerful wind waves standing out the sun roof. Oh yeah.
10. ‘Hank Crankin’ People’
Guitars, long notes and a piece of profound country music. Josh takes it back to his old days in the country areas where the hard-working hank crankin’ people were majority.
Verdict: If you're looking for a country album to play this summer, this is the one!!