There is no doubting that Canaan Smith’s debut album is highly anticipated throughout the music world. The deep, passionate lyrics that flow on country radio have left fans wanting more. ‘Bronco,’ incorporates everything from tragedies to true love and everything in between. The talented singer/songwriter put his pen to paper and created gold- literally. Featuring his hit single ‘Love You Like That,’ a song that just went gold, Smith’s album will be sure to cover all the emotions of the roller coaster called life. On June 23rd, Canaan’s life changed forever.
1.) ‘Good Kinda Bad’ – Written by Canaan Smith, Brett Beavers and Casey Beathard.
Impression: A whiskey-drinking girl with hidden tattoos is the drive behind Canaan’s first track on the CD. We love this song because it’s about the imperfect. This one is for the girls that aren’t afraid to walk on the wild side and the boys that want more of it. This sexy, country-rock song is sure to be on repeat.
Favorite Lyrics: You’re the best shot of trouble I’ve ever had…
2.) ‘Stompin’ Grounds’ – Written by Jaren Johnston and Lindsay Rimes.
Impression: Co-written with The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston, ‘Stompin’ Grounds’ brings you back to your roots. From high school and your first kiss to your old teams, this light, upbeat song is a fan favorite for it’s upbeat tune and reminiscent reminder of where you came from. Staying grounded and humble is important to Smith and this song is a tribute to that.
Favorite Lyrics: Yeah this place is in my veins…
3.) ‘Love You Like That’- Written by Canaan Smith, Brett Beavers and Jim Beavers.
Impression: Easily the most popular on Smith’s debut album, ‘Love You Like That’ is a declaration of a country strong love story. The catchy, certified gold tune is blasted on radios throughout the country every day and fans only continue to want more. The song that made a name for Smith while exceeding 500,000 in digital sales, was the perfect preview for ‘Bronco.’ Fans can only hope they have a love as powerful as Canaan serenades us about.
Favorite Lyrics: Slow as the Mississippi, strong as a fifth of whiskey, steady as a Tom Petty track, I wanna love, wanna love you like that…
4.) ‘Hole In A Bottle’ – Written by Canaan Smith, Brett Beavers and Dan Couch.
Impression: This song starts out fast right away and it’s clear it was made for a Friday night. This ultimate country party song will have you throwing a couple back in no time, nodding your head right along to the beat. ‘Bronco’ would not be complete without a dedicated drinking song, which is just what we have in ‘Hole In A Bottle.’
Favorite Lyrics: Well I got a hole in my heart, I can slide right up to some pretty little thing at the bar, pass that hole in my heart…
5.) ‘Stuck’ – Written by Canaan Smith, Brett Beavers and Vincent Hickerson.
Impression: A romantic gem among the album, Smith sings about a girl he can’t get out of his head after she’s left. The talented narrator paints the perfect picture of a lover that has gone away. Maybe not completely a breakup song per se, this ballad will make you quickly see you are not alone with feeling ‘stuck.’
Favorite Lyrics: Gettin’ stuck with you in that photo booth, we stuck that picture in a bottle. I bet it’s probably still floatin’ down there in the Chesapeake bay, yeah that’s a hell of a memory we made…
6.) ‘One of Those’ – Written by Jason Mizelle, Ash Bowers and JP Williams.
Impression: With a sound that is a little different sound from the rest of the CD, ‘One of Those’ describes the kind of man Canaan is. The rough-around-the-edges, God-fearing type of man isn’t all that easy to find these days, but that is just what you get with Smith and his easy-going song.
Favorite Lyrics: If that’s what you’re looking for baby, you’ve found it. Straight down the middle, ain’t no way around it. If you want the kind of man who ain’t never gonna let you go, baby I’m one of those…
7.) ‘Mad Love’ – Written by Canaan Smith, Brett Beavers and Aaron Goodvin.
Impression: This slow love song is a staple in Canaan’s concert set list. Some love, imperfect as it is, can be filled with arguments and disagreements. It’s what happens after those fights that can bring you back together, as Smith writes about a back and forth relationship. A NECM favorite, ‘Mad Love’ is sure to spread through the radios of country music fans everywhere.
Favorite Lyrics: But that’s us, doing our thing, throwing more gas on the fire…
8.) ‘Love At First’ – Written by Andrew Dorff, Jimmy Robbins and Jaren Johnston.
Impression: Another song with a different sound, ‘Love At First’ is a story many can relate to. There is no high like falling in love, but no feeling lower than losing that. This song addresses the pain and realness of that experience. Thankfully, we have Canaan to put pen to paper and write how we feel.
Favorite Lyrics: I don’t know how I didn’t see it coming, it was too good to be true. I thought she was something that she wasn’t, but whatcha gonna do…
9.) ‘American Muscle’ – Written by Canaan Smith, Brett Beavers, Dan Couch and Ryan Tyndell.
Impression: The rock music intro to this song sets the tone for an American-to-the-core jam session. With a heavy guitar presence, ‘American Muscle’ has you feeling badass and patriotic. This ballad is all about the homegrown, hard working, Made-In-The-USA men and women out there.
Favorite Lyrics: You work your ass off for a dollar, putting new wranglers on a blue collar…
10.) ‘Two Lane Road’ – Written by Canaan Smith, Brett Beavers and Marv Green.
Impression: With a unique message and sound, Smith sings the story of sneaking away from the troubles of the world with his girl. Canaan manages to hit all of the high notes in this soft, slower number. The pace changes briefly in the middle of the song with a quick rap session, a fun mix for any country melody.
Favorite Lyrics: We’ll kick it on the hood till we’re feeling good and maybe cross a few tan lines…
11.) ‘Bronco’ – Written by Canaan Smith and Scooter Carusoe.
Impression: When Canaan opened for Dan + Shay at The Paradise Rock Club in Boston last winter, he took a moment to get personal with the crowd. Before singing ‘Bronco,’ Smith took a deep breath, choking back tears and explained the story behind the song named after an old car, specifically, his older brother’s car. The Virginia native lost his older brother when he was just 11 years old. This song not only for Canaan, but as a remedy to those who have also lost a loved one.
Favorite Lyrics: It was sun down ready, hardtop heavy, shotgun girlfriend primed…
When it comes to country music, the more personal, the better. The connection that fans are able to have through artist’s music is what drives the industry and Canaan Smith has that perfected. The romantic storyteller hits all the right notes in his first album, one that will be a staple for his to career to skyrocket.
Fans can catch Canaan and his songs this summer as part of Dierks Bentley’s Sounds of Summer Tour along with Kip Moore and Maddie & Tae which will stop in Mansfield, MA THIS WEEKEND!
To purchase ‘Bronco,’ click here.
This was written by Lauren Rose, contributing writer for New England Country Music. You can follow me on Twitter here.