David Nail released his fourth studio album on Friday July 14th. The album, titled ‘Fighter,’ features eleven tracks, seven of which Nail penned himself. The album is emotionally filled and honestly written with the stories of the struggles and triumphs Nail and his wife Catherine have gone through over the past few years. From dealing with the dark days of depression to the birth of their twins in December 2015, ‘Fighter’ is a snapshot of where Nail has been, and how he made it to this point in his life and career.
1) ‘Good At Tonight’ (Featuring Brothers Osborne) – Written by TJ Osborne, John Osborne, Troy Verges, Barry Dean.
Impression: The album’s opening track sets the precedent for all of the tracks that follow. This feel-good song with its mandolin beat, quick tempo and harmonious background singing and guitar playing of the Brothers Osborne, makes the listener feel like they are at a party. It’s a get-up and clap your hands to the beat type of song. ‘Good At Tonight’ is about forgetting what happened yesterday or what’s coming tomorrow. Just grab hold of today and live it to the fullest.
Favorite Lyrics: Yesterday’s history, tomorrow a mystery. Go ahead and guess all you want. There’s no rhyme or reason for wasting time thinking, bou’t what’s gonna go right or wrong…
2) ‘Night’s On Fire’ – Written by Jonathan Singleton, Deric Ruttan.
Impression: The first single from the album was released back in July 2015 and has been climbing the charts since. The lyrics are catchy and make the listener feel the heat and excitement of the couple as they escape from the party and turn off the highway. Its upbeat chorus with the OH’s, will resonate to those who like the sound of modern country. ‘Night’s On Fire’ is a song about lazy summer days and hot sexy nights. We’ve loved it since it was released and continues to be one of our favorite tracks on the album.
Favorite Lyrics: She’s a seat laid back, a boys dream, drawin’ hearts in the window steam… when you know what you are headed to, what’s a red blooded boy to do…
3) ‘Ease Your Pain’ – Written by Chris Stapleton, Lee Thomas Miller, Jesse Erasure.
Impression: Anything written by Chris Stapleton is going to be good, add David Nail who puts his own spin on the song and you have a keeper. With his telltale Missouri sound, Nail sings with feeling and emotion. The opening chords of the acoustic guitar set the stage for the songs soulful sound. ‘Ease Your Pain’ is about being there for someone both emotionally and physically.
Favorite Lyrics: Let me be that one addiction running in your veins, you don’t have to hurt no more, baby I can ease your pain…
4) ‘Home’ (Featuring Lori McKenna) – Written by David Nail, Barry Dean, Lori McKenna.
Impression: The one minute opening piano solo has the listener waiting in anticipation for the vocals to enter. Nail’s voice is not heard for another 20 seconds, however, as the hollow sounds of the acoustic and steel guitars take over where the piano left off. The addition of Lori McKenna’s incredible harmonies on the chorus is very pleasing to the listener’s ear. Nail and McKenna’s voices blend amazingly, as if they have been singing together for years. Their voices together portrays the feeling that you have come home.
Favorite Lyrics: It’s where you’re from… it won’t fade away, it’ll watch you leave, stay sittin’ there waitin’ in the fields and the sky and stones, in your blood and your bones, home…
5) ‘Lie With Me’ – Written by Abe Stoklasa, Marc Beeson.
Impression: A beautiful ballad sang with the classic sound David Nail is known for. At first listen you hear the sexy timbre of Nail’s voice and think it is a song about love but upon further listening you can hear desperation in the tone as he begs her not to leave. He wants just one more night. The song’s mood portrays a sadness that you can’t help but feel is real.
Favorite Lyrics: Do what you need to feel it all night long, make me believe you ain’t already gone…Love me like you mean it, like you are in it…don’t leave me here with nothin,’ give me somethin’…
6. ‘I Won’t Let You Go’ (Featuring Vince Gill) – Written by David Nail
Impression: It was as if Nail and Gill were one and the same voice on this song. For Nail, that is a huge compliment as Gill has always been one of his biggest influences. The song was written during the darker days of Nail’s marriage to Catherine and in its vocals and sounds we hear sorrow and determination. Starting off with just bass and electric guitar, Gill joins Nail on the chorus along with the saxophone, trumpet and percussion.
Favorite Lyrics: You say that it’s over, can’t go on any longer… but I swore till my dying day, I swear that won’t every change, I won’t let you go, I won’t ever let you go…
7. ‘Fighter’ – Written by David Nail, Scooter Carusoe, Troy Verges.
Impression: The listener can feel the change in the dynamic of the album with its title song. Written and sung about Catherine, Nail says that she has always been a fighter and he is grateful for that. Starting out slow with the sounds of a plucking guitar and synthesizer, and then with the added beat of the drums, Nail’s voice enters with assurance as he lets us all know that he wouldn’t be where he is without her.
Favorite Lyrics: Please believe that I believe when I pray, that you’re right beside me praying…and how you are still here, I just don’t understand, I never knew I had a fighter…
8. ‘Babies’ – Written by David Nail, Scooter Carusoe, Lee Thomas Miller.
Impression: What’s not to love about a song called ‘Babies’? With the help of Carusoe and Miller, who both related to the struggles David and Catherine were going through trying to conceive, they wrote a song dedicated to Lawson and Lillian. The song is Nail’s tribute to them so they will always know how much they changed his life. The lullaby sound of the song sets the feeling of happiness, contentment and family.
Favorite Lyrics: Good things come to those who wait, I used to think that’s just something people say. So imagine when you get the news, after years of trying not just 1 but 2… I was going crazy. Thank God, you came and saved me. I got babies…
9. ‘Got Me Gone’ – Written by David Nail, Dave Barnes, Jonathan Singleton.
Impression: Talk about turning up the heat. This song oozes sensuality. From the beat of the drums to the moaning sound of Nail’s voice, it makes the listener feel like they are watching the private interaction between the couple. The beautiful harmonies of Sarah Buxton rounds out the song perfectly.
Favorite Lyrics: You got me gone, you’re turning me on, Oh, showing just enough skin…I’m a mess, my hearts beating out of my chest, and I’m the red of the dress that you used to have on…
10. ‘Champagne Promise’ (Featuring Logan Brill) – Written by David Nail, Lee Thomas Miller.
Impression: Another seductive song with a story. With the blend of the drums and electric guitar, you hear a good old fashioned country love song. Add background vocals by Logan Brill, to the song and you can almost see the couple’s flirtatious interactions.
Favorite Lyrics: Oh you’re like a buzz, the temporary rush, You like the thought of us…You ain’t nothing but a Champagne Promise and baby you’re the finest around…
11. ‘Old Man’s Symphony’ (Featuring Bear Rinehart and Bo Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE)- Written by David Nail.
Impressions: If there were a song that showed a heart on a sleeve it would be this one. This is a personal and honest song about Nail’s father, and his desire to be as good a musician as he is. A very simple melody with just acoustic and electric guitar and percussion, that does not take away from the lyrics of the song. Nail is joined by Bear and Bo Rinehart of the group NEEDTOBREATHE, an American Christian rock band from Seneca, South Carolina, on background vocals. Their simple harmonies blend well with Nail’s voice, keeping the meaning of the song foremost in the listener’s mind.
Favorite Lyrics: I remember growing up not knowing where to lean, could I ever measure up if I did the music thing…’cause I can hold this guitar but I’ll never play the lead…I just long to be a note in the Old Man’s Symphony…
‘Fighter’ is filled with sadness and joy and shows Nails’ metamorphosis of emotional growth. This album feels like an ending of a difficult chapter in David’s life, and he can now turn to a fresh new page and begin a new story. You won’t be disappointed with ‘Fighter’ as it has everything we love about David Nail, and then some.
You can purchase ‘Fighter’ on iTunes, and Amazon.
Album review written by Lorraine Frigoletto, contributing writer for New England Country Music. You can follow me on Twitter .