On Friday, January 15th, the Brothers Osborne will release their highly anticipated, debut, full-length studio album, titled ‘Pawn Shop.’ The album has been a few years in the making as they released their first single, ‘Let’s Go There,’ back in 2013 before they released a self-titled EP in 2014 which showcased their second single, ‘Rum.’ They have made their rounds on the road including an opening spot on Eric Church’s The Outsiders Tour. And they’ve been nominated for numerous awards including their first GRAMMY nomination… All before they had a full-length album out. Pretty impressive stuff. But that’s no surprise when you listen to the music that the Brothers Osborne put out. They have a unique sound, unlike any other artist, duo, or group in country music. And that’s no different with ‘Pawn Shop.’
1.) ‘Dirt Rich’ – Written by John Osborne, TJ Osborne, and Barry Dean.
Impression: We absolutely love the sound of this song! It has this almost New Orleans-bayou sort of sound that is really captivating and compelling. The song has the really laid back feeling and just speaks to going through hard times, but being appreciative of what you have in your life.
Favorite Lyrics: If you’re broke don’t fix it, learn to live with it. And like it just the way it is. When you’re dirt rich…
2.) ’21 Summer’ – Written by John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Craig Wiseman.
Impression: Right off the bat, you get this really fun and upbeat tempo from the song. But once the vocals cut in, they balance out the instrumental component of the song which makes a cool juxtaposition of this happy-ish tempo and beat and the lyrics of love lost.
Favorite Lyrics: You’re the only broken heart I’ve ever had, and love to have again…
3.) ‘Stay A Little Longer’ – Written by John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Shane McAnally.
Impression: This is one of our favorite songs of 2015 as we love the insane guitar solo towards the end of the song. It’s the type of song that you will need to sing along to, it’s contagious. ‘Stay A Little Longer’ is our favorite song of this album and will go down as one of the staples in the Brothers Osborne’s careers.
Favorite Lyrics: I tell myself I’m not in love. But one more time is not enough. One last kiss and then you’re a goner. And I’m here wishing you could stay a little longer…
4.) ‘Pawn Shop’ – Written by John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Sean McConnell.
Impression: If you’ve never been to a pawn shop, even just to explore, you’re missing out! Pawn shops are full of some great treasures. And they are usually filled with some great instruments, especially guitars, something we know the Brothers Osborne can appreciate. The title track of the album describes all the different things you can find in a shop, from now-worthless VHS tapes to jewelry and everything else. The song is catchy, you’ll definitely be grooving to it. If any of the several pawn shop television shows need a new theme song, they may have a winner here. It’s no surprise that the Brothers Osborne chose this as the title track. It’s a very cool song.
Favorite Lyrics: One man’s pain is another man’s pleasure. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure…
5.) ‘Rum’ – Written by John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Barry Dean.
Impression: This track was previously released back in 2014 and we truly believe it didn’t get the radio play that it deserves, it’s just that good. It’s a fun, upbeat, beachy song perfect for the summertime. We remember back at the 2014 WKLB Street Festival, it was one of the funnest performances as the ‘BROS’ released some branded beachballs into the crowd during the song. The song is all about the simple pleasures that their Maryland hometown had to offer. It’s a good song with a great meaning. We’ve loved it since day one, and we continue to do so today.
Favorite Lyrics: Let’s put our hearts together. Two parts love and a pinch of good weather. And top it all off with the sun and mix it with rum…
6.) ‘Loving Me Back’ – Written by John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Casey Beathard.
Impression: First off, TJ’s vocals in this track are ridiculous. Really deep and smooth. And right when you get hooked, his vocals get cut by this other voice in the chorus; and no, it’s not John’s voice! That voice you hear in the harmony is that of Lee Ann Womack! The two voices work perfectly together and makes a really special duet between the two. ‘Loving Me Back’ is a love song that basically says that the other person gives you that feeling that nothing else can. Not a good drink or smoke or anything else. Because while you may love them, they don’t love you back. But this other person does. Between the vocals and the lyrics, it’s a beautiful song.
Favorite Lyrics: The smoke and the whiskey, ain’t gonna miss me when I’m gone. I thought they were needing me, but really they were leading me on…
7.) ‘American Crazy’ – Written by John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Ross Copperman.
Impression: ‘American Crazy’ is a fun but Patriotic song with this almost spoken-verse lyrics. The song isn’t lyrically complicated whatsoever but the song says exactly what it needs to in order to illustrate that we’re all the same at the most basic level. We’re under the same sky and clouds, we’re on the same dirt and same ground. The guys pack a lot of punch in the shortest song on the album. One of our favorite tracks on the album.
Favorite Lyrics: We’re lost and we’re found. We’re up and we’re down. We’re all just American Crazy…
8.) ‘Greener Pastures’ – Written by John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris.
Impression: Well, what can we say? You have the Brothers Osborne along with one of the hottest up-and-coming country songstresses in Maren Morris as well as another guy who has received some early notoriety in Ryan Hurd, who many fans may have come to learn via this winter’s CMT on Tour. And they are just the songwriters! To say that the expectation for ‘Greener Pastures’ is high would be an understatement- no pun intended. But the Brothers Osborne delivered with this 420-friendly song. We’re just wondering what these four could have been doing when writing this song… Well, not really.
Favorite Lyrics: I don’t know what took so long to say so long to you. All you do is wear me out just like the evening news…
9.) ‘Down Home’ – Written by John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Jessi Alexander.
Impression: The insane guitar licks that Brothers Osborne are able to produce continue in ‘Down Home.’ You won’t be able to overlook John’s guitar in this song. It’s the heartbeat of this song, and what really makes this song as good as it is. Check out the near 30-second long guitar solo, right at 2:14, and you’ll see what we mean. The man is an animal on the guitar.
Favorite Lyrics: Cheap guitars way outta tune. Barefoot dancin’ underneath the moon…
10.) ‘Heart Shaped Locket’ – Written by TJ Osborne, Lisa Carver and Andi Zack.
Impression: We love the banjo and tambourine in the background, and we love the meaning behind ‘Heart Shaped Locket.’ The song scream jealousy, which isn’t a common theme in country music. Definitely a cool song. Don’t skip this one.
Favorite Lyrics: Sittin’ in the dark, tellin’ myself everything’s cool. I’m not the jealous type but I’m startin’ to feel like a heart broke fool…
11.) ‘It Ain’t My Fault’ – Written by John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Lee Thomas Miller.
Impression: Lyrically, it’s one of the longest songs we’ve seen or heard in awhile with multiple but different verses. We really love the hook that starts with ‘I got my hands up, I need an alibi…’ The song definitely gets your foot tapping with a strong but constant beat throughout the entire song. We wouldn’t be surprised if this ends up being the second single off the album as it’s right in the Brothers Osborne’s wheelhouse. It’s a great way to end the album.
Favorite Lyrics: You made a mistake. You got the wrong guy. I’m only guilty of a damn good time…
Throughout the album, it’s pretty obvious that Brothers Osborne are not a one-trick pony. These two guys have both incredible vocals and instrumental ability and they are able to balance those elements perfectly in each song. You’ll notice that TJ is the lead vocalist in all of the songs while John is absolutely tearing it up on the guitar. And that is intended. That is the way they want the band to work. And quite frankly, it’s working for the Brothers Osborne. In just the third release day of 2016, ‘Pawn Shop‘ is an early contender and the early favorite for Album of the Year honors. The Brothers Osborne have made quite the statement with this release, a statement that they are here for the long run. So while it may have taken a couple years to release this album, it was worth the wait. ‘Pawn Shop‘ is that good.
Purchase your copy of ‘Pawn Shop’ on iTunes here.