Chris Stapleton may not sound like a familiar name at first, but over the past decade you may have been listening to his lyrics without a clue. Stapleton has had great success in the songwriting business, hitting it out of the park with ‘Never Wanted Nothing More,’ recorded by Kenny Chesney, ‘Loves Gonna Make It Alright,’ recorded by George Strait, ‘Drink A Beer,’ recorded by Luke Bryan, and countless others recorded by the likes of Brad Paisley, Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker, Thomas Rhett, and many accomplished stars. Stapleton’s success finally translated into a debut album of his own, titled ‘Traveller,’ receiving massive approval by celebrities, media outlets, and music lovers across the nation.
1.) ‘Traveller’ – Written by Chris Stapleton.
Impression: This album starts off with an instant classic- a title track with an incredibly catchy opening guitar lick and beautiful backround vocals from Stapleton’s wife Morgane. This song touches upon multiple genres at once, a slowed down steel guitar from the classic country age, a blend of southern rock and folk like vocals, all while keeping a modern beat and complimentary guitar chords.
Favorite Lyric: Sure as my heart’s behind the pocket of my shirt, I’ll just keep rolling till I’m in the dirt, Cause I’m a traveller, oh, I’m a traveller…
2.) ‘Fire Away’ – Written by Chris Stapleton and Danny Green.
Impression: Stapleton really slows it down, something not too common in a modern day country album, but as the melody slows, the song power only rises. His songwriting ability really shines in this song, with deep lyrics and an incredibly powerful chorus. There’s many different interpretations that somebody could take away from these lyrics, but one thing is for certain, Chris showed his vocal range and talent behind the microphone.
Favorite Lyric: Your love might be my damnation, But I’ll cry to my grave…
3.) ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ – Written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove.
Impression: Next came a surprise, batting cleanup in the third position is typically an album favorite, but Stapleton chose his rendition of ‘Tennessee Whiskey’ instead. Originally written by legendary song writer Dean Dillon and performed by David Allen Coe, this song has been covered by many, yet Chris really separated his rendition from the pack. Right from the beginning, this song has a Motown, bluesy feel to it, and continued right until the very end with a slower tempo and longer annunciated lyrics.
Favorite Lyric: You’re as warm as a glass of brandy, And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time…
4.) ‘Parachute’ – Written by Chris Stapleton and Jim Beavers.
Impression: This song is one of our favorites on the album, and rightfully so. There is no certain genre to place this song in, of course it keeps Stapleton’s trademark classic country vibe, but the power of the guitar and vocals makes this seem like a southern rock song lost in a different generation. It’s almost like you hear a taste of the Doobie Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd with the modern relativity of a country radio hit. Stapleton’s vocal ability shines once again, just when you think you’ve pegged his vocal range, a new line comes and blows you away.
Favorite Lyric: Sun comes up and goes back down, And falling feels like flying till you hit the ground, Say the word and I’ll be there for you, Baby, I will be your parachute…
5.) ‘Whiskey and You’ – Written by Chris Stapleton and Lee Thomas Miller.
Impression: Once again the album slows down, but that doesn’t mean the track should be skipped. The power in his lyrics reach deep, almost like you can feel the pain in the words. This song really taps into the lost generation of performers, something you’d expect to hear on a George Jones greatest hits collection, but still retaining modern relevance, something that seems near impossible as of late.
Favorite Lyric: I’ve got a problem but it ain’t like what you think, I drink because I’m lonesome and I’m lonesome ‘cause I drink…
6.) ‘Nobody To Blame’ – Written by Chris Stapleton, Barry Bales, and Ronnie Bowman.
Impression: Another favorite on the album, this song has an incredibly catchy beat and guitar lick from the first note to the last. Every instrument comes together perfectly to form a hit that will sound as good coming from a car radio as it will a concert hall. Chris’s powerful voice matches beautifully with the rising momentum of the song, coming together to make one of the best chorus’s of the album.
Favorite Lyric: She broke all my fishing rods, Put my guns in hock, Threw my clothes out in the yard, And changed out all the locks…
7.) ‘More of You’ – Written by Chris Stapleton and Ronnie Bowman.
Impression: As the center of the album approaches, Chris again strikes a beautiful duet with his wife, also a guitar playing member of the band. This song has reminder of an old Johnny Cash and June Carter hit, with a very simple sound of mandolins and a chorus line harmonica. The lyrics depict a beautiful relationship, unlike most on the album, but is in no sense an unwelcome addition.
Favorite Lyric: When I leave this earth you’ll be holding my hand, And it gives me comfort to know you’ll be there…
8.) ‘When The Stars Come Out’ – Written by Chris Stapleton and Dan Wilson.
Impression: This song starts off with overlapping guitar licks, leading to yet another change in vocal sound, soulful with a sense of southern rock roots and a hint of Allman Brothers, coming together to make a fresh sound, unheard by many in recent memory. Joined again by his wife, Morgane, ‘When The Stars Come Out’ is another love story of a song about wanting to leave the city lights for a quieter scene with catchy chorus lines and the same overlapping guitars leading the song out.
Favorite Lyric: Running on hope and a tank of gas, Like dream’s ain’t just for dreamers…
9.) ‘Daddy Doesn’t Pray Anymore’ – Written by Chris Stapleton.
Impression: Another slowed down melody and a vocal sound falling somewhere between Jamey Johnson and Waylon Jennings graces the album, accompanied by a screaming harmonica, powerful bass line, and a single snare drum. As the drum beats on in a somewhat military line fashion, Stapleton’s deep voice is again put on display, with harmonica notes unmatched by any on the album.
Favorite Lyric: But daddy doesn’t pray anymore, I guess he’s finally walking with the Lord…
10.) ‘Might As Well Get Stoned’ – Written by Chris Stapleton and Jimmy Stewart.
Impression: This song starts with a Detroit-funk guitar line, with an equally soulful voice range coming in. There seems to be a hint of reverb in the guitar and vocals alike leading into another layered chorus of different guitar licks and bass lines cumulating into another southern rock guitar solo jam, not stopping there but nearly throughout the entire song from that point. Every time you think the song is concluding comes another bit showcasing the musical talent of the band, including a high pitched vocal piece unlike any on the album.
Favorite Lyric: Think I’m gonna kick my boots off, And put some music on, And since I’m all alone, I might as well get stoned…
11.) ‘Was It 26’ – Written by Don Sampson.
Impression: This song really surprised me making the final cut, being an incredibly deep track from the Charlie Daniels Band, a personal favorite of mine. The sound effects to the guitar chords and deep toned finger picking are the perfect match for Stapleton’s complex vocals, as he takes another cover to a different level, adding his own flair and music styling to the song, almost making it his own.
Favorite Lyric: Livin’ hard was easy when I was young and bullet proof, The only chains to bind me just a guitar and a roof…
12.) ‘The Devil Named Music’ – Written by Chris Stapleton.
Impression: Opening again with a screaming harmonica, this song proves that any of the tracks could easily become a hit. With a slow beat, minimal drums, and basic guitar chords, this song seems to broadcast the different vocal pitches Stapleton can reach, all while keeping a very traditional sound, joined by a simple but strong guitar solo as the song winds down.
Favorite Lyric: I can’t remember stopping in Denver, Yeah, I live my illusion that somebody needs me to play…
13.) ‘Outlaw State Of Mind’ – Written by Chris Stapleton, Ronnie Bowman, and Jerry Salley.
Impression: This really seems to be the strongest song on the album, saving the best for nearly last. The song has a very powerful drum beat and low toned guitar picking throughout, a very Cajun like sound unmatched by any. It seems that outlaw country and the commercial music industry blend together to form the perfect match, a song bound to reach the top of listener playlists and the end of live performances for years to come.
Favorite Lyric: “I’ve seen the devil in a dark coal mine, I’ve been higher than a Georgia pine.”
14.) ‘Sometimes I Cry’ – Written by Chris Stapleton and Clint Ingersoll.
Impression: Throughout the album we hear every variation of vocal talent Stapleton has to offer, all leading into the vocal masterpiece of ‘Sometimes I Cry.’ The instruments form a low blues track, placed on the backburner as the real shining star is Stapleton’s ability to hit any note across the board. A perfect end to such a vocal masterpiece of an album.
Favorite Lyric: “I can keep the pain from rolling out of my eyes, But sometimes I cry.”
This album was the best display of raw talent that I have seen in a very long time. Chris Stapleton has finally made the career jump from behind the scenes to early consideration for album of the year. It’s very rare that an artist can blend such a classic rhythm with a contemporary sound, but this highly anticipated debut album did that and more. Every song has the ability to be a major hit, and it really leaves us wanting more.
You can purchase ‘Traveller’ on iTunes here.