Eli Young: ‘Turn It On’ EP Review

On the heels of their number one album, ‘10,000 Towns,’ the Eli Young Band has released their new EP, titled ‘Turn It On.’ With the four songs just recorded in January, it was a pretty fast turnaround from recording to release, as the band’s label, Republic Nashville, loved what they heard from the group. And rightfully so, the four songs really span the reaches of country music; all with great songwriting that is customary from lead man Mike Eli and his band. With a song full of a dance vibe to a powerful song about heartbreak and emotion, to catchy choruses and beats, ‘Turn It On‘ has it all.

‘Turn It On’ – Written by Mike Eli, James Young, Rodney Clawson, and Matt Dragstrem
Impression: When you hear the title track of the band’s new EP, you’re going to love it. It’s now wonder that when the record label heard ‘Turn It On,’ they wanted to fast-track it to radio. The song is fun, upbeat, and has a catchy chorus. With one listen you’ll have the chorus stuck in your head and that’s why ‘Turn It On’ is currently the most added song on country radio. We particularly love the almost spoken verse to start the track before the song suddenly bursts into the chorus.
Favorite Lyric: I’ll drop a quarter in that jukebox, if you’ll dance the way you know I like, in and out of that neon light. And if I kiss you up against the wall, it ain’t my fault…

‘Plastic’ – Written by Mike Eli, Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman and Jeremy Stover
Impression: At first glance, the title of the song won’t tell you anything about this song but after one song, the name ‘Plastic’ truly makes sense. The subject of the song simply has real true beauty and there is nothing fake or ‘plastic’ about her.
Favorite Lyric: In the corner in your blue jean jacket, lips syncing to a country song. Ain’t even trying, but you look so classic. Don’t think you have a drop of make up on…

‘Drink You Up’ – Written by Mike Eli, Jon Jones, Ross Copperman and Jeremy Stover
Impression: If you love the contemporary sound of country music today and good beats, you will love ‘Drink You Up’ from Eli Young Band. The song has a real dance vibe from the start and will be sure to get live crowds engaged and dancing along. If you want to know what the song is about, the name of the song really tells you all you need to know. Pretty girl in a bar or club and the guy just wants to ‘drink her up.’
Favorite Lyric: The way you mess me up, you know I want to, stay here with you all night. Have another round or two. Sip the fire off your lips, get a little more drunk with every kiss…

‘Your Place Or Mine’ – Written by Mike Eli, Jon Jones, Ross Copperman and Jeremy Stover
Impression: The song starts with ‘I can change my number, I can turn it off. I can hit decline but it wouldn’t stop.‘ And right away you can tell that ‘Your Place Or Mine’ is not the type of song we have come to know from Eli Young Band, but that’s alright. ‘Your Place Or Mine’ is a fantastic song that is written extremely well with lyrics that will be relatable. It’s all about a couple who just can’t seem to get over each other and fall into those late night calls at 2AM. We know we’ve had that type of relationship, and chances are, you probably have too. So despite it not being the upbeat and fun songs that we have come to know from the Eli Young Band, don’t overlook the powerful and meaningful ‘Your Place Or Mine.’
Favorite Lyric:  It’s another 2AM, call me up, drunk again. Cell phone lying on the night stand, turns into a buzz in my right hand…

You can purchase ‘Turn It On’ on iTunes here.