11 Songs with Eyes Fixed on the Road features music courtesy of Andy Black, Anderson .Paak, Gus Dapperton, Lil Nas X and Thomas Rhett.

“On the road again / Just can’t wait to get on the road again / The life I love is making music with my friends / And I can’t wait to get on the road again.” Willie Nelson is famous for those memorable lyrics from his classic hit, “On the Road Again.” While “On the Road Again” wasn’t selected for the ‘blurb’ treatment on “11 Songs with Eyes Fixed on the Road,” it’s definitely worth shouting out and establishing the parameters for this playlist.  What is the criteria? Well, the song title must feature the word road – it’s that simple!

11 Songs with Eyes Fixed on the Road features music courtesy of Andy Black (“Westwood Road”), Anderson .Paak (“Saviers Road”), Gus Dapperton (“Roadhead”), Lil Nas X (“Old Town Road”) and Thomas Rhett (“Center Point Road”).

1. Lil Nas X, “Old Town Road (Remix)”

Ft. Billy Ray Cyrus

Old Town Road • Columbia • 2019

“Yeah, I’m gonna take my horse to the old town road / I’m gonna ride ‘til it can’t go no more.” Country and hip-hop seem like they would never, ever work together, at least convincingly.  Apparently, rapper Lil Nas X has different ideas. Lil Nas X is responsible for the brief record that everybody is talking about and has caused its fair share of controversy.  That would be the Billboard Hot 100 no. 1 hit, “Old Town Road”, that manages to fuse melodic rap (trap precisely) and country music.  It’s crazy mind you, but the result is a song that no one is sure to forget.  Adding to the sensation is the “Old Town Road – Remix,” which features country artist Billy Ray Cyrus, singing the aforementioned refrain (once), as well as the third verse.  Also, worth noting, the remix extends the length to north of two-and-a-half minutes.

“Old Town Road” is successful for a variety of reasons.  Lil Nas X opts for a more melodic approach, intentionally trying to sound like a country singer, yet remain idiomatic of the autotuned heavy nature of modern rap. Furthermore, the lyrics play off of clichés associated with country music. On the second verse, he kicks things off pop-rapping, “Ridin’ on a tractor” and later adds, “Bull ridin’ and boobies / Cowboy hat from Gucci / Wrangler on my booty.” ‘Boobies’ aren’t idiomatic of country mind you, but the other stuff is.  Adding to the reasons why “Old Town Road” works is the hip-hop beat, coupled with ‘country-folk’ guitars, which are fueled by a thoughtful Nine Inch Nails sample (“34 Ghosts IV”).

“Old Town Road,” a novel cut by all means, lacks substance, but this breakthrough hit initiates important discussion. Not only is it a musical discussion about how much genre-bending is acceptable, it also dives into race.  It  was controversially removed from Billboard’s country charts, which caused an uproar to say the least. If nothing else, this brief number is definitely infectious.  “Old Town Road” previously appeared on the playlist Thrilling Songs All About the Town (Part I).

2. Thomas Rhett, “Center Point Road”

Ft. Kelsea Ballerini

Center Point Road • Big Machine • 2019

Grammy-nominated country musician Thomas Rhett unveiled a sixth and final advance single from his fourth studio album, Center Point Road (May 31, 2019). On “Center Point Road”, Rhett tapped a fellow Grammy-nominated country musician, Kelsea Ballerini for the assist with   positive results.  “Center Point Road” has plenty of pros.  It is co-written by Rhett with a team of writers including Amy Wadge, Cleve Wilson, and Jesse Frasure.  Furthermore, Dann Huff joins a production team including Frasure, Wilson, and Rhett. The songwriting and the production are big reasons why “Center Point Road” is a roaring success.  The sound of this record is ‘country enough,’ but it also thrives with its pop/rock sensibility. Compared to other Thomas Rhett records, he doesn’t overdo the experimentation beyond country music, but still looks outside of its boundaries.  The record is reflective, remembering youthful, fun times and experiences.

Two more factors make “Center Point Road” a joy – Rhett and Ballerini, who do a superb job performing their respective parts.  Rhett sings the first verse and chorus, while Ballerini provides contrast on the second verse and follow-up chorus.  They join forces on the bridge, each singing individual lines, as well as together, before ending strong on the chorus and outro.  The chorus is one of the best parts of “Center Point Road.”

“We wrote our own destiny
In parkin’ lots and empty streets
Yeah, we got high on you and me
Jumped over cracks beneath our feet
And we thought it would never end
Then watched it go like summer wind
When growin’ up was just a dream
And Friday night was everything.”

3. Taron Egerton & Jamie Bell, “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”

Rocketman (Music from the Motion Picture) • Paramount / Universal Music • 2019

The musical biopic Rocketman easily earns honors as one of the most talked about films of 2019.  Notably, Welsh actor Taron Egerton, known for his roles in the Kingsman movies, stars as the iconic Elton John.  In addition to portraying John, he sings some of the classic songs by pop/rock musician, including “Your Song,” “Crocodile Rock,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” is a prime example of Egerton covering John from the Rocketman Soundtrack, where he’s also joined by English actor Jamie Bell playing John’s legendary lyricist, Bernie Taupin.

“Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” naturally arrives contrasting the original as performed by Elton John. Even so, the theatrical approach by Egerton and Bell is both alluring and successful.  Egerton sings the first verse and chorus, relatively playfully and with a slackened pace.  Bell’s second verse arrives in similar fashion, before the joint chorus favors the more bombastic, energetic sound of the original.  Some fantastic orchestration – brass and strings – makes “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” truly come to life in the hands of the actors, neither of which is named Elton John.

4.Dustin Lynch, “Ridin’ Roads”

Ridin’ Roads [Single] • Broken Bow • 2019

“Lookin’ at you with your hand out the window / I’m turnin’ right while you’re turnin’ me on, yeah.” Interesting Dustin Lynch, very interesting! On his 2019 single, “Ridin’ Roads”, love is the modus operandi for the country singer. On this relaxed, mid-tempo cut, Lynch sings about driving up and down the roads (“I got one hand on the wheel”), while also “…Tryna cross the line, line, line” with his bae.

Of course, she’s riding shotgun… you knew that though. Also, worth noting, there are no nightclubs (“This town ain’t got no nightclub”), but he doesn’t need them (“We don’t need neon lights”), hell, he just be “Ridin’ roads that don’t nobody go down…on a night like this.”  Maybe it’s a bit corny, but, hey, it’s fun.

5. Gus Dapperton, “Roadhead”

Where Polly People Go to Read • Gus Dapperton / AWAL • 2019

“Was it something I said? / Watch where you’re going / I’ll give you head / You get me hot.” Yeah, what more can you say to that but hot damn! If you’ve never experienced the music of Gus Dapperton, well, you’re missing quite an intriguing listening experience.  Furthermore, his fashion style is quite distinct to say the least – understatement.  The colorful alternative/indie-pop musician returned in 2019 with a brand-new, 10-track studio album, Where Polly People Go to Read.  Hmm, quite the unique album title, not to mention the track list which includes song titles such as “Verdigris,” “Nomadicon,” and “Coax & Botany.”  Neither of those fit this list, but “Roadhead,” the lucky seventh track does.

If the lyrical excerpt from the first verse didn’t set the tone, well of “Roadhead,” well, I don’t know what to tell you. “Roadhead” kicks off with an infectious groove that instantly gets you bobbing your head.  Making things even more colorful are the bright synths, which are particularly lush in chordal form (harmony).  “Roadhead” is set in a minor key, but as suggested, there’s a brilliance captured by the unique production work.  That doesn’t even take into account those ripe vocals by Dapperton, which are as sexy as the lyrics.  Believe me, Dapperton knows what he’s ‘doing’ when he sings on the bridge, “Came on the radio / And it tastes like a tune.” Of course, it is the chorus that is the crème de la crème: “Fake the cops out / Roll the top down / Throw it away, love.”

6. Andy Black, “Westwood Road”

The Ghost of Ohio • Republic • 2019

“So, I kneel and pray / All my wasted days away / I just wanna find a way back home / Just let go / I’m moving on…” Safe to say, Andy Black – better known as Andy Biersack or Andy Six, frontman of Black Veil Brides – quietly released his sophomore album, The Ghost of Ohio, in 2019.  Black’s solo debut, The Shadow Side (2016) had some thrilling moments, with the opening one-two-punch of “Homecoming King” and “We Don’t Have to Dance” leading the charge.  Though it didn’t receive the attention of “We Don’t Have to Dance,” “Westwood Road” is worth mentioning, and not solely because it fits the parameters of this particular playlist.

“Westwood Road” arrives as the third track from The Ghost of Ohio.  Early on, a sick groove is established, embracing the spirit of rock while also exhibiting modern pop sensibilities.  Beyond the rhythmic drums – particularly the riffs – there are other pop touches that definitely make “Westwood Road” appeal to Top 40 radio.  The biggest ‘touch’ comes by way of the memorable, ‘homebound’ chorus, partially excerpted above, and continued as follows:

“All I wanted was a way back home
Take me back to that Westwood road
‘Cause I’m moving on.”

In an interview with AltPress, of “Westwood Road,” Biersack states, “The music represents how I am all the time…I wanted to do a song that represented that, one that’s very catchy and pop-oriented.”

7. Anderson .Paak, “Saviers Road”

Oxnard • Aftermath / 12Tone Music • 2018

After become one of hip-hop’s coolest, quirkiest, and most innovative artists, Anderson .Paak returned in 2018 with his highly-anticipated third album, Oxnard (Notably, his fourth studio album, Ventura would arrive only months later in 2019). Although the album is ‘all over the place’ and runs a bit long, there’s plenty to dig about Oxnard.  That includes the song at hand, “Saviers Road.”

“I would sell you faith, but you niggas don’t believe.” The brief but potent “Saviers Road” maintains the aforementioned captivating nature of Oxnard. The album’s sixth track brilliantly balances the specific street the title references and spiritual matters. Paak specifically reflects on his come-up and the power of both spiritual faith and faith in achieving success.

“Ten years, been a minute, I was somewhere between givin’ up and doin’ a sentence
God, if you existin’, help my momma get acquitted
If they plottin’, then help me see it before they drop on me
Probably coulda been a doctor, I’m fond of optometry
Vision was like Martin Luther King on the mountain peak.”

8. Sam Hunt, “Body Like a Back Road”

Body Like a Back Road [Single] • MCA Nashville • 2017

“Body like a back road, drivin’ with my eyes closed / I know every curve like the back of my hand / Doin’ 15 in a 30, I ain’t in no hurry / I’ma take it slow just as fast as I can.” Pretty sure that “Body Like a Back Road” isn’t really about driving on a road, at least in the most literal sense. On the 2017, Grammy-nominated record, Sam Hunt blended country music with urban music sensibilities, essentially a continuation from his 2014 debut album, Montevallo.

Some folks liked “Body Like a Back Road” upon its release. Others, arguably man, panned the song. Regardless, Hunt knows his wife VERY well, likening her body – specifically her curves – to a backroad.

“The way she fit in them blue jeans, she don’t need no belt
But I can turn them inside out, I don’t need no help
Got hips like honey, so thick and so sweet
It ain’t no curves like hers on them downtown streets.”

As aforementioned at the top of the blurb, Hunt describes the sex in driving/road-speak as well.  “Body Like a Backroad” previously appeared on the playlist, 17 Songs Associated with the Body.

9. Gucci Mane, “Back on Road”

Ft. Drake

Everybody Looking • Atlantic • 2016

“I’m just an East Atlanta nigga with a body on his belt…” Okay, whatever you say Gucci Mane. He definitely deserves some props though.  Why? In 2016, he recorded Everybody Looking  – his first studio album in years – in just six days. For such a quickly recorded project, a six-day Everybody Look is quite respectable.  Depth isn’t the M.O., but there’s plenty to like about the project, including production by Mike WiLL Made It and Zaytoven. “Back on Road,” the third track from the album, ranks among the gems.  Notably, Gucci Mane taps Drake for the assist.

“…I done had a million beefs but I ain’t never call for help / I’ll take a nigga bricks and I done took a nigga re-up / Put that pistol on your partner made him piss all on himself.” Well, that’s jus something Gucci. In the context of Everybody Looking, “Back on Road” follows a similar script to the preceding record “Out Do Ya.” Obviously, adding a superstar in Drake makes the difference. Drake doesn’t get his own verse, but he does lockdown the chorus:

“I got money that I saved then I’m back on road
Get my jewelry out the safe ‘cause I’m back on road
I still do these hoes the same when I’m back on road
If you wasn’t there for me when I was all alone
Then bitch don’t expect no love when I’m back.”

To the song’s credit, it is celebratory and jubilant.  After just being released out of prison, Gucci Mane is clearly ready to revive his career.  Hence, that’s why he’s “back on road.”

10. Arctic Monkeys, “One for the Road”

AM • Domino • 2013

“I knew this would be on the cards / I knew you wouldn’t fold / I saw this comin’ from the start / The shake, rattle, and roll. “ Five years prior to dropping the weird, yet oddly satisfying Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino, Grammy-nominated British alternative rock collective Arctic Monkeys unveiled AM.  As stated previously on 11 Songs That Party Hard, the 2013 LP ranks among my favorite alternative albums of the 2010s, filled memorable hits including “Do I Wanna Know?,” “No. 1 Party Anthem,” and the song at hand,  “One for The Road.”

In the context of AM, “One for The Road” is another cut where the bottle (alcohol) plays a clear role.  The songwriting is quite alluring, period. The titular lyric, performed in falsetto by Josh Homme, is among multiple highlights.  Frontman Alex Turner, asserts during the bridge:

“The mixture hits you hard
Don’t get that sinking feeling
Don’t fall apart
Some out of tune guitar
Soundtrack to disaster.”

Anchored by a confident groove, “One For The Road” continues on an exceptional trek that is AM.

11. Boyz II Men, “End of the Road”

Cooleyhighharmony • Motown • 1991

“Although we’ve come to the end of the road / Still I can’t let go / It’s unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you.” Ah, we end this playlist with a record that’s quickly approaching its 30^th anniversary – can you believe it? Boyz II Men owned contemporary R&B in 1991 with the prize of their debut album (Cooleyhighharmony), “End of the Road.” Honestly, you just don’t hear such authentic, soulfully-infused ballads like this 1991 classic anymore.

The vocals are high-flying, and the harmonies – celestial to say the least. The Grammys definitely took notice, awarding the R&B group Best R&B Performance by a Duo/Group with Vocal in 1992 for this transcendent gem. “End of the Road” appeared previously on the playlist 11 Songs Keyed in to The End; it’s certainly one hell of an ending to this playlist.

[Photo Credits: Aftermath / 12Tone Music, Atlantic, Big Machine, Broken Bow, Columbia, Domino, Gus Dapperton / AWAL, MCA Nashville, Motown, Paramount / Universal Music, Republic]