Country duo Dan + Shay sound respectable, if a bit ‘middle of the road’ and too safe on their self-titled, third studio album.

Country music duo Dan + Shay (Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney) formed in 2012 and quietly released two top-10 albums: Where it All Began (2014) and Obsessed (2016).  Keeping their two-year gap between albums going, they return with their self-titled third album.  Ultimately, Dan + Shay is a tight, 11-track, 35-minute LP that’s pleasant overall.  Still, the risks are too few, with the duo definitely not “ruffling any feathers.”

“Alone Together”

Dan + Shay have a great opening trio of songs on their self-titled effort.  “Alone Together” serves a stellar opener, characterized by its pummeling drums, rhythmic guitars, and clean and clear vocals.  The chorus shines thanks to thoughtful songwriting and great vocal chemistry, particularly the harmonies.  “Tequila” ends up being a fine follow up, while also fulfilling the alcoholic requirements for a country album.  In addition to tequila, the duo references whiskey and scotch – of course they do. It’s a relatively modern-sounding country record, but nothing too left of center.  The premise of the record is that the tequila reminds them “How bad I need ya.”

Arguably, “What Keeps You Up at Night” has a case for the best of the three.  This is an example of your soulful, blue-eyed soul country record.  Dan + Shay very much stay within the parameters of the country, but there’s just that hint of R&B.  It fits considering that the duo is suggestive, yet not sexual. “Girl, I wanna be what keeps you up at night,” they sing on the chorus, continuing, “Tossing and turning, head spinning, like you’re dizzy off of red wine.”  There are no graphic details, but clearly there are “Kisses Down Low” occurring between those sheets.

“All to Myself” 

“I’m jealous of the blue jeans that you’re wearing / And the way they’re holding you so tight.” Hmm… a bit on the schmaltzy side, but to each his own. Obviously, the duo makes their point on “All to Myself,” even if the results aren’t quite as triumphant as the previous three. “Keeping Score” is stronger, opening relatively chill characterized by smooth piano, rhythmic drums, and a dash of pedal steel.  It’s clear from the jump that Dan + Shay are going to bless us with their balladry.  That’s what goes down, as the duo delivers beautiful, sometimes truly dynamic, high-flying vocals.  Kelly Clarkson joins them on the choruses, further amplifying the feels.  The chorus is nothing short of magnificent vocally and in regards to songwriting.

“Make or Break” picks up the pace a bit, driven by thudding kick drum on the verses and ornamented with tom toms on the first verse.  The groove and overall intensity increases on the chorus as well as the remainder of the song.  Clearly, the chorus is where the song’s ‘bread is buttered’ with Dan + Shay infusing more oomph.  Ballad “Speechless” eclipses it, however, retaining its country sensibilities, but also infusing a taste of soulfulness.  The emotions are ripe – the duo definitely come over as authentic and invested.

“I’m speechless / Starin’ at you standin’ there in that dress / What it’s doin’ to me ain’t a secret / ‘Cause watching you is all that I can do.”

“Stupid Love”

“Stupid Love” is pleasant, if more tried-and-true as opposed to cutting edge or innovative. “No Such Thing” finds the duo attempting to be a bit more pop-oriented, incorporating a more rhythmic melody, while the sound is a bit slicker.  There’s definitely crossover appeal, though “No Such Thing” doesn’t quite make the cut of the best of the best.

Penultimate record “My Side of the Fence” slackens the pace once more, finding Dan + Shay delivering another thoughtful, beautifully-sung performance.  Love is clear and feels authentic, even if “My Side of the Fence” still feels safer as opposed to game changing.  “Island Time” closes with more soundly executed balladry, amplified by those slick, tasty vocal harmonies.  That said, even though “Island Time” ‘kicks things up a notch’ on the chorus, it doesn’t come off as the most exciting record.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Dan + Shay is a solid, well-rounded album.  There are a couple of highlights, comprised of the opening trio as well as “Keeping Score” and “Speechless.” The brevity of the album is another selling point, though at 35 minutes, there still feels like there’s a bit of filler, or at least songs that don’t live up to the crème de la crème.  The biggest rub with this album is that it is too safe, period.  The album cover art also embraces such safeness – it’s completely bland and flavorless.  Three albums in, it’s understandable why the duo doesn’t wish to “ruffle any feathers,” but would it hurt to change things up?

Gems: “Alone Together,” “Tequila,” “What Keeps You Up at Night,” “Keeping Score” & “Speechless”

Dan + Shay • Dan + Shay • Warner Music Nashville • Release: 6.22.18

Photo Credit: Warner Music Nashville