Country duo Dan + Shay enlist Kelly Clarkson for “Keeping Score,” the fifth single from their self-titled, third studio album.

Country music duo Dan + Shay is comprised of 30-year old Dan Smyers and 26-year old Shay Mooney.  The duo 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 on June 22, 2018.  In advance of Dan + Shay, the duo released five singles including one final advance single, “Keeping Score” featuring Kelly Clarkson.

“Keeping Score” opens relatively chill characterized by smooth piano, rhythmic drums (nothing too crazy), 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 exactly what goes down, as the duo shines on throughout the course of “Keeping Score,” delivering beautiful and sometimes truly dynamic, high-flying vocals.  Kelly Clarkson joins them on the choruses, amplifying the feels.  The chorus is nothing short of magnificent vocally as well as the songwriting.

“‘Cause I know I’m only human / Don’t know how many sunsets I got left / And I don’t wanna ruin / This moment by wondering what comes next / I just want to love you like it’s all I’m living for / Hold you close, enjoy you more / And spend less time keeping score.”

Focusing on Clarkson once more, she also gets an excellent solo moment on the second verse and a portion of the bridge.

Final Thoughts

Dan + Shay have a good thing going on “Keeping Score.” Also, having heard opener “Alone Together” beforehand, their third studio album should end up being an enjoyable, well-rounded country affair.

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

Photo Credit: Warner Music Nashville