On his fantastic single “All on Me,” from his debut album, Dark Horse, up-and-coming country musician Devin Dawson shows he just might be the one to truly reenergize and refresh country music.

2017 was not country music’s best moments. Yeah, I said it, and no, I want ‘take it back.’ Think about the relevance of the genre compared to pop or the explosion of rap.  Didn’t come close. The good news for all of us is that 2017 is over, and hopefully, country music is ready to ‘step its game up.’ It’s off to a roaring start with 28-year old newbie Devin Dawson, who thankfully brings more to the table than every cliché and platitude we’ve heard up until this point.  He’s got an electric promo single with “All on Me,” off his highly-anticipated album, Dark Horse.

Question: Is Devin Dawson the dark horse? Perhaps – he could be that artist who goes ‘under the radar’ but finally gets his just due in end.  From the start, it’s clear that “All on Me” has more substance compared to other male country artists regarding sound and songwriting. This is more soulful-driven country, that could even pass more as a singer-songwriter record.  There’s a different eclecticism compared to the often shameful ‘bro country’ movement – Dawson packs more punch, not to mention musicianship.  Vocally, he never gets too riled up, but his authenticity and thoughtful sound certainly pack a punch.

Final Thoughts 

Is Devin Dawson ‘the second coming’ of country music? That might be pushing things and ultimately, only time will tell.  What Dawson is already early on in his career is refreshing.  Country music in particular needs to be refreshed and move beyond the bro-ish excess and tom foolery.  On “All on Me,” Dawson seems to get it.

Devin Dawson • Dark Horse • Warner Music Nashville • Release: 1.19.18 

Photo Credit: Warner Music Nashville