Dustin Lynch makes a respectable return with his single ‘Ridin’ Roads,’ comprised of three songs: “Ridin’ Roads,” “Little Town Livin’,” and “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes.”

The country hunk with the cowboy hat is back! That would be Dustin Lynch, who when we last heard, was sharing his Current Mood.  That Current Mood, of course, was back in September 2017.  As of publication time, it is March 2019.  Dustin, where you been at bud? Apparently, the ole southern boy felt bad, so he released three songs at the same time, compiled as Ridin’ Roads.  Those three songs are “Ridin’ Roads” (the main attraction), “Little Town Livin’,” and “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes.” Yup, that accounts for about 10 minutes of country music from Mr. Lynch.

“Ridin’ Roads”

“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 opener and title track ✓ “Ridin’ Roads,” love is the modus operandi, period. Basically, on this relaxed, mid-tempo cut, Dustin 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.

“Little Town Livin’”

“Key on the tree, you know the place / Last one in, don’t forget the gate / Field full of Fords and Chevrolets, yeah / My kind of party.” Yep, just exactly what I had in mind there Dustin… Anyways, “Little Town Livin’” maintains the chill of “Ridin’ Roads,” keeping the tempo moderate.  Dustin Lynch ‘raps’ a little bit – contextually, and, well, more spoken word than anything – before embracing pitch on the respective verses.  It shows off his willingness to embrace the contemporary, even if it is a bit tongue-in-cheek.  Like “Ridin’ Roads,” his ‘bread is buttered’ on the chorus, which is country to the nth degree.

“We’re just little town livin’

When the sun goes down, we’re gonna ride

Turnin’ dirt into dust, yeah, that’s the ticket

We’re just little town livin’ it up tonight.”

“Red Dirt, Blue Eyes”

“Let’s go somewhere where corn grows tall / Down a road that ain’t got no name / Let’s dust off a bottle on the bank by the river / Come on, baby, I can’t wait.” My question is, Dustin, do we really have to? Just saying! Totally kidding… Lynch closes out Ridin’ Roads respectably with “Red Dirt, Blue Eyes.” “Red Dirty, Blue Eyes” remains idiomatic of country, while also incorporating an awesome groove.  There are some synths in the mix, a prominent bass line, and some fine rhythmic guitar in the mix.  With such a supportive backdrop, Lynch is able to flaunt his ever-compelling vocals as he convinces (or attempts to) her to go to the middle of nowhere and ‘have some fun.’  Like “Ridin’ Roads” and “Little Town Livin’,” the chorus is the centerpiece.

“To get you on some red dirt

And get lost in your blue eyes

I wanna see your little sun tan

Lit up in the moonlight

Gonna dance you in the midnight sky

And kiss you ‘bout a thousand times

Gotta get you on some red dirt

And get lost in your blue eyes.”

Final Thoughts

So, how does Ridin’ Roads stack up as a whole? Dustin Lynch delivers three very respectable country songs.  He doesn’t change the world, let alone the game, with any of the three, but all of them suit his personality.  He is idiomatic and mindful of country music, but he also allows himself to go beyond the country script without going too far to the left of it.  If you had to choose a surefire highlight, it’s likely the title track, “Ridin’ Roads.” But, all three work without a hitch.

✓ Gem: “Ridin’ Roads”  

Dustin Lynch • Ridin’ Roads [Single] • This is Hit, Inc. d/b/a Broken Bow • Release: 3.8.19

Photo Credit: Broken Bow