Hunter Hayes returns with a deep new single, “Dear God.” While the message is awesome, the musical execution is ambitious and somewhat confusing.  

Add Hunter Hayes to a list of musicians, and people in general who have written a song, or merely uttered the phrase, “Dear God.” In this case, the baby-faced, 26-year old country singer/songwriter writes a song where he questions the good man upstairs (*the holier than thou folks gasp with disdain*).  Unlike some who have been skeptical you might say, Hayes doesn’t deny God, he questions him, as many believers do at some point, “faith the grain of a mustard seed or not.” But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.  If Hayes has the message ‘on lockdown,’ the musical execution is ambitious and somewhat confusing…

At the beginning, Hunter Hayes opts for a mix of pop and electronic cues.  Give him credit for more experimentation beyond what we’ve heard from him in the past.  The sound is definitely surprising, but not totally left-of-center.  Making matters a bit more confusing is that more country cues and elements show up as the song progresses… Probably the biggest flaw with this song that absolutely excels thematically is its lack of a cohesive musical statement.  What I’m saying is, it’s kind of hard to see Hayes’ stylistic vision…

Final Thoughts 

Again, just to reiterate, HUNTER HAYES is a great musician –  there are merely some questions regarding this song. What I’m completely onboard with is the message because it’s relatable as a four-letter word that my mama would make me wash out my mouth with soap and water for saying – LOL (if only she knew!).  Anyways, Hayes is on-point, particularly on the bridge:

“I know this ain’t for nothing / There’s nothing you don’t make / I know you got your reasons / This shit’s just hard to take / I don’t meant to criticize / I know I’m hard to teach / I know you tell me there’s nothing wrong with me.”

I mean, that’s deep and if you are a Christian who has experienced hardship, Hayes nails questioning God and basically asking him, why haven’t you, or why won’t you intercede.  Nonbelievers will have a snarky response, but if you’re from the Bible Belt, you totally get it.  Again, it’s the suspect execution that weighs this otherwise thoughtful number down for me.  Sorry for all he extra words, but your boy had some things to say!

Hunter Hayes • Dear God – Single • Atlantic • Release: 8.3.18

Photo Credit: Atlantic