26-year old Louisiana-bred country singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes feels “Lucky…to love this Girl” on enjoyable, thoughtful single, “This Girl.”

“How lucky am I that I get to love this girl?” Hunter Hayes asks on his first new single of 2018, “This Girl.” The Louisiana-bred county singer-songwriter has released a number of singles throughout 2017, in preparation for a long-awaited, proper follow-up to Storyline (2014). “This Girl” is a thoughtful, well-rounded song, as suggested by the aforementioned lyrics. Hayes has an easygoing, pleasant singing style, never over- or under-singing. The sound is noticeably more country-tinged than some of the 26-year old’s material, which is a nice reminder that he’s firmly planted within the style.

The songwriting is certainly thoughtful, but not ‘brand new.’  He begins the first verse singing, “I love this girl watching that throwback movie with a glass of wine / My real deal girl with her hair up, guard down, telling me what’s on her mind.” Appropriate and pretty clean-cut lyrics, but also, ‘been there, done that.’ The chorus is where Hayes’ “bread is buttered.”

“How lucky am I that I get to love this girl? / I get to see that side of her that no one knows but me / She’s a one of a kind / It’s a one and a million chance that I would find her hand in mine / It’s crazy I’m the lucky guy, the guy that gets to love this girl / Oh, the guy that gets to love this girl.”

Final Thoughts

Undoubtedly, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana is proud of Hunter Hayes.  They should be – he’s incredibly gifted, first and foremost, not to mention blessed with All-American looks.  Hard to believe that this dude, who referenced his own bullying in the thoughtful “Invisible,” was actually bullied.  Regardless, any girl seems “lucky” to have Hayes as well.  As for the song, it’s enjoyable and comes from the right place, even if it’s not incredibly memorable per se.

Hunter Hayes • This Girl – Single • Atlantic • Release: 1.12.18

Writers: Jordan Schmidt, Jessie Jo Dillon, Hunter Hayes, Andy Albert; Producers: Jordan Schmidt, Hunter Hayes

Photo Credit: Atlantic