Country heartthrob Hunter Hayes makes an enjoyable, respectable return with new single, “Yesterday’s Song.” His last album of note arrived in 2014 with Storyline, which featured empowering single, “Invisible.” Hayes did release The 21 Project in 2015, though it’s not a proper studio album.  

https://youtu.be/FHwF0V2N3sQ

 “Yesterday’s Song” is fun, featuring an energetic sound.  Ultimately, Hayes characterizes this girl as “yesterday’s song” – he’s done with her and it’s over. The record fuses rock, pop, and country. Hayes’ vocals are clear – he doesn’t push his voice initially, singing easily. Given the title of the song, the old-school cues are an appropriate touch.

“Yesterday’s Song” features an anthemic chorus, suited for both country and pop radio:

“You were the rooftop on the top of my lungs / blowin’ the speakers in the back of my truck / and you had your chance, yeah, but I’m movin’ on / and now it’s just yesterday’s song, yesterday’s song…”

Hayes delivers a sweet falsetto on the chorus. Towards the end, he pushes his voice, showcasing mad assertiveness.    

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Yesterday’s Song” is a winning performance from Hunter Hayes.  It won’t be transformative among country or pop/rock circles, but it’s well-rounded through and through.  Musically, Hayes is on-point.

Hunter Hayes • Yesterday’s Song – single • Warner Nashville • Release: 9.23.16 

Photo Credit: Warner Nashville