Luke Bryan, “Prayin’ In A Deer Stand” | Track Review

Country musician Luke Bryan is back with  “Prayin’ In A Deer Stand,” a single that plays well to his fan base (and southerners), without moving the needle.

Once upon a time, Luke Bryan was pushing the envelope in country music, for better or worse.  That’s right, he was a clear proponent of experimentation, integrating a bag of pop and R&B cues into the musical genre. Lately, however, Bryan seems to have settled into middle age (he’s 46) and is embracing country and southern clichés.  My point is, “Prayin’ In A Deer Stand” is a prime example of a song that it seems Bryan has released in the past.  Sure, it has a slightly odder title, but take a listen and clearly, we’ve been here before.

On “Prayin’ In A Deer Stand,” Luke Bryan sounds true to self.  Vocally, the tone, with a southern twang, is firmly intact.  Thematically, Bryan plays to his base: farming, fishing, hunting, and God.  If you’re from the south or have experienced the south, you can relate.  If not, well, you’re likely not part of Bryan’s base, to begin with.  Nothing brand-new or game-changing comes out of this record because it is tried-and-true, with no frills.  Perhaps the chorus says it best:

“I do my prayin’ in a deer stand

On my back-forty church

Thinkin’ ‘bout life on a cold sunrise

Yeah, that’s my Heaven on Earth

Me and God in a cornfield

Gotta think He understands

I might miss a Sunday from time to time

But I get there when I can

We’re all good in these woods ‘causе here I am

Prayin’ in a deer stand.”

Final Thoughts  

So, what’s the overall assessment on “Prayin’ In A Deer Stand”? It’s respectable.  Again, if you’re a fan of Luke Bryan, this is right up your alley – enjoyable but not revolutionary.  If you’re not, or a more casual listener, it doesn’t move the needle.  Personally, this song is okay, but I understand this isn’t a song for me.

Luke Bryan • “Prayin’ In A Deer Stand” • Row Crop / UMG Recordings, Inc. • 11.4.22

[: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, Row Crop, UMG Recordings, Inc.]