Florida country singer Michael Ray returns with “Summer Water,” the fifth advance single from his sophomore album, ‘Amos.’

Michael Ray once told us that “Real Men Love Jesus.” Amen.  He also previously asserted he’d “Kiss You in the Morning.” Sexy to the nth degree. See where we’re going with this? Those songs appeared on the heavily-tatted, Floridian country singer’s major-label debut, Michael Ray, released in 2015. He’s back with a brand-new album, Amos (June 1, 2018).  In advance of Amos, Ray released five singles: “Get to You” (2017), “Fan Girl”, “Her World or Mine,” “One That Got Away,” and “Summer Water.”

First and foremost, give Michael Ray some credit. “Summer Water” remains true to country music – he doesn’t opt for any ill-conceived pop experiments.  Ray has his twang going, remaining true to self and the country base.  With a great voice at his disposal, he gives a well-rounded performance.  There aren’t many frills or surprises, but he’s polished and incredibly sound.

As far as the song itself, “Summer Water” is enjoyable – again, the keyword is sound. There’s nothing groundbreaking, regardless of the magic Ray swears by “in the summer water.”  There’s an old-fashioned, down south narrative that reminisces simpler times and carries weight on this particular record.  It’s best exemplified by the chorus.

“There was magic in the summer water

Learned how to swim in the summer water

All the small-town sons and daughters

Were baptized a thousand times

Built fire by it like an altar

Gave it every song we could offer

Memories float on it like a bobber

Out there on the summer water.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “Summer Water” is good. If that sounds cliché, it’s a cliché evaluation for a country song chocked-full of clichés.  In other words, “Summer Water” is a pleasant record by Michael Ray but it doesn’t necessarily move the needle.  The base should be pleased, but more casual listeners will likely be slightly less enthused.

Michael Ray • Amos • Warner Music Nashville • Release: 6.1.18

Photo Credit: Warner Music Nashville