Morgan Wallen vs. Ryan Mack | Head 2 Head

In the 2^nd edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Morgan Wallen and Ryan Mack contend for the best rendition of “Sand in My Boots.” 

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song, comparing their respective performances.  Then, after much deliberation, we deliver a verdict of which performance was the best, or at least, subjectively, which performance moved us more.  In the 2^nd edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Morgan Wallen and Ryan Mack contend for the best rendition of “Sand in My Boots”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1.Morgan Wallen, “Sand in My Boots”

💿 Dangerous: The Double Album • 🏷 Big Loud / Republic • 📅 2021 

“Somethin’ ‘bout the way she kissed mе tells me she’d lovе Eastern Tennessee / Yeah, but all I brought back with me was some sand in my boots.” Bummer! Country singer Morgan Wallen commences his 2021, blockbuster album, Dangerous: The Double Album with a surefire bang. “Sand in My Boots” is a gorgeous country ballad that ‘gives off those feels.’ “Sand in My Boots” wasn’t written by Wallen, but rather the formidable team of Josh Osborne, HARDY, and Ashley Gorley. Not his words, but the song with its top-notch captures his southern experience.

The chorus, the centerpiece of “Sand In My Boots,” continues with Wallen “Dodging potholes in my sunburnt Silverado / Like a heart-broke Desperado, headin’ right back to my roots.”  Why is Morgan heartbroken? After meeting a city girl, he liked on vacation, and expressing to her she’d enjoy his small town in Eastern Tennessee, things don’t work out.  Ultimately, he returns home without the girl, and only sand in his boots. Heartbreak and love pain aside, Wallen showcases his terrific instrument, singing with incredible expression and nuance. “Sand in My Boots” peaked at no. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2022.

Appears in 🔻:  

• Boots: 5ive Songs No. 8 (2021)
• 11 Stylish Songs About Boots (2021)
• Sand: 5ive Songs No. 17 (2022)

2. Ryan Mack, “Sand in My Boots (Acoustic)”

🎵 “Sand in My Boots (Acoustic)” • 🏷 Ryan Mack • 🗓 2023

“She asked me where I’s from / I said, ‘Somewhere you’ve never been to / Little town outside of Knoxville’ / Hidden by some dogwood trees.” Those memorable lyrics hail from “Sand in My Boots”, one of the best songs from the Morgan Wallen catalog in my opinion. While Wallen was speaking from his experience, Ryan Mack, a talented Irish pop musician who deserves far wider recognition, excels at his role as the coverer.  Even though Mack isn’t anywhere close from being from Eastern Tennessee either, he makes us believe he could be with his authentic, nuanced, and passionate performance.

Mack impresses with his incredible tone – his voice sounds top-notch on this stripped, acoustic version of “Sand in My Boots.” Even though Mack doesn’t have a southern drawl like Wallen speaks of when singing, he can relate to having an accent being Irish.  He’s at his best in the chorus, which is the centerpiece – the crowning achievement – of “Sand in My Boots.” Particularly as the record percolates, the chorus reaches a fever pitch, allowing for Ryan to showcase the sheer power and punch of his instrument. Mack does phenomenal conveying the narrative, much like Morgan – the city girl didn’t end up coming back with him to East Tennessee with him… “Sand in My Boots (Acoustic)” is a marvelous cover by Ryan Mack.

Appears in 🔻:

• Ryan Mack, Sand in My Boots (Acoustic): Covers No. 53 (2023)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

So, who performed “Sand in My Boots” the best? Was it the original performer, Morgan Wallen, or the gifted coverer, Ryan Mack? This one is tough.  Mack puts in some serious work on a song he would never be expected to cover. His voice sounds epic.  Still, for his faults, Wallen also sounds epic on the original, where his southern twang and big voice provide decadent ear candy.  Also, the original impacted the pop charts. So, Morgan, you come out on top by a slim margin.

Morgan Wallen vs. Ryan Mack: Head 2 Head No. 2 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Big Loud, Republic, Ryan Mack; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]