Morgan Wallen, This Bar | Track Review 🎵

Tennessee country artist Morgan Wallen manages to get buzzed and reminiscent simultaneously on the ‘alcoholic’ single, “This Bar.”  

“Those nights what I would give for one more Bud Light.” Shocking, right? Not one bit actually.  Sigh, country artists aren’t particularly shy when it comes to drink, and we’re not talking about lemonade, tea, or soda.  Morgan Wallen seems to enjoy his fair share of drinks.  At least, “Whiskey Glasses” and “Happy Hour,” from his 2018 debut album, If I Know Me, suggests that a tall one ‘tickles his fancy.’  Now, in 2020, the Big Loud signee returns with another potential alcoholic hit, “This Bar.”

“This Bar” is country to the core.  There’s no semblance of pop to be found – it’s straight up, unapologetic country.  Instrumentally, there’s a rhythmic machine, carried by banjo, guitars, and of course, pummeling drums.  Morgan Wallen has a potent, gritty voice, and he amplifies the twang as he narrativizes, well, the bar.  Give him credit for the emotion and expressiveness that he exhibits throughout.

And being honest, it’s more than alcoholic consumption, best exemplified by the catchy chorus:

“I found myself in this bar
Making mistakes and making new friends
Us growing up and nothing made sense
Buzzing all night like neon in the dark
I found myself in this.”

Now don’t get it twisted y’all – the alcohol is potent: “Couldn’t wait to turn 21 / The day I did, I got too drunk / Spinning around dizzy on the patio” That said, ultimately, Wallen seems to be most remembering ‘the bar’ sentimentally because of the happenings that occurred there.  “Saw her in the corner sippin’ something tall,” he sings on the second verse, continuing, “Cracked a few jokes, we hit it off.”

Final Thoughts

Let me make this crystal clear.  Morgan Wallen won’t change your life with “This Bar” – no way, now how.  However, if you like your country records with references to alcohol and a bit of retrospection, well, “This Bar” will probably ‘tickle your fancy’ much like the bar tickled Wallen’s.  If twang and gritty vocals are your thing, Morgan has you covered on “This Bar.”

Morgan Wallen • “This Bar” – Single • Big Loud • Release: 12.31.19

Photo Credit: Big Loud