Sam Hunt, Drinkin’ Too Much | Track Review 🎵

Arriving more than two years after breakthrough album Montevallo, New-look-country artist Sam Hunt returns with “Drinkin’ Too Much.”  

2014-15 was an awesome year for Georgia country artist Sam Hunt.  The new-look-country artist experienced breakthrough success with his debut album, Montevallo.  What made Hunt successful was his embrace of urban cues within country music.  Since Montevallo, this trend has only expanded, sometimes successfully and other times not.  For Hunt, he thrived in it, and looks to do the same on honest new single, “Drinkin’ Too Much.” 

“Drinkin’ Too Much” is moody from the start. Hunt clearly establishes that vibe that is essential to contemporary music.  The record opens with an intro, that sets the tone for what’s to come.

“Oh, I drink and take a sip of it
Feelin’ like a hypocrite
Go for more and I don’t give a shit
I never used to talk, I never used to talk like this.”

Following the intro, the spoken-word approach of Hunt solidifies his status as the Drake of country. He earns this characterization because the record is partly sung, at times spoken, and always introspective.  Furthermore, the production of the main single clearly uses urban cues.  While it is a bit odd, after listening to it successive times, it is indeed a truly captivating record.

Lyrically, Hunt is honest to his once ex-, now fiancé Hannah.  His dedication is showcased to the nth degree on catchy, sung chorus:

“Drinkin’ too much, drinkin’ too much
Since you been gone, I can’t get gone enough
I’m on top of the world, I’m going down
I’m gonna drink it all ‘til you’re not around...”

Final Thoughts

It will be an interesting to see how “Drinkin’ Too Much” plays out on country radio.  The main version fits the sound that Hunt embodied on Montevello, arguably taking the urban-country sound to the next level. The 8PM version is an acoustic take that plays truer to country music.  Some will love it, while purists will probably hate it, but there’s definitely something here.  New-country fans and a crossover audience will appreciate it.

Sam Hunt • Drinkin’ Too Much (single) • MCA Nashville • Release: 1.6.17

Photo Credit: MCA Nashville