Thomas Rhett, Be There in a Minute → Song Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️½

Although it lacks excitement, flash, or innovative spirit, “Be There in a Minute” is a respectable country single for Thomas Rhett.

“Oh, how could five miles feel so far away? So far away, yeah / Just a mile more’d be more than this old heart could take, yeah.” Those matters of the heart are intriguing.  Once upon a time, Thomas Rhett was younger and far more adventurous with contemporary country music.  These days, the dad of five sounds more, um, dad-like, at least on “Be There in a Minute.” That’s okay, all told. “Be There in a Minute” is respectable – sound to the nth degree.  Lacking excitement, flash, or innovative spirit, it’s successful, doing plenty proficiently. Rhett, Josh Kerr, Rocky Block, and John Byron composed “Be There in a Minute.” Kerr produced it.

From a production perspective, it is… respectable. Well-rounded, the musical accompaniment ‘works’ without a hitch.  It’s not groundbreaking, but effective; pleasant.  Thomas Rhett’s vocal performance is also… RESPECTABLE.  It’s country, but Rhett avoids being heavy-handed or going plumb stupid with the twang.  Country-sounding, but not obnoxiously so. Well, not so fast: “Mud on my boots and my shirt is dirty / But don’t you worry, you know I clean up real fast.”  The pre-chorus varies, with the first excerpted earlier.  Later, Rhett gives us “Every red light’s just in my way / Even blue lights can’t stop me, babe.” Yep, ol’ boy is ready to spend some time with her and his family. The chorus is the section to beat. The melody is rhythmic and tuneful.  Despite being wordy, it’s relatively memorable.

“I’m on a freeway, windows and the pedal down

Halfway to heaven, headed to your edge of town

I’ll see the checkered flag ‘bout any second now

Already taste your kisses, I’ll be there in a minute

I got the Chevy flying like it’s Top Gun

A dozen ‘miss you’ roses riding shotgun

Put on that dancing dress, I know you got one

Can’t wait to see you in it, I’ll be there in a minute.”

Ultimately, “Be There in a Minute” is pleasant. Thomas Rhett gets his point across – he loves her and will do anything to see her, PERIOD! That’s about the size of it. It doesn’t jump out at you, do something extraordinary, or move the needle for Thomas Rhett.  But it’s sound.  Rhett fans will likely swear by it. More casual listeners… meh, it’s okay.

⭐️⭐️⭐️½