Thomas Rhett, Center Point Road | Track Review

Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini make a pretty sweet team on “Center Point Road,” the title track and sixth advance single from Rhett’s fourth studio album. 

Grammy-nominated country musician Thomas Rhett has unveiled the sixth and final advance single from his fourth studio album, Center Point Road.  Recapping a bit, Rhett dropped “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time” (featuring Little Big Town), “Look What God Gave Her”, “That Old Truck”, “Remember You Young”, and “Beer Can’t Fix” previously.  Now, he fittingly opts for the title track, “Center Point Road,” tapping a fellow Grammy-nominated country musician, Kelsea Ballerini for the assist.  The results are positive.

“Center Point Road” has plenty of pros.  It is co-written by Rhett with a team of writers including Amy Wadge, Cleve Wilson, and Jesse Frasure.  Furthermore, add Dann Huff to the production team, alongside Frasure, Wilson, and Rhett.  Why mention the credits? Well, honestly, the songwriting and the production are big reasons why “Center Point Road” is a roaring success.  The sound of this record is ‘country enough,’ but it also thrives with its pop/rock sensibility (the piano and strings are a nice touch).  Compared to other Thomas Rhett records, he doesn’t overdo the experimentation beyond country music, but still looks outside of its boundaries.  As far as the writing, like “That Old Truck” or “Remember You Young,” things remain reflective, remembering youthful, fun times and experiences.

Of course, two more factors makes “Center Point Road” a joy.  Both Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini do superb jobs performing their respective parts.  Rhett sings the first verse and chorus, while Ballerini provides contrast on the second verse and follow-up chorus.  They join forces on the bridge, each singing individual lines, as well as together, before ending strong on the chorus and outro.  Speaking of that chorus, one of the best parts of “Center Point Road,” it goes something like this:

“We wrote our own destiny

In parkin’ lots and empty streets

Yeah, we got high on you and me

Jumped over cracks beneath our feet

And we thought it would never end

Then watched it go like summer wind

When growin’ up was just a dream

And Friday night was everything.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, Thomas Rhett prefaces the arrival of Center Point Road superbly with the title track.  He has great vocal chemistry with Kelsea Ballerini, amplified by strong songwriting and production. Compared to some of his more ‘left of center’ experimentations, “Center Point Road” should easily draw more likes than dislikes.

Thomas Rhett • Center Point Road • Big Machine • Release: 5.31.19

Photo Credit: Big Machine