Sam Hunt, Body Like a Back Road | Track Review 🎵

New-look-country standout Sam Hunt returns with his second new single of 2017, “Body Like a Back Road.”

New-look-country artist Sam Hunt experienced breakthrough success with his debut album, Montevallo.  What made him 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. After dropping single “Drinkin’ Too Much” in January 2017, he returns with a new single, “Body Like a Back Road.”

On “Body Like a Back Road,” Hunt continues to blend country with urban music sensibilities. The sound is predominantly country, but elements of the groove and swagger hails directly from urban music. During the first verse, Hunt is honest about what shawty does to him:

“First time I seen her walk by, man I ‘bout fell off my chair.”

Similarly, the second verse focuses on her stunning looks, particularly her assets:

“The way she fit in them blue jeans, she don’t need no belt
But I can turn them inside out, I don’t need no help
Got hips like honey, so thick and so sweet
It ain’t no curves like hers on them downtown streets.”

He confirms his infatuation on the hook.  The hook is a surefire selling point – infectious upon the first listen:

“Body like a back road, drivin’ with my eyes closed
I know every curve like the back of my hand
Doin’ 15 in a 30, I ain’t in no hurry
I’ma take it slow just as fast as I can.”

Cleverly, Hunt flips some urban references around.  Normally, rappers are inclined to speeding in regards to sexual metaphors.  Sam is different.  He clearly wants it to “go down,” but wishes to fully enjoy the experience.  Call it oxymoronic brilliance.

Final Thoughts

Though it clocks in under three minutes, Sam Hunt has something going for him on “Body Like a Back Road.” Country purists will be skeptical, but for the new breed of country music fans, they should be onboard.

Sam Hunt • Body Like a Back Road (single) • MCA Nashville • Release: 2.1.17

Photo Credit: MCA Nashville