Ahead of his Monument Record debut, ‘boom.,’ 37-year old Alabama country artist Walker Hayes drops his sixth teaser track, “Beer in the Fridge.” 

Walker Hayes is not your household name. Nonetheless, the 37-year-old Alabaman country singer/songwriter has experienced moderate success.  Perhaps his sophomore album, boom., will give the former Costco worker and father of six booming success. In advance boom, his debut for Monument Records, He released a whopping six singles:  “Beautiful,” “Shut Up Kenny,” “You Broke Up with Me,” “Halloween” Ft. Nicolle Galyon, and “Beer in the Fridge.”

A ballad, Walker Hayes showcases a bit more seriousness on “Beer in the Fridge.” That’s not to say there isn’t some lightheartedness, but generally, there’s more substance than the title might suggests. His lyrical honesty is a big selling point.  On the first verse, he makes reference to his ex’s mom, which leads to the central theme of the song: Loss due to consequences.  Ex, drinking problem, still wants to get drunk because of losing her… The chorus best exhibits this idea.

“There’s a beer in the fridge, last of 12 / Sole survivor of my last all-nighter / In the back of the bottom shelf / It’s gonna be there in the morning / Even though you won’t / You’re the reason I quit drinking / And the reason I wanna get drunk.”

Naturally, the second verse continues to build the narrative, referencing the police, drunken driving, and “playing Russian Roulette.” One of the best lines comes on the bridge:

“I don’t know why I keep it up, I should probably pour it out / Guess I’ve got to live without you now / Cause I couldn’t live without / That beer in the fridge…”

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, “Beer in the Fridge” was surprising. It goes to show you why you shouldn’t merely judge a song by its title.  The expectation is that Hayes, like so many of his country male counterparts, was going to deliver another beer anthem.  Instead, he offers up a much more compelling, meaningful tale.  Great lift for boom.

Walker Hayes • Beer in the Fridge • Monument • Release: 12.1.17

Photo Credit: Monument