Mississippi native William Michael Morgan is an up and coming country artist who has already made quite the impression on the industry and critics alike with his debut single, “I Met A Girl”, which has reached number 34 on the Country Airplay chart. The song was written and performed by Sam Hunt, but Morgan made it his own and can lay claim to the best version. The single is a sweet, slow building love song, made even better by Morgan’s rich, pure country vocals. Morgan recently released his debut self-titled EP earlier this month. The record is a breath of fresh traditional country air in a scene that is currently clogged up with R&B and hip-hop influences.
The EP is incredibly easy on the ears, opening with the smooth, easy rolling “Vinyl”. The song finds Morgan serenading his lady love, telling her that their love is classic, like a vinyl record, and lasting. I can’t help but think of Joe Nichols when listening to Morgan; they have similar voices, both real country voices. “Beer Drinker” advises everyone to take stock of what they have, i.e.: electricity, a house, a car, and then thank a beer drinker for providing/making it. He goes on to thank the working man with, “So let’s give it up for the guys on the clock/That work all week and then twist one off.” It may sound like the same old song others have done a million times over, but Morgan brings a fresh take on the theme and pulls it off splendidly. The beautiful, slow burning “Lonesomeville” is a good old country heartbreak song. The narrator in the song finds himself living in what he calls Lonesomeville, alone and broken hearted. Think of it as a quieter, more traditional sounding “Brokenheartsville”.
“Cheap Cologne” is probably one of the more creative cheating songs I’ve heard from a guy in quite a while. The song finds the narrator admitting that he knows full well what his lady love is up to when she stays out late… and it isn’t working! He describes her escapades in smoky honky tonks, cavorting with other men. He goes on to say that she really can’t hide the smell of the bar’s cigarette smoke, the alcohol, or the other guy’s cologne, no matter what she tries, as even a shower won’t cover the smell. Morgan uses the hook, “she don’t smoke cigarettes and I don’t wear cheap cologne” to sell the point. “Cheap Cologne” is one of the standouts on the record, an enjoyable, creative song all around.
The EP closes out with the upbeat, rousing “Back Seat Driver”. The song finds a father sending his child off on their own for the first time. He proceeds to give his grown child some sound advice and informs them that he put a flashlight in the back, a map tucked in the door, a Bible on the dash, and a baseball bat behind the seat just in case. He also tells them to remember 10 and 2, watch their speed, and that he can’t be their backseat driver anymore. It’s a really sweet song, one to be added to the “Daddy songs” list. What makes this song so great is the fact that it sounds like an actual conversation a father would have with their child as they’re sending them off on their own for the first time.
Overall, William Michael Morgan’s debut EP is a strong one. The EP serves its purpose in making me excited to hear a full album. If you’re looking for some great, traditional sounding country music, this EP is the one for you… The most bang for your dollar.
Originally posted here.
