I first fell in love with Clint Black’s music after hearing his single, “Like The Rain” on the radio. I was only four years old when the song hit radio, but even being so young (and not able to comprehend the full meaning of the lyrics), I was still enamored with it. Something about that song just draws you in, even more so when you understand the meaning of the lyrics! Clint is another veteran artist who you won’t see chasing the latest musical trends. He sticks to his traditional country sound, which fans adore. As a fan, I was able to join in on the rejoicing when it was announced that Clint Black would be releasing a new studio album full of brand new songs! It has been a decade since Black released a studio album of new material, and believe me, it was one LONG, impatient wait! On Purpose was released September 25th and has been on repeat all weekend long.The record kicks off with “Time For That”, which carries a message of taking time to just relax and slow down, unwind and enjoy life. It’s a message that Black himself tries to listen to, all the while maintaining a busy touring schedule. The production on this track, and throughout the record, is easy on the ears, with pure traditional country sounds. “Better or Worse” is a fun, catchy take on the age old theme of the balance between good luck and bad luck, and being better at times and then worse other times. The main theme of this song is summed up in the chorus, “I’ve been better and I’ve been worse/ Got a yin yang thing and a tie for first/ I guess I ain’t the center of the universe/ Not everything’s gonna go my way.” One thing you can count on from Clint is material with substance and well written lyrics. I love the fun, creative lyrics like, “I’ve text with the best, but I can’t converse” and “I’ve got a little money, but it’s in her purse.”
Up next is the soft, relaxed “Summertime Song”. Reminiscent of a lazy, beautiful summer evening, the song is all about a feel good summertime song, and all the things we love about the season. “One Way To Live” carries a message of hope and love, while declaring “I can think of a thousand ways to die, but only one way to live.”
The song that stands out most on this record (in my opinion) is “You Still Get To Me”, a duet between Black and his wife of over twenty years, Lisa Hartman Black. The two have had success before with hits like “When I Said I Do” and “Easy for Me to Say”, but this latest duet is their first in 14 years. “You Still Get To Me” is a soulful, romantic ballad, with the two singing about how the other still gets to them after all these years. It’s a really sweet, romantic song, one that couples who have been together for years will, undoubtedly, adopt as “their song”. Clint and Lisa prove that their chemistry is still red hot, as is their love for one another. Another standout is “Still Calling It News”, where Black calls out both politicians and the news media. This track is fresh, honest, and creative, as Black calls out all the political shenanigans and lamenting that, “It’s getting pretty old, but they’re still calling it news”.
Country music is full of songs about alcohol, especially these days. That being said, Black brings a fresh and original take on the subject with “Beer”, an ode to the beverage and its ability to bring together people from every kind of background/culture. Other enjoyable tracks are “Trouble”, “Doing It For Love”, and “Right On Time”…. Ok, the whole album is enjoyable!
On Purpose closes with the contemplative “The Last Day”, a track urging listeners to live life like each day is your last day, because things can change overnight. I love songs with a message, a purpose, and this is one of those songs. It’s an excellent way to close out the record.
This is an excellent album. It’s one where you can tell by listening to it that Black took his time recording it, as every song on the record has a purpose. I’d recommend On Purpose to anyone looking for great traditional country music. This album is absolutely delightful, a breath of fresh country air. So check it out!
Originally posted here.
