Old Dominion’s “ Break Up With Him” officially reached #1 on the country charts, and just in time for the release of their debut album “Meat and Candy”. After the success and talent proven by the band throughout their live shows and hit single, we have been anxious and ready to see what a full-length album will have in store.
“Meat and Candy” is packed with songs that tell a story, and lyrics that have substance. “Snapback” starts us off with a bang, literally, as the drum brings us in to a fun loving piece and a song that will hook you instantly.
“Strictly out of curiosity,
what would happen if you got with me,
kissing you would hit the spot with me,
come on skip a couple rocks with me.”
One song in, wait, one verse in, and this album has already won me over.
Old Dominion can get into character for each song, giving us just the right amount of longing, in “Half Empty”, or the perfect amount of sarcasm as in “Said Nobody”.
“I’m tired of having fun, I’m sick of watching that sunset, painting the sky red. I just want to turn in early, I don’t want to see where this goes, you’re getting just a little too flirty, you’re getting just a little too close – said nobody, said nobody ever.”
A clever twist on the phrase used by so many.
A little bit heavier on the beat, “Wrong Turns”, is edgier with a sense of mystery. The soulful and slow moving chorus extenuates the story making for one hot and steamy piece.
“Nowhere Fast” which also appeared on their EP, has earned a well- deserved spot on “Meat and Candy”. Sit back, listen closely, and just soak it in its simplicity.
“Crazy, Beautiful, Sexy”, flirtatious, light-hearted, playful.
Old Dominion is on their rhyming game in “Beer Can In A Truck Bed”, comparing the night ahead to a beer can rolling around in the back of a truck, unknown where it may go next, but always along for the ride.
We cannot forget to acknowledge their smash hit “Break Up With Him”, which appears later in the record, and a fan favorite with just the right amount of attitude, sass, and confidence.
They send a message about living in the moment with the next few tracks. The beautifully written “Song For Another Time”, creatively pulls together popular song titles to make up this one of a kind love story.
“Lets pretend we’re brown eyed girls, sweet caroline,
free falling, small town Saturday night,
before you lose that loving feeling,
let’s go dancing on the ceiling,
keep on living that teenage dream,
paradise city where the grass is green,
pretty soon you’ll be always on my mind,
but that’s a song for another time”
“Til It’s Over” is a tongue twister of emotions. It’s not over till it’s over, and we should savor every moment until that time comes.
“It is what it is, till it was what it was, let it do what it does till it’s over.
If it right then it’s right, if its wrong then it’s wrong, let keep playing this song till it’s over.”
There is always a track I immediately go back to after my first listen through an album, and for me, this song is it.
“We Got It Right” rounds out the story of “Meat And Candy” perfectly. Looking back on those moments we lived in and the memories made, and as this record ends, Old Dominion has definitely got it right. A soft and reflective piece, they seem just as fulfilled as we are.
Old Dominion has made their mark this year in country music and this highly anticipated album did not disappoint. They are true lyricists capturing our full attention, and well aware we cannot afford to miss a single word sung. They are a solid group of songwriters, passionate musicians, and five guys that deserve their spot at the top.
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