GOSHEN, Ind. — Imagine driving down the highway, windows down, a sunny day with the wind blowing your hair. That is what “The Twenty-One Song Salute” by Rodney Crowell reminded me as I was listening to it. The groovy and “chill” melody makes it impossible not to feel on a roadtrip, where you just want to play that song in a loop for the entirety of the journey.
The guitar heavy presence makes reference to the early stages of country with a hint of soul, which makes the song feel like a homely embrace. Moreover, the combination of Rodney and Tyler Bryant vocals are jaw dropping. Crowell’s roughness mixed with Bryant’s clear and unique high pitched vocals resulted in a beautiful balance of harmonies and catchy chorus.
Crowell plays with his lyrics, and the whole song pays homage to the music styles that influenced him in his formative years. Throughout the song, the artist incorporates musical bits and direct lyrics of the 21 different songs that shaped his musical identity, hence the title of the piece. With that said, the whole song is an easy going, fun combination of references, which tells his personal musical journey.
Overall, “The Twenty-One Song Salute” took Rodney Crowell back to his Louisiana roots, which definitely translates to familiarity and comfort in his voice and performance. The “swampy” approach put a smile on my face, and I can assure it will do the same with others.
As always, with the Globe Track of the Week, I recommend checking out the music video for this song, as it illustrates the garage band style the track portrays. If “The Twenty-One Song Salute” gave the same impression as it did to me, Rodney Crowell is currently on tour with his new record, “Airline Highway”, which is coming to Chicago on November 22nd. More information can be found on countrystandardtime.com.
– Isabel Massud, Co News Director
Each week, a Globe-pal (AKA a DJ at 91.1 the Globe) uploads a review of a Globe track that is sent out and posted on globeradio.org/music. The Globe Track of the Week is proudly presented by 91.1 the Globe, the best college radio station in Indiana.
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