New Old Music Round 2

We’re back with more new old music from two more artists. Again Old Dominion is treating us with two more previously unreleased songs, on top of the three from last time. Joining the new old music throwback party this week is Ryan Hurd. Trending on twitter some say is the greatest EP of all time, and Rockin Rox 100% agrees. Ryan released his Every Other Memory EP on June 26th which is a seven song culmination of alternate versions or B sides of songs Ryan has written, plus his version of Taylor Swift’s False God and his live version of his original song Wish For the World performed live in Nashville. The song I am singling out for the new old music catalog is Ryan’s version of the song he wrote called Payback, which was originally cut by Rascal Flatts. This new released version features Cadillac Three on the track, but lead vocals are by Ryan.

I’m going to start with Payback. It is no secret that I love a good sass song, but those usually come from female artists. When a male artist comes out with a gritty, stick it to the fool that broke your heart song that’s the trifecta right there! Payback is written from the perspective of the guy you are using to show someone what they are missing out on. Cause he didn’t even know what he had til he lost it/should have known running around was gonna cost him. And if he was worth a damn he wouldn’t have blown it/ think about it that way, feel good, don’t it. I feel the best type of angst when rocking out to this song. Many girls can relate to wanting an ex to be sitting alone thinking about you out with someone else. It just feels good knowing that or hoping that’s what they are doing. This song is different, since it is the perspective of the payback guy it is his “man how could you be so stupid” words of caution that fuel the story of the song. I also love the idea of the line no way that girl is pretty as you, I never even seen her but I know that it’s true. It shouldn’t take the payback guy to tell us that for us to believe it, but for some reason these words sound so much more believable and empowering from that flipped perspective. Also, bonus you don’t even have to relate to the girl needing payback to rock out to this song. A+ Ryan thanks for bringing this song back with the attitude and grit it deserves.

The wordsmith masters are back with two new old ones. The first new release is a song never released before called Everything to Lose. This song is telling a story about a couple about to hook up. The song definitely has a vacation island vibe as OD paints the picture of a guy so ready to lose everything around and on him to be alone with this girl, holding nothing back. So let’s leave this bar, this band, these lights,this town, this drink, your friends, my friends. We got everything to lose, our minds, our inhibitions, this shirt on me, that dress on you. I think that is my favorite line losing your mind and letting go of all inhibitions or reservations with a person. There’s everything to lose and everything to gain in this story. With everything these days I think pre Covid-19 pandemic. Flirting with just body language, being in a bar, with a loud band or DJ in the background, all the things I took for granted and that set up the stage leading up to the moment that is described in this song. What I would give to go back to those moments, make a move when I should have, who knew we really had everything to lose. This song speaks to shooting your shot with someone when you have the opportunity, because you never know when a global health crisis robs you of that chance for the foreseeable future. Also, boys, now we know calling a girl a chocolate covered pretzel, salty and sweet is actually a great pick up line if delivered like Matthew Ramsey sings it (just an fyi).

Dancing Forever is the second song out of the vault from Old Dominion which was originally cut by Michael Ray. This is just sweet through and through, there is no other way to describe it. I can watch you dancing forever turning those stars into letters/when you’re here when you’re gone I’ll be here looking on. The lyric video is beautiful, yet simple. Different people just dance or simply sway, some couples of different ages and some children, or some adults just alone.I love the tenderness and sweetness of this song because it nods to the fact that wherever someone’s journey leads there could be someone out in the stars watching your move. Dancing forever can be about a long standing couple, like when older people are still together after so many years. Or, how I relate to it, younger people who don’t last together forever till their old age. No matter what in life causes the separation there's always one that will still be watching and loving from afar. It’s gonna hurt to let you go, but baby go fly, so high/I can watch you dancing forever. Sometimes it’s the timing that’s wrong and letting go is the most selfless thing you can do, even if it means losing the person in the short term.

Nowadays when everything is at a distance, letting go and figuratively watching someone dance forever seems to be our only option. I can certainly listen to Old Dominion and watch these videos forever until we can all be together again at a live show. When our new normal comes remember the feelings from these new old songs and maybe write your own ending. For now, I’m going to sit on my couch with these songs. In whatever way you relate to the lyrics, I hope you enjoy these new old songs as much as I do. Til the next release. Happy Quarantine July 4th everyone! ~ Rox