It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Lee Brice, as he leaves quarantine following his recent Covid-19 diagnosis. The timing couldn’t be better, as he released his fifth studio album ‘Hey World’ on Friday. The collection might be a little longer than most people are used to at 15 songs, but every song serves a purpose and the well-rounded nature of the album would suffer if any of these songs were left off. Not every song is of the same caliber, but dare I say, ‘Hey World’ might be viewed as one of the best albums of 2020.
Of course, you’ve got the number one singles ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’ and ‘One of Them Girls,’ along with current single ‘Memory I Don’t Mess With’ to bring a familiarity to listeners. The songs that really stopped me in my tracks though were ‘Save the Roses,’ ‘Sons and Daughters’ and ‘Lies.’ If any are released as future singles, they would be instantly in contention for awards season, in my opinion. ‘Save the Roses’ is a heartbreaking yet uplifting song, told from the perspective of someone who has died and is giving their loved ones permission to live like the person would want them to. The inspiration came when he attended his cousin’s funeral and thought about what his cousin’s reaction would be to all these people dressed up and the room filled with flowers. “It is straight up, stone cold honesty and that’s what makes it so special. I’d love to put that on the radio,” Brice told Sounds Like Nashville. And I would have to agree. Much like ‘I Drive Your Truck,’ the song doesn’t have the happiest subject, but it’s a song that needs to be heard.
‘Lies’ is a very introspective song that takes a look at how people might alter their appearance or personality to mold into something they think they’re supposed to be. Anyone struggling with self-doubt, insecurities or potentially harmful ideations need to listen to this song and realize they are enough just the way they are. Of all these 15 songs, this one struck the biggest chord with me personally. And much like ‘I Drive Your Truck,’ Brice packed so much emotion into his vocal performance that I was shocked to learn that he is not a co-writer on ‘Lies.’ Finally, ‘Sons and Daughters’ begs for people to think before they act. Someone’s words or actions might not mean anything to the person saying or doing them, but the person on the receiving end might be greatly affected. Coupled with a strong, military-like production, this song will leave a strong impact on listeners.
This album is so strong that even the weaker songs aren’t that weak. It would do a disservice to the strength of this album to even point out its negative aspects. I have no doubt ‘Hey World’ will end up on many year-end “Top Country Albums” lists. To listen to ‘Hey World’, click here.
