Review By Glen Parkes
Corey Kent returns with his sophomore album, Black Bandana, a deeply personal and musically rich collection that cements his status as a standout artist in modern country music. After 15 years of navigating the ups and downs of the industry, Kent delivers an album filled with resilience, heart, and raw emotion. With his charismatic vocals lifting every track, it’s no wonder the album has been hailed by NPR’s All Songs Considered as one of the “Best Albums” and praised by Rolling Stone.
The album kicks off with Ain’t Gonna Lie, a high-energy opener that sets the tone for the record. Co-written by Kent, Austin Goodloe, and Brett Tyler, the song is an anthem of truth, confidence, and unapologetic grit. The production is polished yet organic, with driving guitars and a chorus that will stick with listeners long after the track ends.
Damn Good Country Song follows, living up to its name with a traditional yet fresh take on what makes country music so compelling. Written by Ben Burgess, Michael Lotten, and Whitney Phillips, this track captures the simplicity and beauty of country life, while Kent’s rich vocals give it a modern edge.
The title track, Black Bandana, is a standout moment on the album. Written by Kent along with Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, and Brett Tyler, it’s an ode to resilience and rebellion, mirroring Kent’s own journey in the industry. With a dark, atmospheric sound and powerful lyrics, this song encapsulates the themes of determination and fighting spirit that run throughout the record.
Never Ready slows things down, offering a poignant ballad about the inevitability of life’s transitions. Co-written by Kent, Goodloe, Joybeth Taylor, and Lydia Vaughan, it’s a heart-wrenching exploration of love, loss, and being unprepared for the moments that change us forever. Kent’s vocal delivery shines here, bringing an emotional depth that resonates deeply.
Break Like That is another highlight, blending country storytelling with a touch of rock edge. The song, written by Thomas Archer, Jacob Hackworth, AJ Pruis, and Brett Tyler, captures the vulnerability of relationships while maintaining a catchy, radio-friendly appeal.
Nothing But Neon, co-written by Kent, Goodloe, Taylor, and Vaughan, brings a vibrant energy back into the mix with its upbeat tempo and colorful imagery. It’s a celebration of living in the moment, and Kent’s delivery gives the song a nostalgic yet invigorating feel.
Now or Never, featuring the dynamic Lauren Alaina, is a powerful duet that explores the tension of taking a leap in love. With writing credits from Sam Ellis, Ryan Hurd, and Geoff Warburton, the song’s anthemic chorus and emotional depth make it one of the album’s most memorable tracks. Alaina’s vocals blend seamlessly with Kent’s, creating a beautiful and poignant duet.
The reflective Rust delves into the idea of embracing imperfections and the wear and tear that life brings. Written by Kent, Casey Brown, Jacob Davis, and Travis Wood, it’s a lyrically rich song that showcases Kent’s ability to balance introspective storytelling with compelling melodies.
This Heart brings an earnest and heartfelt vibe, co-written by Archer, Blake Bollinger, Hackworth, and Michael Tyler. The track taps into the vulnerability of putting your heart on the line, and Kent’s vocal delivery brings out the raw emotion in the lyrics.
Closing out the album is So Far, a reflective and fitting end to the journey. Co-written by Kent, Joe Fox, and Lauren Hungate, it encapsulates the themes of resilience, growth, and moving forward that permeate the album. The simplicity of the arrangement lets Kent’s vocals shine, leaving the listener with a sense of closure and hope.
Verdict: Black Bandana is a testament to Corey Kent’s evolution as an artist. With a mix of heartfelt ballads, anthemic tracks, and catchy hooks, this album proves that Kent is carving out his own unique path in the country music landscape. His charismatic vocals and raw storytelling make Black Bandana not only a must-listen but a standout in modern country. This album will resonate with longtime fans and new listeners alike, and as Kent embarks on his headlining tour, he’s clearly an artist on the rise.
+ There are no comments
Add yours