sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Apr 23, 2015 14:50:09 GMT -5
Any idea who the producer is on the album? Is it all Zac Brown/Jay Joyce or someone else? Google is clueless. But this track sounds rather Joyce-y to me; who else would put that wah-wah effect on the fiddle? Love the groove and harmonies of this one as usual. Hot off the smash that "Homegrown" was, this song should have no trouble scaling the charts. Z.B. and J.J.. I keep thinking your avatar is matty005 with the water backdrop, lol.
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onebuffalo
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Post by onebuffalo on Apr 23, 2015 14:55:48 GMT -5
I keep thinking your avatar is matty005 with the water backdrop, lol. I was going to use a Buffalo Sabres logo, but you might sue me for copyright infringement!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2015 14:56:00 GMT -5
I like this. It's nice little song. I think the transition from 1:45 to the next part of the song was a little awkward, but I'll probably look past that on further listens. Question for people that have listened to the album: Is there any other rockier songs on the album similar to "Heavy is the Head"? I really like that one and with them going #1 on Active Rock with it, I was wondering if there would be a followup or not. Well apparently the song "Wildfire" was written by Zac with Eric Church and others, so that could be a potential song that's more "rock". I hope they have more rock stuff too, I actually like them when they're doing that as opposed to their usual stuff. This song is a little bland for my taste, kind of a disappointment after hearing 3 solid tracks off the album but I'm still curious to see what the album will be like
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rsmatto
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Post by rsmatto on Apr 23, 2015 18:32:04 GMT -5
I like this. It's nice little song. I think the transition from 1:45 to the next part of the song was a little awkward, but I'll probably look past that on further listens. Question for people that have listened to the album: Is there any other rockier songs on the album similar to "Heavy is the Head"? I really like that one and with them going #1 on Active Rock with it, I was wondering if there would be a followup or not. "Junkyard" could be on rock radio and even "Beautiful Drug" could (it has a pop/Imagine Dragons feel in places).
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2015 20:50:05 GMT -5
Another great track from the ZBB. I really like the production and the melody, and the lyrics have a nice easy-going feel to them, even if they're somewhat safe.
No surprise, but I heard this a bunch on the radio today. I had a pretty long commute today (few hours in the car) and so I heard this about 5 times on Clear Channel KNIX (top of the hour every time of course).
Glad to see we got the songwriters cleared up as well. I had my doubts that the group would cut an outside track (I know they covered Jason Isbell's "Dress Blues") let alone release it as the 2nd single. Every song on the album aside from "Dress Blues" was co-written by Zac, and "Loving You Easy" is one of many co-writes with Niko Moon (another Southern Ground artist). And of course Wyatt Durrette's name pops up frequently as well.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 24, 2015 8:58:29 GMT -5
You know, hearing songs like this and "Sangria" and "Hangover Tonight" just gives me the feeling that had any of these very unique songs (others included) been released at different time periods in different genres, they would be MASSIVE hits. I think that just shows how diverse and rich country music can be, especially at this moment. It's really rewarding to hear. Unfortunately, I think we get both ends of the spectrum. While songs like this would be huge other-genre hits, there are other songs in this genre right now (no names) that really are just crappy, generic, and forgettable. It makes you wonder how that happens.
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rsmatto
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Post by rsmatto on Apr 24, 2015 9:10:58 GMT -5
You know, hearing songs like this and "Sangria" and "Hangover Tonight" just gives me the feeling that had any of these very unique songs (others included) been released at different time periods in different genres, they would be MASSIVE hits. I think that just shows how diverse and rich country music can be, especially at this moment. It's really rewarding to hear. Unfortunately, I think we get both ends of the spectrum. While songs like this would be huge other-genre hits, there are other songs in this genre right now (no names) that really are just crappy, generic, and forgettable. It makes you wonder how that happens.[/quote] It has happened in this genre since the dawn of "hillbilly music" and it'll continue to do that til there are no longer any genres left, lol.
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bamafan2102
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Post by bamafan2102 on Apr 24, 2015 15:05:20 GMT -5
This is soooooo good. Zac sounds amazing. These guys just get better and better which means they will probably be finished in a few years.....lol
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ryankentm
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Post by ryankentm on Apr 25, 2015 12:14:46 GMT -5
You can now hear snippets of J+H on iTunes. Here's a link ZBB tweeted out last night with a minute preview of each song in one single YouTube clip: m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=uFGo7V5rr2MThere are 2 Pop songs, 2 rock songs, a reggae-ish song, a folk song, an R&B, and a Big Band/Sinatra like song. The others are country-ish. It is so diverse. The title of the album is perfect for this project. I can see them being on rock, country AND pop radio stations all at the same time.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2015 13:12:24 GMT -5
Wow, Jekyll + Hyde sounds...way out there. "Homegrown" and "Loving You Easy" are really the only two songs that sounded country to me. I could see "Castaway" being a summer hit as well, but everything else was...out there, to say the least.
I definitely wasn't expecting a straight-up country album, but I'm sad to say that the previews left me sorely disappointed. I own all of ZBB's albums so far but I'm not really feeling their new music that much, and I'm not sure how I feel about this new direction that they're going in. I did like the preview of "Mango Tree" a lot but that's a jazz song, not a country one.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2015 13:28:04 GMT -5
Wow, Jekyll + Hyde sounds...way out there. "Homegrown" and "Loving You Easy" are really the only two songs that sounded country to me. I could see "Castaway" being a summer hit as well, but everything else was...out there, to say the least. I definitely wasn't expecting a straight-up country album, but I'm sad to say that the previews left me sorely disappointed. I own all of ZBB's albums so far but I'm not really feeling their new music that much, and I'm not sure how I feel about this new direction that they're going in. I did like the preview of "Mango Tree" a lot but that's a jazz song, not a country one. I have to agree on this one. I've never been an over-the-top ZBB fan, but I think I'll pass on this album. I can understand wanting to make a couple songs here or there that have different sounds and pull from different genres. When I listened to the previews, it just seemed very...I don't know...forced. Like they had their hearts set on going out and making a record where all of the songs could be assigned to different types of music, instead of just seeing where the music took them. I've been a fan of everything, from classic rock, to alternative rock, to ska, to orchestral, to R&B/hip hop...I landed in country for a reason, speaking personally, and I just can't see myself accepting this entire album as a country fan first and foremost.
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Apr 25, 2015 13:40:50 GMT -5
Whoa, I knew this one would be different but man this was even more than I was expecting. I think it's good but I didn't know how little amount of actual country songs would be on this album. The biggest shock to my system was when they went from "Homegrown" to "Mango Tree" to "Heavy Is The Head"...talk about three completely different songs, lol.
Hopefully this album will just be something different and not a string of things to come because I still need some "Goodbye In Her Eyes", "Colder Weather", As She's Walking Away's" from them in the future.
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dm2081
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Post by dm2081 on Apr 25, 2015 13:46:21 GMT -5
Wow, Jekyll + Hyde sounds...way out there. "Homegrown" and "Loving You Easy" are really the only two songs that sounded country to me. I could see "Castaway" being a summer hit as well, but everything else was...out there, to say the least. "Remedy", "Castaway", "One Day", "Wildfire" and even "I'll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter)" all sound like they could be hits on country radio to me. I imagine "Castaway" will be the 4th or 5th single to coincide with next spring/summer. I'd honestly have to say this is one of the best albums I've heard in a long time. I actually like that variety that occurs on this album. I too was hoping for something a little more country leaning, but they have plenty of options for radio. I imagine a radio edit for "Junkyard" will get sent out to Mainstream rock radio to follow up "Heavy Is The Head". It will be interesting if they do a full on Pop push with "Beautiful Drug" or "Tomorrow Never Comes". I kind of hope they do, because their better than 99% of the stuff that gets played on Pop radio these days IMO.
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someguy
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Post by someguy on Apr 25, 2015 13:48:01 GMT -5
Love this song. It has a great melody, and the breezy feel will make it a perfect single for the summer.
I was expecting a different album from them, but this is really different. I like a lot of what I hear though, so I'll be picking it up for sure.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2015 13:48:07 GMT -5
Hopefully this album will just be something different and not a string of things to come because I still need some "Goodbye In Her Eyes", "Colder Weather", As She's Walking Away's" from them in the future. It's coming to a point now where I'm not even sure who I can rely on for music that exceeds my expectations. Everyone just seems to be going in an odd direction. First Sam Hunt, now Thomas Rhett and Brett Eldredge. Zac Brown too? Sigh. Hoping I can rely on these 6 for many years to come: Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan. Seems they never do anything *too* drastic and continue making solid music, in line with their style and character.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2015 13:59:11 GMT -5
"Remedy", "Castaway", "One Day", "Wildfire" and even "I'll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter)" all sound like they could be hits on country radio to me. I imagine "Castaway" will be the 4th or 5th single to coincide with next spring/summer. Really? I don't see it, at all (or hear it, I should say). "Castaway" seems like it would be a hit, but the others? They sound way too out there for country radio. I like other kinds of music besides country but most of the styles on this album just don't seem to be a good fit for Zac's voice. I know this band has always seen itself as not fitting into any single genre, but they've made some great country music in the past and they really seemed at home doing it. This new group of songs, though, hardly sounds like ZBB to me. "Loving You Easy" is going to be a big hit, but after that I think they're going to have a tough time finding success on country radio. I've been trying to imagine "Remedy" or "Wildfire" on country radio and while those might be the best choices they have (aside from "Castaway"), they don't sound like big hits to me, or like songs that would be big digital sellers. I could see them maybe achieving "All Alright"-level of success with those songs.
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Post by drakeowens on Apr 25, 2015 14:06:18 GMT -5
Really excited for this album, ive loved every song ive heard so far. This song is definitely "groovy"
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dm2081
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Post by dm2081 on Apr 25, 2015 14:17:41 GMT -5
"Remedy", "Castaway", "One Day", "Wildfire" and even "I'll Be Your Man (Song For A Daughter)" all sound like they could be hits on country radio to me. I imagine "Castaway" will be the 4th or 5th single to coincide with next spring/summer. Really? I don't see it, at all (or hear it, I should say). "Castaway" seems like it would be a hit, but the others? They sound way too out there for country radio. I like other kinds of music besides country but most of the styles on this album just don't seem to be a good fit for Zac's voice. I know this band has always seen itself as not fitting into any single genre, but they've made some great country music in the past and they really seemed at home doing it. This new group of songs, though, hardly sounds like ZBB to me. "Loving You Easy" is going to be a big hit, but after that I think they're going to have a tough time finding success on country radio. I've been trying to imagine "Remedy" or "Wildfire" on country radio and while those might be the best choices they have (aside from "Castaway"), they don't sound like big hits to me, or like songs that would be big digital sellers. I could see them maybe achieving "All Alright"-level of success with those songs. Maybe I should have clarified a bit then. I don't think anything will be as big as "Homegrown" was, but I could easily see "Remedy" going to #1 or #2 and at least being near Gold status. "Remedy" sounds like vintage ZBB to my ears, kind of like a faster version of "No Hurry" or "Free" instrumentally. It does have some slight experimentation on it, but nothing I see being too controversial for radio. "Castaway" could probably at least repeat the success that "Jump Right In" had, provided their momentum hasn't stalled by the time they release it. That's 4 singles already, so really only is room for one more. "Wildfire" seems like a safe radio hit to me, but not necessarily a strong seller (Similar to "Raise 'Em Up" or "Till It's Gone" recently). "I'll Be Your Man" or "Dress Blues" would definitely be a risk, but if anyone can get a hit with a slower song like that, ZBB would be the ones to do so. "One Day" sounds like a mix of country with some reggae and African music, but it still sounds like a hit to me. I will admit some biased though, because I always have been a ZBB fan and want them to do well. But those songs I listed all sound really at home in their catalog in my opinion. I guess only time will tell.
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zjames
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Post by zjames on Apr 25, 2015 14:18:14 GMT -5
"Castaway" and "Wildfire" sound like big country hits to me.
"Tomorrow Never Comes" and "Beautiful Drug might be able to become decent sized pop-hits. I'm not expecting them to light the world on fire, but either one could probably go Top-20.
This album era's single choices are going to be interesting to say the least.
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Dustin J.
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Post by Dustin J. on Apr 25, 2015 22:24:10 GMT -5
Why is everyone so surprised that this album is "out there"? It's produced by Jay Joyce. Look at what he did with Eric Church & Little Big Town's most recent albums...about 20% country and 80% "let's throw every other genre in a blender, turn it on, and see what it spits out".
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 25, 2015 22:46:22 GMT -5
Why is everyone so surprised that this album is "out there"? It's produced by Jay Joyce. Look at what he did with Eric Church & Little Big Town's most recent albums...about 20% country and 80% "let's throw every other genre in a blender, turn it on, and see what it spits out". For me, it's because this album is the most "out there" one I've heard yet, from an artist that has released some great country radio hits over the last 5+ years. It's not like Jay Joyce can't produce good country music (and for the record, I think he's a good producer no matter what sound he goes with). He's produced all of Eric's albums and he also produced LBT's Tornado, which I thought was a fantastic album (I don't have Pain Killer yet -- I know, I'm a bad fan). In my opinion, most of Jekyll + Hyde just doesn't sound like the Zac Brown Band at all, and this is coming from someone who has seen them in concert, who owns all of their albums, who knows what they sounded like prior to "Chicken Fried", and who's aware that the band has never really seen themselves as "just a country band".
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maine
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Post by maine on Apr 25, 2015 23:42:07 GMT -5
Haven't gotten around to listening to the album in full yet, but I am listening to the previews right now and I am really liking what I am hearing. The album is pretty different for them, and nothing like their previous material, but it still works.
ETA: Curious, is there a stream available for the album? Can't seem to find one.
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zjames
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Post by zjames on Apr 26, 2015 10:52:12 GMT -5
When I first heard this, I was a little disappointed. But after a few more listens I've really fallen in love with this. The production sounds so 70s while remaining country, and the chorus is so damn catchy; it's been stuck in my head for the past few days. My only gripe is the short length and the somewhat awkward transition between the final two choruses.
I'm actually really glad they didn't release "Castaway". While I do enjoy ZBB's beachy songs, it's nice to see them to release something a little different.
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Apr 26, 2015 11:37:05 GMT -5
I don't like this song as much as prior singles. I didn't know their new album was going beyond country. I might check it out as I do like Zac's voice.
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Rumors
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Post by Rumors on Apr 26, 2015 11:47:14 GMT -5
I just listened to Heavy Is The Head. JBB cheated a little bit didn't they. Put Chris Cornell on the chorus and active rock will play your song. Anyway, I'm not a active rock listener but this sounded like a pretty generic rock song...something like what Creed was putting out 14 years ago. This would be a song I would skip on the album. Curious now about the other styles...do they feature other artists as well? You know like Katy Perry to get a pop hit, etc. LOL! I'm a fan of artists trying different things out. I just didn't like this rock song at all.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2015 19:03:41 GMT -5
I'm projecting a debut of #29 for "Loving You Easy" on tomorrow's Billboard chart, behind Dustin Lynch but ahead of Rascal Flatts, Maddie & Tae, Reba, and Kip.
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sabre14
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Post by sabre14 on Apr 26, 2015 20:08:16 GMT -5
I'm projecting a debut of #29 for "Loving You Easy" on tomorrow's Billboard chart, behind Dustin Lynch but ahead of Rascal Flatts, Maddie & Tae, Reba, and Kip. "Loving You Easy" debuts at #38 on MB this week. :)
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bamafan2102
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Post by bamafan2102 on Apr 26, 2015 22:57:20 GMT -5
"Most" artist release 3 to 5 singles in an album cycle. If ZBB can push 4 to county,2 to rock, 1 to pop and possibly 1 to jazz and they all be different singles??? That would be quite a feat. They will get the album sales they want from the country fan base alone. The single sales from the other releases will be icing on the cake.
They already have a Number One in two different genres and almost at the same time. This will be an interesting cycle to say the least. Can't wait to hear the album.
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lmyers
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Post by lmyers on Apr 27, 2015 0:02:12 GMT -5
I've been a fan since 2005 and am really glad to hear Zac pushing his vocals again. He has a powerhouse voice with amazing range, but has cut it way back in the last few years due to such exhaustive touring. I've heard him rattle the rafters on Hwy 20 ride in the early years, and am looking forward to hearing him do this one live next week in Alpharetta Ga! I love the diversity of the album but then I'm not an exclusive country fan. Was also really pleased that he recorded a Darrell Scott song since I know he respects Darrell as a songwriter so much. Really odd to hear Rock from Darrell but it was good - the lyrics anyway! lol
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onebuffalo
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Post by onebuffalo on Apr 27, 2015 11:38:31 GMT -5
Country radio jumping on Loving You Easy:
ZAC BROWN BAND Loving You Easy 54 980 BRETT ELDREDGE Lose My Mind 53 696 COLE SWINDELL Let Me See Ya Girl 16 183 THOMAS RHETT Crash And Burn 6 71 BLAKE SHELTON Sangria 3 44
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