Canadian country artist Brett Kissel may be the biggest act you haven’t heard of, yet. In Canada he literally may be bigger than poutine, and he’s about to take the States by storm. Kissel wrapped up a stellar 2017, which including winning a CCMA (Canadian Country Music Association) for male artist of the year, by releasing his new album We Were That Song. This guy’s talent is undeniable and he’s backed by bandmates that have just as much skill as he does. In addition to Brett’s own star power he adds in some familiar names on the album.
Track List:
“We Were That Song”
“Anthem”
“Guitars And Gasoline”
“Nights In The Sun (ft. Grandpa Bear)”
“Between You And Me”
“That’s How The World Ends”
“Slow Me Down”
“Cecilia”
“Shootin’ It”
“Damn! (ft. Dave Mustaine)”
“Drink, Cuss, or Fish”
“God Made Daughters”
“Burgers And Fries (ft. Charley Pride)”
Top Tracks: “We Were That Song”; “Anthem”; “Damn!”
Overall Rating: 4/5
Kissel’s infectious energy is on full display throughout the album, and his unique style allows for great musical variety on the album. Most artists have a hard time getting it right when mixing multiple influences on a single project, but Kissel nails it. Bringing in country legend Charley Pride and Megadeth guitarist Dave Mustaine to an album filled with fiddle adds to the well-executed blend.
“We Were That Song”
Kissel debuted We Were That Song at the CCMA’s in September, it’s already his tenth top 10, with room to challenge for the top spot. The song embraces pop influences as it describes everything about a failed relationship. It’s not a sad song though, its upbeat production gives more of the sense of happy reflection of days gone by. We were the almost, yeah but not quite / We were the steel guitars that cry / And the line about loving and leaving / And lonely in the might-have-been
“Anthem”
Kissel introduces this song at has shows as a track inspired by the slow seeping in of EDM to country music. The influence isn’t as pronounced as Kissel makes it sound, and this is one of my favorite songs on the album. While it’s definitely poppy, it’s also got a great boot-stomping vibe. Tyler Vollrath’s absolute mastery of the fiddle really brings the song together. You’re my chorus / You’re my verse / Pledge allegiance every word / Turn it up and turn me on / Now baby don’t be shy
“Guitars and Gasoline”
Musically to me this song sounds like Randy Houser’s How Country Feels, which isn’t a bad thing. Guitars and Gasoline relates to any guy growing up knowing that those are the only two things you need growing up. A little Born In The USA in the middle of a wide-open two lane / Can’t nothing spark a flame in two hearts
“Nights in the Sun (ft. Grandpa Bear)”
Kissel’s star-powered filled features start off with the one more import to Kissel himself, his grandfather. Nights In The Sun is the advice that Grandpa Bear gave to Kissel to enjoying your younger years. If I could hit rewind on that old clock / I’d roll back to a place and stop / Smack dab in the middle of our nights in the sun
“Between You and Me”
This sexy track is written around a clever double entendre. The title is not just the secret excitement he has about the night that’s been planned for a while, but also what he wants between them later on (nothing). Skin on skin, lips on lips / I’ll be kissing away all the space / Between you and me
“That’s How The World Ends”
Sometimes when a relationship ends it feels like the world’s ending for you, and that’s exactly what this song hits on. It’s a solid track, but gets a little lost amidst all the other variety in the album. She’s gone, she don’t even know that / I’ve gone crazy / Tossin’, turnin’, hurtin’ all night waking up
“Slow Me Down”
Anyone can find themselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. This is a love song to the one person in life that can help you get grounded again. Like That’s How The World Ends, its another traditional sounding country track. Just jump in the car and hit the gas / I need ya fast / Baby speed, baby speed / Get to me
“Cecilia”
Co-written with High Valley, the fellow Canadians’ musical influence is front and center. Cecilia is a track about Brett’s wife. It’s a fun, upbeat, personal love song. So don’t give up / Hold on, I’m on my way back home / Sweetheart, I’m on my way
“Shootin’ it”
Shootin’ It is a funky and fun little track. You’ll find your head bobbing along to the groove without even realizing it. Guitarist Matty McKay lays down some solid licks throughout. Double barrel hanging out the right side / Puttin bullet holes into a stop sign / Like you do with your boys, round the table making noise / Called your bluff, straight flush, big winner (chicken dinner)
“Damn! (ft. Mustaine)”
The second of features on the album, and probably the most surprising. Dave Mustaine made his career as the lead guitarist in heavy metal band Megadeth and even did a brief stint with Metallica in the early 80s. Damn! is an upbeat, boot stompin’ dance song, driven by the great combination of banjo and Mustaine’s wailing guitar. My heart’s thumping, keep it comin’ / Girl you’re something / Damn
“Drink, Cuss, or Fish”
The best advice you’ll ever get. Don’t trust anyone who doesn’t drink, cuss, or fish. This track includes some of the goofy banter between Brett and the band during the recording, and is the perfect sit around and crack a cold one with the boys song. If tippin’ one back sounds like a damn good time / You ain’t afraid to let a four letter fly
“God Made Daughters”
This song would fit right in on any George Strait album. Soft guitar picking and long fiddle strokes give it a strong 80s/90s country vibe. It’s a sweet song about how guys change once they have a little girl. So I hid my tears, everytime I hurt / Never wore my feelings on the sleeve of my shirt / Yeah, but that all changed on the day I became a father
“Burgers and Fries (ft. Charley Pride)”
The album ends on this reflective track featuring country music legend Charley Pride. The nostalgia is strong in this song as Kissel reflects on the good ole days when life was just easier. The inclusion of Pride hammers home the yearning for simpler times. Well I’m still the same old me / That’s all I’ll ever be / And I’d like to think / That you’re the same old you
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