Family Themed Acoustic Driven Songs from Mat Kearney| Posted June 07, 2024 After more than twenty years in the music business, Mat Kearney returns with his self-titled eighth studio album. Nashville band The Brook & The Bluff played on a handful of the songs, and Kearney split production duties between himself, Micah Tawkls, and Marc Scibilia. The album features twelve acoustically driven songs – all of which Kearney wrote or co-wrote - with gentle melodies, crisp percussion, and memorable choruses. Kearney has described the album as a friendly, organic hug. The primary theme on the album is family – love songs to his wife, a song about his daughters, getting back home to family from being out on tour, etc. I really like the music on this release, but I didn’t find the lyrics as interesting. Here are a few comments about each song: Headlights Home – This upbeat song was written by Kearney, Eli Teplin, Jordan Minton and Jordan Reynolds. The song is about him heading back home after being out on tour. The song features some good drum work. Palisades – This catchy song was written by Kearney, Brett Truitt and Trent Dabbs. Musically this is my favorite song on the album. I like the line “We never really made it, but we're closing in on a long-gone destination.” Real One – This song was written by Kearney and Nate Miles. Kearney has said that this song is about having history with someone and realizing they’re worth fighting for. “If you've got the one worth holding, then hold ‘em”. I enjoyed the drums on this song. The song features a memorable chorus. Good Thing Going On – This love song was written by Kearney, Mokita and Trent Dabbs. This is a slower song that features a memorable chorus. Kearney has stated that the song is about the time spent with someone, enjoying the experiences you share with someone, the things you do together and then that feeling of missing them when they’re not around. Sumac – This song which features some good percussion and Kearney singing in a falsetto, was written by Kearney and Joseph Settine. Kearney has stated that the song is a celebration of the differences of people. Drowning In Nostalgia – This song was written by Kearney, Mokita and Trent Dabbs. Kearney has described it as the most fictitious song on the album. The easy-going song features some nice backing vocals. My Two Hands – This love song was written by Kearney and Natalie Hemby. The song has a bit of a reggae beat. It’s perhaps the least interesting song on the album. Watch Me Go – This upbeat acoustic driven song was written by Kearney and Trent Dabbs. Easy – This song was written by Kearney, who also played all of the instruments. The song is about how his wife makes everything look easy. Dandelion – This upbeat song was written by Kearney, Emily Falvey and Nate Miles. Kearney has stated that he wrote the song about his daughters, and wanting to watch them soar into whatever passion or path they choose. The song features a memorable chorus and backing vocals. Old Flame – This easy-going love song was written by Kearney and Trent Dabbs. He asks “How about wasting one more day on that old flame”? Daydream – This love song was written by Kearney, Josh Dorr and Nick Bailey. Kearney has stated that the song is about the fantasy of being on vacation. The song has Kearney singing accompanied by acoustic guitar. The song features some excellent backing vocals. Favorite songs: Headlights Home Palisades Real One Dandelion
to add lyrics if not listed.
