Country Things Explained

Country Things
Type:studio
Artist:Granger Smith
Cover:Country Things Vol. 1.jpg
Genre:Country
Length:26:00
Label:Wheelhouse
Producer:
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Country Things is the tenth studio album by American country musician Granger Smith, released on September 25, 2020. Work on the album began in early 2019, but the death of Smith's 3-year-old son put the album on hold. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Smith was able to focus on writing songs again and completing the album. The first single from the album, "That's Why I Love Dirt Roads", was released in October 2019. The album was initially released as two individual discs, Country Things, Vol. 1 and Country Things, Vol. 2.

Background

Granger Smith had begun writing songs for the album in the beginning of 2019.[1] He was half-way done when tragedy struck. His 3-year-old son, River, died on June 6, 2019, after accidentally falling into the pool at their home, and everything was put on hold.[2] It took nearly ten months before Smith started writing songs again, and when the COVID-19 pandemic further delayed the new album, he continued to write more songs. Instead of overloading the songs onto one album, the decision was made to split them up, eight songs on each album.[3] Country Things Vol. 1 was released on September 25, 2020, with volume 2 released in November.[4]

Inspiration

Country Things Vol. 1 is a personal album for Smith, who after dealing with the tragedy of his son's death, said "it became about appreciating the gratefulness in the day without being overweighed by the worries of tomorrow." He wanted to focus on "the things you want to raise your kids with and find joy in. The country things."[5] Songs on the album reflect not only his family values and deep introspection, but also Smith's penchant for fun.[6] The track, "Country and Ya Know It", features an appearance by his alter ego, Earl Dibbles Jr.

Singles

"That's Why I Love Dirt Roads" was released as a single on October 25, 2019, peaking at No. 50 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in July 2020.[7] [8] The second single, "Hate You Like I Love You", was released February 8, 2021.

Track listing

Volume 1
  • Volume 2

    • Personnel

    Adapted from AllMusic[9]

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: Granger Smith Confronts a Mix of Grief and Gratefulness On New Album 'Country Things, Vol. 1' . Tricia . Despres . . September 24, 2020 . October 1, 2020.
    2. Web site: Amber and Granger Smith Give Vulnerable First Update Since Son's River's Tragic Death . Chris . Parton . Sounds Like Nashville . June 20, 2019 . October 1, 2020.
    3. Web site: Granger Smith Stays the Course with 10th Album, 'Country Things, Vol. 1' . Chris . Parton . Sounds Like Nashville . September 25, 2020 . October 1, 2020.
    4. Web site: Interview: Granger Smith Opens Up About His Two-Part Album 'Country Things' . Pip . Ellwood-Hughes . Entertainment Focus . October 12, 2020 . October 14, 2020.
    5. Web site: Granger Smith Plans Part One of Double Album, 'Country Things, Vol. 1' . Chris . Parton . Sounds Like Nashville . August 28, 2020 . October 1, 2020.
    6. Web site: Granger Smith's 'Country Things Vol. 1' is here: "I really believe it's my best album yet" . Carena . Liptak . . September 25, 2020 . October 1, 2020.
    7. Web site: Granger Smith Releases New Single, "That's Why I Love Dirt Roads," Look Closely, That's River's Face In The Mountains . Steve . Gazibara . October 28, 2019 . October 2, 2020.
    8. Granger Smith Chart History (Country Airplay) . . July 18, 2020 . October 2, 2020.
    9. Web site: Credits. AllMusic. October 19, 2020.

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