Southern Gravity Explained

Southern Gravity
Type:studio
Artist:Kristian Bush
Cover:Southern gravity.jpg
Genre:Country
Length:44:30
Label:Streamsound
Producer:
  • Kristian Bush
  • Tom Tapley

Southern Gravity is the debut solo studio album by American country music singer Kristian Bush, one half of the duo Sugarland. It was released on April 7, 2015 via Streamsound Records

Content

Bush revealed the track list and title of the album on January 28, 2015. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he said, "I want people to go, 'I had no idea!' Using my voice is something I've shied away from, and I can't believe what a tool it is."[1] Jon Freeman of Country Weekly described the album's content as "a remarkably positive album…with only 'House on the Beach' alluding to an air of exhaustion and 'Feeling Fine California' occurring in the bewildering in the aftermath of a breakup. In large part, the songs are as sunny and personable as the man who wrote and recorded them."[2] Marrissa Moss of Rolling Stone noted influences of Steve Earle, Zac Brown Band, and Jason Mraz in Bush's work for the album.[1]

The album's first single is "Trailer Hitch". Bush co-wrote all 12 songs, and co-produced the album with Tom Tapley; Byron Gallimore is the album's executive producer.[1]

Critical reception

Sarah Rodman of The Boston Globe reviewed the album favorably, saying that Bush "offer[s] up a collection of catchy radio-ready tunes that don’t go too heavy on the gloss and play up his rootsy leanings" and "Bush takes center stage behind the microphone for the first time and shows off his pleasantly gritty vocals as he waxes mostly chipper about life, love, and what it all means."[3] Giving it a B+, Bob Paxman of Country Weekly wrote that "overall, you’ll be drawn to the good and positive vibes, delivered with Kristian’s laid-back but soulful style, unbelievably catchy melodies and warm sentiments. "[4]

Chart performance

The album debuted on the Billboard 200 at 160 and the Top Country Albums chart at No. 16, selling 3,700 copies for the week in the US.[5]

Singles

YearSinglePeak chart positions
US CountryUS Country AirplayUS BubblingCAN Country
2014"Trailer Hitch"2521944
2015"Light Me Up"60

Notes and References

  1. Kristian Bush's 'Southern Gravity' Album Not Weighed Down by Stereotypes. Moss. Marrissa. 28 January 2015. Rolling Stone. 7 April 2015.
  2. Freeman. Jon. 13 April 2015. Applying Gravity: With his solo album, Kristian Bush makes a case for himself as country's most eclectic songwriter. Country Weekly. 22. 15. 1074-3235.
  3. Web site: Kristian Bush, 'Southern Gravity'. Rodman. Sarah. 6 April 2015. The Boston Globe. 7 April 2015.
  4. Web site: Kristian Bush, Southern Gravity. Paxman. Bob. 6 April 2015. Country Weekly. 7 April 2015.
  5. News: Country Album Chart Report For April 15, 2015 . Matt Bjorke . April 15, 2015 . Roughstock . Sales figure given here
  6. Web site: ARIA Report (Issue #1308). https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20150323130100/http://pandora.nla.gov.au/pan/23790/20150324-0001/Issue1308.pdf. dead. 2015-03-23. Australian Recording Industry Association. April 12, 2017.