Jeremy McComb is unlike other country artists.

There is no cowboy hat (not that those are popular much anymore. There is a rough edge to his voice yet some smoothness in his lyrics. There is a contrast to Jeremy McComb’s latest album, Leap…and the Net Will Appear, that makes it interesting to listen to. Sometimes that’s what can make an album a success – it’s interesting.

Too many albums are made for the simple purpose of entertainment. Many artists can achieve this with a song or two, but it takes a really good artist to make an album that is interesting. You keep going back to listen to the songs. You hear the melodies. You pay more attention to the lyrics. This is the sign of an interesting album.

I think Jeremy McComb has made a great country album with Leap. I’m not sure if it’ll be the one that makes him a superstar, but he’ll definitely find some new fans as he tours in support of the collection.

Jeremy McComb Leap Album Review

If Jeremy had released Leap around 1999 he would have been an innovator. There was a change in country music around that time that saw artists throwing away their hats and bringing a more pop sound to country radio. Some of the traditionalists (even myself) didn’t like the new direction, but eventually just about every artists (save George Strait) went a little pop and the music expanded. It was good for everybody.

Jeremy McComb’s album is a little bit of a throwback to that turn of the century sound. There is a little pop, a little folk, and plenty of country on the album Leap And The Net Will Appear. The songs are personal. The melodies are catchy and the lyrics have depth. There isn’t much more you can do to make an album successful.

This was my first introduction to Jeremy McComb, but I can already tell he’s got a loyal following. Leap is a great album (and I love the title).

Here are my song by song thoughts.

1. Unstable

Here’s a country sound for you. The bluegrass comes in right away on the opening notes before the rock kicks in. It’s an interesting way to start a new record, but it sure makes a statement. As a guy that lived life a little on the unstable side this one really hits home and makes me sing along with every word.

2. She Doesn’t Sing

I like this song a lot. It has this groove about it that I really like in a country song. It’s romantic yet charismatic. I’m not sure how to quite explain it except there is something that makes a guy wish he had been the one to think of this melody. The track is about a woman that is already past the point of knowing she’s living. She’s not singing the sad songs anymore. She’s past that point and already out the door. And I realize that doesn’t sound romantic at all.

3. Time

Jeremy for sure has soul in those vocals. He’s plenty country, but there is more depth to his music. It’s a nice twist on the modern and traditional sounds of country. It’s a simple song about the time we have in life. There is nothing we can really do to change the pace. We just need to do the best we can and make life worthwhile.

4. Sugar Cane

Here’s the rocking, single-worthy track from the album. It’s catchy and ready for country radio. Sugar Cane is romantic and it sounds like something that should be on the Top Five at 5. I hear this kind of song all the time heading home from the office. It’s a great romantic radio song.

5. Easy As Breathin’

Smooth would be a good word to describe Jeremy’s music. He’s got this groove in every song that makes you just wave your body back and forth as you listen. This one is a love song. Love should be easy shouldn’t it? Why should it be difficult? Can’t we all find someone that is just easy to be with? I think that’s how we all want it to be. Why work so hard? Find someone that’s easy to love. As easy as breathin’.

6. What A Daddy’s Gonna Say

I’m not a daddy, but I’m lucky enough to have a great one. All the things he said over the years have still stuck with me. He had a great way of using his experience to help me along the way. Through childhood, high school, and into adulthood he has never said too much, but has always said the right things. When it comes to life and learning lessons there is nothing more important than good parents. It’s a song that pulls a little on that heart inside your chest. It’s a really great, simple song.

7. 5 To Midnight

This one’s probably the most country of all the songs on the record. It’s a sad song about love that’s died and the people that were involved. The guy is trying to save what’s left, but I can’t tell if it’s going to happen. Life has some opportunities to make mistakes and we all make our fair share. We just have to hope we can hang on to the ones we love along the way.

For more, check out Jeremy McComb