What Are You Listening To by Chris Stapleton

When the name Chris Stapleton came up for this review I was trying to remember where I had heard the name before. I figured he was an established artist that was getting ready to break out into the mainstream or something.

It turns out I was out of the loop. This guy has written some of the biggest country songs of the last ten years or so. His songwriting credits are amazing with artists in his portfolio like Kenny Chesney and George Strait. Come on man.

Chris is part of Brad Paisley’s Sea Gayle crew. Those folks  have been rocking the house for years winning awards and putting out hits.

But now it’s Chris’ turn to become the singer on the radio.

What Are You Listening To – Chris Stapleton

I have a theory about songwriters and their first solo singles. It has to be a really difficult thing to do. As a successful songwriter you’ve been writing for other artists. They know what their little niche is in the world and you can write to fit that niche.

But when it comes time to record your own music you have to step back and figure out what you want to say. You have to figure out your place in the music world.

I think Chris has done that well with this song. First off – his voice is great. There isn’t really a voice like this in country right now. It’s a little edgy and rocky, but it’s sweet.

The song is about the mood a woman out there has and how she shows it by the music she’s listening to. It’s a neat little hook for a song.

It’s tough to come out with a ballad or love song like this. I think it can do pretty well, though.

What do you think?

Chart Estimate: #15

CML Points: 80/100