On Luke Combs‘ last album, Growin’ Up, he explored the musical world through the eyes of a young artist struggling to reach the top of his game. He covered the usual country music terrain, but his vocal stylings added flavor to the standard clichés and comforts country is known for. That formula garnered him a CMT Artist of the Year nomination and a CMA Entertainer of the Year award.
Combs plays the voice of experience now in Gettin’ Old. As with his previous work, Combs recalls the good times, finds happiness in the simple things, and falls in love. The valuable knowledge that comes with fatherhood and stardom adds depth to the stories he shares this time.
“This album is about the stage of life I’m in right now,” says Combs. “It’s about coming of age, loving where life is now but missing how it used to be, continuing to fall for the one you love and loving them no matter what, living in the moment but still wondering how much time you have left, family, friends, being thankful, and leaving a legacy.”
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Through 18 songs, Combs elaborates on these ideals – love and family – to their deepest depths while remaining accessible to mainstream radio. He captures the beauty of nostalgia, longing, and love while also exploring the darker sides of life – the pressure of time, death, and the feeling of not belonging. Combs’ masterful songwriting and production skills weave together a powerful narrative that resonates with listeners – most of the time.
The album opens with “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old,” a contemplative track that bridges his previous album with this one. The song is an honest reflection on growing older and the challenges that come with it. With Combs’ signature blend of thoughtful lyricism and production, it’s a powerful reminder that life is fleeting and to make the most of it.
This album’s first track sets the tone for what’s to come. Some of Combs’ songs focus on his fatherhood and adoration of his wife, while other songs demonstrate his willingness to raise hell and “throw the hammer down.” It encompasses a moment we’ve all had, will have, or are now having – growing old yet clinging to the glory days.
Any singer/songwriter worth their salt knows how to deliver a love song, and Combs is better than most. Although he writes several love songs (like “Love You Anyway” and “Hannah Ford Road”) about romantic love, he also writes about the love of a father several times. “Take You With Me” and “See Me Now” are prime examples. These songs are incredibly touching, showing Combs’s love for his son. They reflect on precious father-son memories he’s shared with his child, rooted in a deep desire to relive those days. If it was up to me, we would do everything together / When you’re young like that, you think those days last forever / Didn’t know back then how much those words would mean / “I’ll take you with me…”
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No review of Gettin Old would be complete without mentioning his cover of Tracy Chapman’s ‘Fast Car.’ This mostly standard cover has exceeded the original’s peak position on the Billboard Hot 100.
Combs, who says the original was his “first favorite song probably ever,” nevertheless performs the track as an afterthought. His version is delivered void of the emotion Chapman shows in her classic version. Too bad, because it works as a country song, or would have, had it been delivered with the feelings and emotions Combs gave to other songs on the album.
Overall, Combs has turned in an enjoyable country music album riding a new wave of crossover hits not seen since the early 1980s.
