Georgie Thorogood takes a listen to newly released sampler from Old Dominion.
As an OD fan already, it was great to be asked to review their new EP, Memory Lane (Sampler).
Starting off with the title track, Memory Lane is a beat or two faster than anticipated, but with a great guitar solo and the usual easy to listen to vocals, it’s no wonder that it was the most added song at US country radio during release week. It’s catchy, has a pulsing beat and is bound to be a success with modern audiences.
Ain’t Got A Worry has a Darius Rucker vibe about it, but with co-writers such as Shane McAnally and Josh Osborn who have written some of the greatest pop-country tracks of recent years, it is no wonder this is a striking song. With some good solid country lyrics (jean jackets and hard luck days), it’s an attractive song which has impressed more with extra listens.
Freedom Like You is the third track on this four-song selection and hails a little more to the Old Dominion sound that we are familiar with. Written with Jordan Davis, who himself has had success with very pop-based country songs, this again feels like it has been produced and developed for a commercial market and perhaps lacks a little bit of authenticity.
The EP rounds off with ballad, Easier Said With Rum. Vocals are highlighted here and the slower tempo makes it easier to feel the nostalgia that runs through the track. By far the standout track for this listener, the electric guitar takes a prominent role in holding the song together and it feels very “Old Dominion.” It’s a winner.
The group has been previewing new tracks on social media over the last few months and Matthew Ramsey said of the EP release: “We’ve been working on so much new music, and the response to ‘Memory Lane’ has been so energizing that we decided we’re tired of sitting on it all!
“We’re so excited to share three more songs heading into the No Bad Vibes Tour and the next chapter in our musical journey.”
Old Dominion are currently the reigning CMA and ACM Group of the Year. The band won their fifth consecutive Vocal Group of the Year award at the 2022 CMA Awards and took home their fifth consecutive Group of the Year win at the 2022 ACM Awards. The band also earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2022 CMA Awards. Most recently, Old Dominion received a nomination for Favourite Country Duo or Group at the 2022 American Music Awards.