Brent Cobb - Ain’t Rocked in a While
“I don't mind takin' my time, even if I'm the only one listenin'.”
Country rock veteran Brent Cobb is well within his element on his seventh studio album, Ain’t Rocked in a While, which will be released on July 11 via his own record label Ol' Buddy Records/Thirty Tigers. The project delivers just over half an hour of mostly his signature dirty Southern rock style, aided by a first studio appearance from his touring band The Fixin's.
Arguably, the addition of the band is what stands out most about the album. The instrumental performances are great throughout the tracklist, with the guitar work being a particular standout. Songs like “Do it all the Time”, “Powerman” and “Take Yer Meds” stand out with excellent, dynamic guitar solos, which keep the songs interesting and give them an extra push of infectious energy. Brent Cobb and collaborator Oran Thornton do an excellent job with the production, too, giving the music the self-assured edge that is a staple of the country rock sound, with some parts even getting a little darker in homage to Cobb’s hard rock heroes.
Cobb himself also adds a great deal of fun to the music; his vocals are confident and engaging, and his writing is oftentimes quite simple, but has moments that will put a smile on the listener’s face. The only issue is that the mixing on the vocals is a little too hazy at times, making some of the lyrics a little tougher to understand.
The album very much sticks to what is within Cobb’s wheelhouse, not taking many risks, but instead prioritizing the execution of its tried and tested ideas. The one track that is different in this regard is the stripped down intro “Beyond Measure (Piano)”, which feels somewhat more vulnerable and gentle, making it stand out among the rest of the tracks in a way that’s easy to take to.
Overall, “Ain’t Rocked in a While” isn’t a particularly revolutionary album by any stretch of the imagination. Brent Cobb doesn’t really step out of his comfort zone - but he doesn’t really need to in order to make this project work. The album is an unquestionably fun, energetic listen, one with plenty of fun moments and some fantastic instrumental performances.
6.9/10
