Parker McCollum’s “Probably Wrong” Is Not to Be Overlooked
As the country music world was attempting to decompress from an incredibly active and contentious 2017 CMA Awards cycle, and the nervous system of the rest of music was rabidly affixed to the release of Taylor Swift’s latest project, a songwriter from Austin named Parker McCollum released one of the greatest country/Americana records in all of 2017, and about the only problem with it is not enough people are paying attention.
Strikingly brilliant of composition, richly diverse, both progressive and traditional, a tour de force of songwriting, and incredibly textured with strong instrumentation, Probably Wrong has just about everything you could want from any record, whether you count yourself a country fan, more of an Americana type, a country rocker, or whatever may be in between, man or woman, young or old. Whatever your roots music persuasion, Parker McCollum seems to have you covered, as long as you’re willing to open your heart to a new name, and a forward-thinking approach to a powerful expression of country music.
The argument is often made how country music must evolve to stay relevant. This reasoning is often employed to justify some of the most egregious examples of country perversion ever subjected to the human ear which are often much more akin to devolution than forward progress. That argument also discounts all the artists in bluegrass, Texas country, and Americana who actually are actively moving the music forward by bridging more contemporary sounds with a staunch adherence and appreciation of country’s roots.
There might not be a better example of attempting to define country music’s creative horizon and pushing the possibilities of country forward than Parker McCollum’s Probably Wrong. Calling it a diverse record is one thing, but that fails to convey just how expansive and enthralling this project is throughout. And Parker does this by so fine tuning his melodies and taking a more modal approach to song structures, while still keeping everything immediately inviting to the ear. This isn’t hard music to listen to. It’s so easy on the ears you could almost call it pop in moments. Yet the songwriting and the structures are so enveloping and wise, you’re uplifted for listening as opposed to just entertained.
What really is striking about this record is how expertly it was put together from stem to stern, with not just a keen adeptness of songcraft and production, but with an undying passion that touches every moment of every song. Among other things you could label this album, it’s a breakup record, which means the emotions were rich when pen was being put to paper, melodies were being annotated, and tracks being put on tape. Unsigned and undaunted, Parker put everything he had into the project, and the results are powerful.
Probably Wrong is a nearly perfect combination of energetic and inviting country rock, and surprisingly staunch traditional country. You can’t just hear one song and expect to understand what’s going on here, though that’s how many will approach this record, and fail to see its genius. There’s the type of country rock here that is all the hip rage in Texas music, and will make younger audiences gravitate to Parker. But you look at him with his decidedly fresh mid 20’s features and the almost futuristic approach to the artwork, and then you’re completely taken off guard by how traditional this record veers. This truly is a record that has something for everyone.
It’s also worth remarking on the excellent piano work that really enhances this record, and allows it to rise above the crowded field of country releases. It’s a texture too often overlooked or buried in the background, while Parker in parts uses it as the powerful bed from where the rest of the music emerges. Along with everything else, the piano gives Probably Wrong an originality and freshness of sound compared to other projects.
Parker’s voice will probably be a point of discussion since he doesn’t have one of those deep, barrel-chested Jamey Johnson tones. It’s more akin to Jon Pardi, meaning Parker’s sweet spot is higher in the register. But his voice should really be given a fair chance because the way he crafts his melodies, Parker’s singing comes in well above passable. It is incredibly soulful when the lyrics takes him in directions where emotion is powerfully evoked.
Without some huge national push behind him from a label, how this record was first piecemealed out as two EPs (which is rarely a smart move), and the fact that its not just one song, but the whole entire project that deserves to be heard, means Probably Wrong is rife to be overlooked, or misunderstood, especially as the end of the year nears, and everyone gets their “Best Of” lists populated. But Probably Wrong and Parker McCollum are not to be trifled with. He’s put together a record that charts a way forward for country music, bridges two worlds in a divisive era, and gives one hope for the horizons of roots music moving forward.
Two guns up.
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November 11, 2017 @ 12:10 pm
idk
November 11, 2017 @ 12:24 pm
I haven’t had a chance to listen to this album yet but your review has me excited for it . I downloaded the Limestone Kid without knowing anything about Parker McCollum and it blew me away so when I saw he had a new album on the horizon I immediately preordered it .
November 11, 2017 @ 1:07 pm
Sounds great. A bit of fresh air from all the recent songs that get spoiled by soapbox politics or electronics.
Now it will cost a fortune to get it in Australia
November 11, 2017 @ 1:47 pm
This guy beat up Apollo Creed, gave Rocky all he could handle, and makes a kick ass album? Some guys can just do it all.
November 12, 2017 @ 9:03 am
You think he looks like Ivan Drago? Hahahaha
November 12, 2017 @ 10:31 am
I was thinking vanilla ice.
November 11, 2017 @ 3:27 pm
I have been burning up “Lonesome Ten Miles” non stop since he released it. Such a catchy track with great lyrics. Parker is doing great things under the radar, in his own style with a confidence that is almost unimaginable given his age. I hope the Red Dirt/Texas scene gives him the launch pad it has given Turnpike, since I see lots of parallels in the plaintive voice/lyrics, infectious melodies and attention to detail in songwriting/musicianship/production. Thanks for reviewing.
November 11, 2017 @ 6:06 pm
Well, it’s better than Jason Isbel. I didn’t care for the first track but liked the second some. Went and bought the tune TK said he can’t stop listening too…
November 12, 2017 @ 7:34 am
I enjoy “Lonesome Ten Miles” but I wish I had bought it from the full length cause the “session” album covers are terrible. He looks the kinda guy who’s name is Parker…
November 11, 2017 @ 6:49 pm
Decent album overall. I’m not a big fan of his voice and it doesn’t really translate well to live shows I’ve seen. Hell of a Year is a good example of where his voice gets a little pitchy. Some catchy tunes in there but after overdosing on Tyler Childers and Turnpike I’m a little spoiled at the moment.
November 12, 2017 @ 6:00 am
Sorry, but a voice a little “pitchy” is often a voice not tainted by auto-tune. We complain when records sound over produced; we shouldn’t complain when it sounds like it was sung by a real person.
Not everyone can sing like Eddy Arnold.
November 12, 2017 @ 6:15 pm
But plenty of people can sing on pitch.
Sorry, I like the track Trigger links to down here in the comments, but the live clips of Parker make me think I’m going to grab a track or two and then wait a while.
November 11, 2017 @ 8:56 pm
Good lyrics, but really pop feel to it. They play I can’t breathe on the pop country station all the time, I thought this was Jake Owen or something.
November 12, 2017 @ 2:00 am
I didn’t know radio was playing that track but that makes sense cause I hated that song. Can’t believe the perfect rating after hearing that crap. The other couple I listened to weren’t bad but I’ll have to sit with them awhile to see if I wanna buy more.
November 12, 2017 @ 9:34 am
As I wrote in the review, the biggest adversity to this record is people listening to one or two songs, and deciding they have this project pegged. I almost posted NO samples just to compel people to listen to the whole project, but the way most of the country stuff is back loaded probably wouldn’t have solved anything.
Some projects the problem is the voice isn’t right. Some projects it’s that the songwriting isn’t there, or the instrumentation. With Parker McCollum’s, the problem is people are not going to want to give it a fair chance for a host of reasons. There’s little buzz behind this project because it was independently released, and parsed out via two EP’s. He’s got a Millennial name, and all the imagery is ultra-modern. Since the sound grows out from the piano, some will think it’s pop.
But go listen to a song like “Things Are Looking Up,” THE WHOLE SONG, and tell me this is pop. Then listen to “Learn to Fly.” But posting these two tracks doesn’t tell the full story of the album either, because it’s not a hard country shit kicker. It’s an expansive, diverse project with lots to textures to keep you enthralled.
Like any album, it’s not going to appeal to everyone. But I’m telling you, with this album in particular, there are all of these adversities to getting you to understand what’s really going on beneath the surface.
November 12, 2017 @ 4:23 pm
I will do that. But that first tune is terrible regardless of what there songs surround it. Just like the album version of Childer’s “Universal Sound” – awful.
November 12, 2017 @ 4:43 pm
Not sure why the comparison for Parker McCollum has become Tyler Childers. Two completely different sides of the roots music spectrum. Just like “Universal Sound,” Parker is on the more progressive end of the spectrum. Totally understand if that’s not people’s cup of tea, especially on a country music website. But that doesn’t immediately make it “pop,” or unworthy of critical recognition.
November 12, 2017 @ 5:53 pm
I brought childers up because in my view Purgatory is so much better than this album that it’s hard to put into words. AND, it didn’t receive the rating or the extreme over the top praise. It was a simple reference, and I agree Tyler doesn’t need to be in the conversation of the merits of this album. Finally, I am not hearing anything progressive with Parker.
November 12, 2017 @ 6:10 pm
Trigger you have introduced me to more good music than I can even begin to count – virtually everything that is good in this genre that isn’t Hank3 or didn’t tour with Hank3 when he still brought out openers I learned of because of you. But Universal Sound isn’t progressive, unless progressive is now synonymous with faggy. This goes for I Can’t Breathe as well. No two ways about it.
November 12, 2017 @ 6:15 pm
Better be careful or you’ll get the faggy inside of you.
Stupid bigoted …
November 12, 2017 @ 6:52 pm
Jon, your commented was edited, and your subsequent comment deleted.
ShadeGrown, your rebuttal was deleted.
Let’s try to be respectful of everyone here, and that includes not using a word like “faggy.”
And frankly, that just lends to my assertion that folks aren’t giving Parker a fair shake because he’s not their kind of guy. Which is okay. But just because something is progressive or uses piano instead of steel guitar doesn’t make it “faggy.”
November 12, 2017 @ 7:00 pm
I don’t care if dudes wanna make out in private but I don’t need to hear it on tape. That’s what Universal Sound and I Can’t Breathe sound like to me. A spades a fucking spade, still – Goddamnit.
November 12, 2017 @ 7:06 pm
That’s fine. People can like or not like whatever music. Personal choice and all. I’m not a huge McCollum fan myself. I’ve heard a lot worse but there’s a lot of stuff I like better. But calling something you don’t like “faggy” is sixth grade 2005 shit. Shows you’re too stupid to come up with any kind of critical thought you can express to others. And that shit has been given a pass long enough. Say something worth saying or shut the hell up because no one cares that you’re afraid of the gays.
November 13, 2017 @ 8:23 am
Not really understanding the hate for “Universal Sound” I thought that was a really great track. Very refreshing.
November 13, 2017 @ 9:13 am
I agree. I thought that record needed a song like “Universal Sound” to keep things spicy, and the production fit the message. I totally understand that some country fans may not find favor with it, but that doesn’t make it bad music. I think country needs to find ways to work in more contemporary modes while still being grounded to the roots. That’s what “Universal Sound” did, and that’s what Parker McCollum does.
November 14, 2017 @ 11:56 pm
I like the record version and I like the version on YouTube that someone recorded in some little podunk high school gym where it’s just Tyler and a guitar. It’s a good song.
November 13, 2017 @ 8:14 pm
So I just listened to I Cant Breathe again to see if I was outta line with my criticism – I wasn’t nearly harsh enough! Has nothing to do with the piano. I like like piano. But seriously that song is disgusting.
November 11, 2017 @ 11:03 pm
He sounds good and what’s that I hear, real instruments??
I almost didn’t give a guy named Parker the chance, but it sounds like radio friendly music done the right way.
However, definitely not “2 stars”…
November 11, 2017 @ 11:09 pm
Thanks for this dude. I’ve been on this cats band wagon for a while now. He’s a young buck doing it the right way in a lot of different ways. Hate to compare him to other artists, but Sturgill & Isbell could take a lesson from this kid. This to me is the real direction country/roots/Americana music is headed, it’s just that no one else seems to have gotten the memo.
November 12, 2017 @ 9:06 am
I really enjoyed this album. Good review. As you pointed out, it might be a bit too poppy.
November 12, 2017 @ 9:50 am
Love this album all the way through, one of the best of the year. His first album the limestone kid is solid too. Can’t wait to see him at the music fest in steamboat springs
November 12, 2017 @ 12:22 pm
Decent country rock album, but not something that really stands out. Lots of the same tempo and guitar driven songs. Better than a lot of stuff out there, although this getting 2 guns up and being extolled for its impeccable songwriting, diversity, and production….when something like Tyler Childers’ Purgatory (which I think is pretty clearly heads and tails above this on all of those fronts) doesn’t get the same rating, is a head scratcher. Maybe I need to spend more time with it.
November 12, 2017 @ 1:53 pm
” Lots of the same tempo and guitar driven songs.”
” Maybe I need to spend more time with it.”
Then yes, you do. The main texture to this album is piano.
Look, this is not a straightforward country record like Tyler Childers. It also has no buzz cycle behind it, and the imagery is all counter to what country fans are probably used to seeing, and so it’s rife to be misunderstood.
You should listen to this song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1PQM1Qxi0M
November 12, 2017 @ 3:45 pm
Not sure what album you are referring to as having a “piano texture”. There is piano on the second half, yes, but I don’t think many people are going to have that as the main takeaway over the over rock / pop tones.
I don’t think Purgatory is a straightforward country record either. There is a good amount of country influence, yes, but bluegrass and a good old fashioned singer/songrwriter (for lack of a better term) vibe driven by his ability to tell a story is what I get.
For this McCollum record, by song (note: the good but not that great vocals across the board are not mentioned by song):
1 – (memphis rain) – guitar driven, distorted guitar towards the end, mid-tempo, snare heavy rock beat and bass progression. Decent song, not groundbreaking
2 – Another guitar forward, rock song, although a little slower tempo. Better than the first song.
3 – John Mellencamp guitar and song structure.
4 – (I can’t breath). A little variety here, but to my ears this too sappy / pop-ish for something that I could get excited about
5 – Standard blues forward electric guitar driven song. Like the piano, but again, this is not ground breaking or 2 guns stuff. Standard blues rock guitar solo trading licks with piano….kind of fun, but this is nothing that great.
6 – (Misunderstood) pretty cool song
7 – Guitar driven again, piano acknowledged, overall a cool song.
8 – obligatory accordion song on a 2017 country rock record
9- Decent song, like the piano, same snare-heavy rock beat with almost enough pop catchiness to make the song annoying (but not quite!)
10- (hell of a year) – not bad, hear that piano. He is definitely looking for that crossover vibe (ed sheeran is the vibe i get)
Overall, this isn’t even on the same plane as Purgatory (an album that was banged out in a week, by the way). Childers is on another planet when it comes to songwriting and ability to connect with an audience in an authentic way. This mccollum album is a decent album, but anything more than 6/10 is pushing it. As far as 2017 goes, I can literally not think of a single angle from which this can be viewed as a better album than Eady’s or Childer’s…or Moreland’s, or Freeman’s, or Stuart’s, or Pinnell’s, or several others.
November 12, 2017 @ 4:53 pm
Why are we comparing Tyler Childers to Parker McCollum? Side by side comparisons are rarely fair to either artist, especially when they’re being used for artists on two completely different sides of the spectrum. That’s when taste can factor into the equation. It’s my job as a reviewer to not let taste factor in.
“Not sure what album you are referring to as having a “piano texture”. There is piano on the second half, yes…”
That’s just untrue. “I Can’t Breathe” is a piano song. You may hate it or think it’s pop, but it’s a piano song. And there’s a lot of piano in a lot of the first half tunes.
And by the way, just because someone knows how to craft a melody doesn’t immediately make it pop. It makes it accessible, which is a virtue.
Again, I’m not trying to convince you to like this record. I completely identify the adversity it has for some to find the the importance of it, and wrote my review based off of that conclusion. But I can’t criticize a record because it’s not Tyler Childers. The only fair comparison is between what an artist does, and what I believe they’re capable of.
November 12, 2017 @ 6:03 pm
I brought up Tyler because his 2017 album received a lower review, and i simply stated that in my mind it’s completely nite.
Beyond that, my detailed post on each song had nothing to do with Tyler. A few piano tunes still does not make a great album. I could care less about the pop title (as long as it’s good Pop)…,,.i really just found the album mediocre, and was surprised at much of the analysis here and by the fact that the review is worded in a stronger positive tone than I think I have ever seen on SCM.
November 15, 2017 @ 10:21 am
I don’t think we should turn it into a battle of these guys. Both are better than mainstream country.
Personally, I like Parker’s album better. It seems you are knocking it for being too accessible and infectious on the first listen.
I’ve listened to Tyler’s album a few times really like it too.
But I am really leaning towards you knocking Parker simply because of his looks, voice, album art not being traditional.
November 12, 2017 @ 6:06 pm
That’s the stuff there, in that link.
I like the tautness in his attitude. You’re right there’s something modern in him, and it’s not just the artwork that suggest it.
Like Alan Jackson, he gives his players room to stretch. Much appreciated.
The vids in your original post are clever footwork but land no punch.
November 12, 2017 @ 12:58 pm
I do not understand what Americana is. My best definition is a platform for artists that do not receive airplay on country stations.
Anyway, this single is good. However, I do not hear anything that defines it as Americana or roots music. The distinction is that it seems to have little distinction other than bearing a song that I can listen to and is bearable. Especially against the backdrop of today’s country crap.
November 12, 2017 @ 1:49 pm
More so than any other record I have ever reviewed on this site, you cannot judge this album based off of the “single,” whichever song that is. You really can’t judge it off of two or three songs. I can’t stress this enough.
November 12, 2017 @ 2:56 pm
Another one for my country show. Love it. Cheers!!!
November 12, 2017 @ 4:14 pm
Thanks once again Trigger. I have only heard the two sample tracks so far, but I like what I’m hearing. For one thing, I’m not hearing the usual country clichés and the song craft and musicianship seems to be spot on. I know it’s highly debatable, but in my view the cover art doesn’t do him any favours. Perhaps it’s a kind of riff on the album title?? Without SCM I’d probably pass on it, thinking it was just another pop confection – in which case I’d be “Probably Wrong”.
November 12, 2017 @ 4:19 pm
First off , as usual I can’t play the videos posted above . I guess up here on Mars ( north of the 49th ) we need special copyright licensing or something for alien broadcasts ….WTF ??
I did manage to You Tube a few things and I like what Parker WANTS to pursue musically but for me the voice isn’t there in terms of conviction and character and musically it SEEMS to fall slightly short . But again ….full marks for effort and perhaps the whole album , as you suggest Trigger , holds up far better than selected cuts.
November 12, 2017 @ 7:27 pm
The comments so far have been such a relief to read. Languid, dozy, warm and welcoming in comparison to so many other threads. It might be the first night since that Dory review that I haven’t had to drink myself to sleep. Thanks for reviewing this.
November 12, 2017 @ 7:52 pm
Rabidly affixed to the release of Taylor Swift’s latest project..
Yup.
It’s excellent.
November 13, 2017 @ 9:01 am
I’m thinking this is sarcasm , Willie ..?…..but if it isn’t then please don’t be offended by me thinking that . There are just under 4000 or so acts I’d rather listen to ……but that’s just me , of course . lol
November 12, 2017 @ 7:56 pm
listened to the first 2 songs and was looking for a face to punch. glad i surfed around a little though. some good tunes in there.
November 12, 2017 @ 7:58 pm
Tyler Childers has a new song:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ot-wX7CxcRc
Straight up out of the earth. Benchmark writer. Looking forward to everything he does.
November 12, 2017 @ 9:24 pm
But does he have red pupils and a faux hawk? I think not!
November 13, 2017 @ 7:59 pm
He’s my next pretty boy lover
November 12, 2017 @ 11:06 pm
Out of respect for Trigger and the plethora of excellent music to which I have been introduced on this site, I am going to have to give this album a listen in its entirety. I was excited to listen to the two embedded songs based upon the glowing review. Parker’s voice, the guitar sounds, and the guitar leads did not, however, conjure any interest after a single listen. I love piano and enjoyed that bit, but for this style of music I think of lead guitar players like Laur Joamets, Ryan Engelman, Buddy Miller, Jason Isbell. I don’t know if Parker has a band, but the players sound a bit too much like slick, studio savvy, hired guns playing “textbook” licks to me.
November 13, 2017 @ 5:53 am
I’m going to listen to this, and ultimately I don’t care, but that is the worst album cover I’ve ever seen.
November 13, 2017 @ 11:07 am
Must not have seen many album covers, then.
November 13, 2017 @ 7:37 am
This is a fantastic album. Who the hell cares what his name is and what the album images are? That has nothing to do with the music at all. I will say that Parker’s voice will always be the thing that holds him back a bit but really that should be the only criticism here. This music is playlist worthy. There is not a song on this whole project that is not worth at least a listen. With this LP he has increased his spotify listeners monthly from 50,000 to a 167,000. That is a hell of a jump. He is gaining momentum fast and will be one of the staples of Texas Country in no time at all. And its all for a damn good reason cause this music is amazing.
November 13, 2017 @ 1:11 pm
Okay. I’ll be critical of his voice. In the videos posted I could only hear his voice on one of them and, like Trigger said, it’s not deep enough for my tastes. I kinda like the music but it didn’t grab me even though it drowned out his voice, which I didn’t care for anyway….LOL
You’re saying his voice will always hold him back. Well, a singer should be noted for their voice. If he becomes a staple for Texas Country, then Texas Country is in trouble, vocally. He needs some whiskey and cigarettes and coffee.
November 13, 2017 @ 1:32 pm
Well I think with many artists now days such as Tyler Childers (voice often cracks on high notes live) or The lead singer of flatland Calvary (just weird like Parkers) people are starting to be okay with maybe someone who doesn’t have the strongest voice because they make up for it in other ways. Such as great songwriting good instrumental content within the albums. I am more than okay with an average to above average singer if they make songs I can relate to and love the sound of those songs. Also, not everyone has to have a low voice if everyone did that would make this whole genre pretty boring would it not?
November 13, 2017 @ 6:54 pm
A legend talking about this very thing
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=%23&ved=0ahUKEwjUrpTb-bzXAhUBKWMKHWN0AasQwqsBCEQwCQ&usg=AOvVaw0VTJzWxrN8ZFOD4xbU2nov
November 13, 2017 @ 7:01 pm
Tryin that again
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nRWFslx_2xc
November 13, 2017 @ 7:17 pm
I’m happy for you, but, did you notice I said “for my tastes? And BTW, I’m a people and I’m not okay with it. High pitched voices have a place, and IMO that is in a backing vocal not a lead in its entirety. That said, I’m not a professional critic or even an expert but I am being critical which you asked for and I’m critiquing for my unprofessional, though long established (at least 53 of my 70 years) taste. Usually if I don’t like something played here I don’t say anything, but when invited in I will enter.
November 13, 2017 @ 8:25 pm
Sucks to be Bill Monroe and Ricky Skaggs I guess. Willie Nelson too. Del McCoury should just give it up I guess.
The low, heavily-inflected fake drawl is drowning independent country in sameness, and making folks think it’s the only way country can be sung. It’s like a form of tokenistic worship at this point. Parker’s voice has a lot of soul. You can’t argue taste, but you can argue against the idea that higher voices only have a place as backup in country.
November 13, 2017 @ 9:21 am
Parker would have blown the roof of of last year’s Braun Brothers Reunion if it had one. This kid is the real deal. Hard to top “The Limestone Kid,” which to my ears is one of the best records to come out of Texas in a long time. But the new one is really good. This kid is the future.
November 13, 2017 @ 10:19 am
Not exactly my cup of tea, but I appreciate what he’s doing and I hope he does well for himself. To me, this is how you do modern pop country right. I know he’s a big Rodney Crowell fan and I can see some obvious similarities.
November 13, 2017 @ 11:25 am
these comments Trigger are comical by some in this group, some amazing short sighted criticism of the best song writer in Texas and beyond. This kid is selling out every venue, #1 song on Texas Spotify 7 weeks in a row, a voice as unique as we have heard, produced by the one and only Lloyd Maines, released album in 3 sessions like John Mayer.. ever been to one of his shows and watched every person in the crowd passionately sing every word? probably same people who thought Strait was to straight, Hank was to rowdy – remember they said Taylor Swift couldn’t sing
November 13, 2017 @ 6:24 pm
I get the John Mayer reference…..same type of music
November 13, 2017 @ 6:50 pm
Ridiculous.
November 13, 2017 @ 6:56 pm
I just dont see this as country or Americana…
November 13, 2017 @ 8:18 pm
“Things Are Looking Up” from this album is an VERY country song. I would go as far as to say it is extremely country. “Blue Eyed Sally” is the same way. These songs are way more country than Americana, let alone more Americana than pop. “Learn to Fly” is solidly country. So is “South of the City Lights.” This is a country record. The problem here is folks have been so ingrained to believe that country music is a style instead of a sound, they see a guy like Parker McCollum, and they don’t even give him a chance. Independent country has been so consumed with Jamey Johnson knock offs with super-inflected drawls singing about the same bullshit in the same modes, if someone actually comes along that sings in a higher register and plays piano, and can actually create a melody instead of graft one, people think it’s pop.
I wrote this review for a specific purpose. I knew exactly what the reaction was going to be here. I wasn’t let down.
If you can get Hargus “Pig” Robbins thrown out of the Hall of Fame, then I will agree this record isn’t country.
November 13, 2017 @ 1:23 pm
“Things are Looking Up” alone is worth the price of admission. One of the best songs I’ve heard this year. Solid album for sure!!
November 13, 2017 @ 1:27 pm
Love this guy. Have all his music on constant rotation. Thanks for the review. The album cover is kinda sucky but the music is great.
November 13, 2017 @ 6:12 pm
To each his own i guess…sounds like modern country music….nothing special to me. I started the 2 songs posted but couldn’t get through them.
November 13, 2017 @ 6:59 pm
Man, I am so glad I found this site a couple weeks ago. I am now obsessed with this album and also Turnpike Troubadours.
How the hell have I not heard of these guys before… It’s a crime and heartbreaking that radio plays thomas rhett + luke bryan over these guys.
Looking forward to discovering more artists on this site, that I would NEVER have even heard of elsewhere. Thanks.
November 13, 2017 @ 9:05 pm
Trigger
November 13, 2017 @ 8:25 pm
Sucks to be Bill Monroe and Ricky Skaggs I guess. Willie Nelson too. Del McCoury should just give it up I guess.
The low, heavily-inflected fake drawl is drowning independent country in sameness, and making folks think it’s the only way country can be sung. It’s like a form of tokenistic worship at this point. Parker’s voice has a lot of soul. You can’t argue taste, but you can argue against the idea that higher voices only have a place as backup in country.
……….
Remember the line made famous in the presidential debate: started with “you ain’t”.
Well, he ain’t….. any of those you listed and I wouldn’t say Willie’s voice is high. Then again, like I said, I’m no expert, but, I can argue anything I want to especially when it comes to what “I” like.
And BTW, I “worship” no one or anything, and being from Texas (born in Fort Worth and having lived here my whole life except for 3 yrs and 8 mos in Ca in the Navy) I assure you my drawl ain’t fake, nor is Willie’s, or Del’s or Skaggs, or Monroe, though I don’t think Skaggs is all that prominent.
I stated my opinion. Your opinion (nor anyone else’s) will convince me to like something I don’t.
I’ve said it before I’ll say it again *most* new artist you review here all sound the same to me. That is “my” opinion and you even ‘allowed’ in this review that some would probably not like him because his voice is too high…. well here I am. I also said the music didn’t grab me. Is that okay with you?! Or do I have to like it because all you “experts” say it’s the best thing since sliced bread?
Good lord. I guess I’m done commenting here. I hate hurting y’all’s feelings by giving an opinion contradictory to all the experts….LOL.
November 13, 2017 @ 9:34 pm
Hey DJ,
I hope you’re not done commenting here. Like you said, if you don’t like it, you don’t like it. And the most fundamental rule of artistic criticism is that you can’t argue taste.
But, just because we don’t like something doesn’t disqualify it from being country, or make it inappropriate to country. I knew this record would be a hard sell. I wrote that right in the title. The only reason I started piping up in the comments so vehemently is when people started questioning my credibility by calling this record country, and by giving it such a positive grade.
I respect that you didn’t like the record.
November 14, 2017 @ 7:21 am
I didn’t say it wasn’t country or inappropriate for country, and I’ve never questioned your credibility or implied you’re lacking any.
I said I didn’t like it and gave my reasons why, but, I’ll share again.
1) In one of the videos you provided I couldn’t hear his voice for the music.
As an aside to that statement: that seems to be true of a lot of what you review and post videos of and I’ve said as much before now.
2) In the one I could hear his voice I didn’t like it because it’s too high (FOR MY TASTES) notice the plural? I’m not a professional writer, or speaker, but I choose my words carefully, hoping (apparently beyond hope) there is no misunderstanding.
3) I went on to say the music didn’t grab me. It doesn’t.
I have complimented your doing the best you can with what you have to work with. I’ve also asked twice why you haven’t reviewed Crystal Bowersox and received 0 response. She is, IMO, as good as anything (outside Cody Kinks, Chris Stapleton And Jamie Johnson) if not better as a singer, writer and from what I can “feel” through her out of studio and off stage segment videos is a really good person as well. She’s as good as (IMO for MY tastes) as anything you’ve reviewed that I’ve read which is most of them since I first started posting here. But, since I received 0 response I chose to “respect your tastes” since it is your site and didn’t harp on it. Though it does make me wonder it doesn’t diminish my respect for what you do here.
And, in conversations outside here if the opportunity presents itself I always mention your site and I don’t care how you grade. I grade with “my ears” and “my tastes”, for me and encourage others to do the same. I don’t give a rats ass what others think of my tastes regardless of their title or station in life and like I said in my original response to Wes; I don’t usually say anything critical if I don’t like something, I’ll add but not limit to: musically; because it is very subjective. But, if invited to, and Wes did invite a criticism, I will if I have one.
November 14, 2017 @ 11:08 am
I was more saying to all the people above me who seemed to just write him off cause they didn’t like the album art or his name. Which is just dumb and near sighted. Like “never judge a book by its cover kind of stuff” is what I was trying to point out in my comment. I did leave it open to criticism because people are going to it anyway so it might as well be about something with some merit to it. I still feel like his voice isn’t the best but as I explained that doesn’t make or break it for me. But honestly I had no quarrels with DJs comment everyone is entitled to an opinion. In my opinion though if Parker does become a staple of Texas Country its not in trouble at all. I think they found another young artist who has some amazing talent. With guys like Kody West, Sam Riggs, Jake Ward, Mark Jones & Seven Paces, Randall King, Jon Stork, Josh Ward, Flatland Calvary, Kaitlin Butts and even Koe Wetzel this talented generation is showing a ton of promise and its exciting. Contrary to popular belief Texas Country is an amazing scene for some unheard artists (if your a male, lets not argue about the lack of women in Texas Music Scene its well documented). Parker is a great addition to this. As a millennial I know a lot of people older than I may not find this music in there taste. but a lot of younger people like myself that still enjoy great songwriting and country music in a more traditional style love this music.
November 14, 2017 @ 11:12 am
Hey DJ,
Like I said, I respect your opinion. It wasn’t you, but some were questioning my credibility via this review. That’s why I entered the comments more than I normally do on reviews.
Sorry I missed your communication on Crystal Bowersox. I did consider her 2013 record of review. It’s been a few years since she’s released a studio record, which is probably one of the reasons there hasn’t been much coverage here. I’ll consider her again once she releases a new album, which will probably be shortly here.
November 14, 2017 @ 11:43 am
Also Trigger I totally get where you where coming from with this review. One of your major points of this blog is to get stuff in the public eye and even the radio. You and I have had differences in opinions about if people who love good country music should even bother with the radio anymore with the internet streaming that is available now days. But with Parkers album here your saying that he has found something that can be both contemporary and new age. The album even has some radio play potential. If more artists could crack this code like Parker did you think there might be a chance that we could here good stuff like this on the radio, instead of what is currently being played. Its got light and easy feel to it without sacrificing anything about being country at it’s core. Its an album that came out at an extremely important time and it represents hope for what Nashville could be. I think because of this though you really gravitated to it and could have been a bit biased cause music like this is sort of what country needs right now to bridge the gap between traditional and mainstream. I say that cause even though you know I am the “Texas Country guy” I can say there are some flaws in this album. Learn to fly for sure being one of them. This song is just bland. People questioned your credentials because even with my bias Probably Wrong is a 9 but not a perfect 10. It is close but I could still see areas where improvement could have been made. It still was a well needed review to the blog though and hopefully everyone can benefit from it.
January 5, 2018 @ 11:07 am
I think your review was, “Right On!” It’s crazy because when I first heard of him, I had just heard High Above Water. Early 2017 I suppose. I bought that song and never listened to anything else off the album. It got old, and just chills with 2K other songs in my library.
I went out with some friends of mine for my birthday last month, and got to see him live.
No, he doesn’t have the TX Country sound, but I haven’t enjoyed an album as much as I have this one, ever! I’ve heard Misunderstood, I’ll bet ya 300 times in the last 3 weeks!! This album is gold in my opinion!!
November 19, 2017 @ 11:32 pm
Fair. But I still can’t imagine ever listing to this record in anything but a pop country rock context (meaning, it will never get listened to). Mediocrity across the board, especially these days with so much other great stuff out there.
November 14, 2017 @ 8:50 am
most comments on here sound like “old” musicians and or songwriters who didn’t make it (didn’t want success because of money or selling out bullshit) myspace vs. Facebook, Hillary vs. Trump, iOS vs. Android, Kanye vs. Swift – opinions are like assholes, everyone has one and for the most part they are impregnated with jealousy, envy and excuses… thank you again Trigger for honesty and exposure to may artists!
November 19, 2017 @ 11:34 pm
Wrong, at least for me. I’m a youngish guy who listens to a wide variety of music beyond country, and who finds McCollum uninspiring and trite.
November 14, 2017 @ 5:15 pm
I see a lot of mixed reviews on this album, with a lot veering towards negative. People can think what they want, and no it isn’t hard western country. But dang, Parker McCollum is great. I think he has a great sound, that many could find appealing. Also the people mad about his name or album cover is just stupid. A guy puts out an album without a drum machine in the background, but we still gotta get mad that his album artwork isn’t what you wanted.
November 14, 2017 @ 6:41 pm
I had the same gut reaction as many else here to those singles, but upon giving the album a couple spins it has grown on me immensely.
The same was true of Jason Isbell, who’s now probably my favorite guy out there.
I would have completely blown it off were it not for the two guns up, so thanks for that trigger. His previous album is also quite good.
November 14, 2017 @ 6:43 pm
Although I must agree with the crowd that Tyler Childers is undeniably the man to beat for album of the year. Just fantastic.
November 14, 2017 @ 8:17 pm
Is it just me or does his voice sound like Darius Rucker’s???
November 15, 2017 @ 10:10 am
Great album – we’ve got “Hell of a Year” on repeat here. Also really digging the artwork… can’t wait to get our physical copy! Kudos to Parker and team for a successful album release.
January 5, 2018 @ 10:51 am
I hadn’t paid attention to PM in over a year or so. Then I got the chance to see a show in Corpus a few weeks ago, and he was bad ass!! I’m a big fan of TX Country. Cory Morrow, RRogers, Wade Bowen, McClure, etc,etc. This is a different sound, but I like it. I’ve never had a favorite song in 39 years, until, I heard Misunderstood for the first time when I saw him live. Maybe it’s because of how much I can relate to it, or maybe because it’s just a kick ass song!!
November 24, 2023 @ 8:59 pm
Parker is awesome! He is the whole package! He kicks butt! Just saw him in concert and it could not have been any better!!!! All his songs are terrific and he is going straight to the top! Heck of a songwriter too!!!!! Go and see him live and you won’t be sorry!