Who would have thought you could make a country album without driving down a dirt road and singing rap lyrics?

Midland is a hit making machine in the style of the 90’s......they aren’t gonna transform anything, but it’s quite refreshing for today. I’m all in.

As a European listening to Midland (you could say from an outsider’s point of view), I’m not really bothered by the fact how polished or marketed this band is… Or how "authentic" their background is. They’re just a really good band with a strong team behind them. For me, it’s exactly what country should sound like, and I wish there were more new country artists that sounded like them. Can’t wait to see them play in Amsterdam in a few months!

Hooked on Midland since i first found them!

Not sure all songs have to have that "real feeling" that you feel connected to. Cheating Songs and 14 Gears are actually good lyrically and like you said great to listen to it.

I think this is exactly what a mainstream country record should sound like.

For me personally, I never got the vibe that they were trying to come across as some little band from Texas, just guys who love country music and wanna give their go at it so I’ve never really cared all that much if they’re “fabricated” nor do I understand why people get so upset about it. Good music is good music, but that’s just the way I feel

14 gears is one of my favorite songs. This will be one album i will pick up.

always love your opinions, but man i loved both cameron duddy and jess carson’s songs and their voices.

Don't know if anyone said it but cam sang lost in the night. Not Jess.... Jess sang roll away

I think you're stuck on the whole the pandering thing but at the end of the day, Midland formed in a perfect storm. They decided that they liked their sound and wanted to do that style. The imagery had to fit. The fact that they put other successful careers on hold to give this a go is worth noting as a risk and not a negative. The harmonizing aspect definitely depends on Mark. Jess and Cam don't sound bad but Mark definitely pulls it all together. I recommend checking them out and seeing them live. It is amazing how good they sound. Production is a good factor to consider since you're analyzing the work as art but for fans and the entertainment perspective the performance and live sound is what gives Midland a cult following who call themselves, "Midlaneros". They always put on a good show no matter what. I saw them the day Cam's first child was born so he was doing the good thing, even then they were amazing. They could've backed out but they performed anyways (not to mention it was a fundraiser for families of first responders). Big fan, been watching for a while and listen to the podcast when driving. Keep on truckin' Grady!!

Midland is the best thing that has happened to country music in a very long time. I absolutely love them. I've met them a couple of times and they are great fun guys. Their music is fantastic to me.

they just telling a story not about there life.... you think Folsom Prison Blues is about cash no it’s just a story

Cameron Duddy sings "Lost in the Night", Jess Carson sings "Roll Away"

I got Urban Cowboy vibes from this album, loved the overall sound they went for.

First of all, though Jess Carson did write Lost in the Night, he did not sing lead on it. That was Cameron Duddy. Also I believe if you would go to 1 concert and experienced the Midland magic, you would understand what they are about. They do not claim to be the people they sing about, they claim to be lovers of old country music and want to honor their heroes of this genre. I am 61 years old. I have loved country music all my life. I respect these boys as genuine lovers of the same sound I do. I also believe they are sounding more country than many in the business today. Enough so that at my age, I have become a Midland groupie and have seen them live 14 times since 2017 and have traveled 1100 miles to do so. I am not the only one either. So Let It Roll Grady! Long live the blues!!

Let It Roll feels like an album I would play while having a few drinks. The sound is absolutely 10/10, and when I'm drinking I'm not paying too much attention to lyrics anyway. I'll make Every Song's a Drinkin' Song the exception to that rule.

Midland is my favorite country artist/band in a VERY long time. From about the age of 8 until I was 18 or so, radio country was the only music I listened to, period. I was all in. George Strait is my all time, no doubt about it favorite country artist ever and even he was starting to veer off from the traditional sound a bit around 2001. I could sense a big change in the genre and I didn't like it at all (the beginning of bro country) so I gave up on country music almost completely until a year or 2 ago, and I'm slowly getting back into it. I am big on "indie country," if you know what I mean (Jason Isbell, Bonnie "Prince" Billy, M. Ward, etc) and I listened to a lot of that after 2001. Brad Paisley is my favorite "radio country" artist since King George and is about the only mainstream guy I kept up with during my time in the country music wilderness (Bible reference: check). I say all that to show just how much I love Midland's music. The first song of their's I ever heard was "Drinking Problem," and I absolutely loved it. I'm a sucker for clever wordplay and the sound was more old school. I did some research into them because that's just how I am (I love to know as much about a band that I like as possible. I've been told I'm like a music trivia almanac), and I found it refreshing that they laid out their individual backgrounds up front. I took it as kind of like how Eminem's character in 8 Mile basically "dissed" (not a word I ever use; I hate that word, but it's the best I can think of to mean what I mean right now) himself by saying how poor he was, how he lived in a trailer with his mom, etc. during that freestyle battle at the end so his opponent couldn't get the maximum effect out of using it against him later. Does that make sense? It's hard to get across. That's what I think Midland did though; they revealed everything up front so you can't really throw it into their faces later. I listened to their first album and loved almost every song. The only 2 songs I skip are "Electric Rodeo" and "Check Cashin' Country." "More Than A Fever" is my favorite from that album. Spotify released 4 songs from their new album before the album and I listened to them all. "Put The Hurt On Me" hooked me right from the start. The sound is so smooth and the melody is infectious. Melody is easily my favorite part of music (that's why The Beatles are my favorite band ever, by a LONG shot). Then "Cheatin' Songs" came out and I like that one even more! The wordplay is incredible ("She's lyin' with him and she's lyin' to me" - absolutely amazing!). I haven't listened to any of the other songs on the album yet, but I Iove their sound and think they are the best country act I've heard in a long time. To be fair, I also am a really big fan of Kacey Musgraves' music, but Midland sounds "country-er" to me. If you made it this far, thanks for reading. Take it easy and keep up the great work! Peace and love, everyone!

No sophomore jinx here, this album is outstanding!

I don't disagree with you often but I have to here. This was a great, not good, album. Produced to sonic perfection like you said. But lyrically I found it highly relatable. Cheatin' Songs, I Love You Goodbye, you mentioned Lost In The Night. I mean, what guy hasn't felt all those things on some level? All while keeping their style in the same vein of their last record with things like At Least You Cried and Nothin' New Under The Neon. It seems like you give Luke Combs credit for his relatableness but not Midland. I do understand the incongruity you're pointing out in Midland in actuality and Midland the band they're representing themselves as but I don't find it inauthentic as you do. Great video Grady and loving the podcasts.

Bye bro country, welcome back steel and fiddle. Thank god. Old enough to know country (and really all music) goes through cycles, I am ready for the bounce back and I really love this new album.

I almost fainted dead away when I heard a pedal steel guitar on country radio. 10/10 on this album for that reason alone!

The PTA moms are the most fun... that’s why he sings about them :)

Spotify reminded me that I need to listen to the whole album and I really enjoyed it. The thing that I love the most about Midland is that they do love some word play in their lyrics. I think they're headed in a good direction and honestly, I was skeptical at first if they'll manage to make another big hit like Drinkin' Problem and I think they have several amazing songs on this album. I don't know how to describe it exactly, but for me their music is really catchy and addictive and I keep mentioning to people to listen to some of their songs.

have you never lived in upper class suburbs? cause you just described all the moms... minus the pills

I love Midland so much The only complaint I have is how Mark so heavily emphasizes his “southern” accent. Words like “me” and “make” become “Mmmuuhy” and “Mike” respectively. Like how he says “me” in “put the hurt on me” becomes very noticeable

My favorite is "Gettin' The Feel".

Definitely love the album. Not as good as their first. Playboys is the best track. Can't get enough of that song.

I wonder if people realize that the "underwear model" actually grew up on a ranch in Southern Arizona?

This was a great review I had no idea midland had hate to them for there background it kinda does sound fabricated but even if it was it freaking works and they are a fun band to listen to and tap your foot !! Haha great review man

One of the best albums I’ve heard in a while. Yes there are some issues with the lyrics not feeling authentic at times, but I’ll forgive that in exchange for a great listening experience. And on the 2nd listen to the album I was pretty much singing along with every song. At the end of the day I will choose quality music over authentic lyrics 9 times out of 10.

Are you gonna talk about Vince Gill’s new album “Okie”?

George Straight didn't write 90% of his music!!! How do we think his music is authentic?

14 Gears is a great song. Glad to see it on this record, although a bit overproduced compared to their KZfaq version (original)

This is a great album... every song is mellow and not too overpowering. I love it

Lost in the Night is sang by Cameron Duddy who is the bassist for Midland who was the director for Bruno Mars , not Jess Carson, Jess Carson sings Roll Away on the Let it Roll album

I like the original version of 14 gears better actually a lot better I give this record a "9" the first album a "10"

This record (it's sound and lyrics) harken back to a time before everyone was so damn sensitive. I am all in and dig it completely, whether or not they live the life makes no difference to me. I never read about The Eagles or Dwight Yoakam to see if they lived the life they sang about but I love their music. As for the women they write about... who doesn't know women like this? They're just saying stuff that everyone is too scared to say anymore.

Midland is the most underrated band in country radio. They’re legit.

Just to clear some things up, Lost in the Night is co-written and sung by Camerony Duddy and not Jess Carson. Jess co-wrote and sang Roll Away. And they both sound great on lead. They don't sound country, true, but they sound really good. Also the stories they tell don't always have to be their own stories, they love writing character stories if you read their interviews. Its a great record. It simply is.

This by far is my favorite band right now and this album solidifies my position

Nothin like a grady video after an all night concert

I actually love that you dive in and have actual thoughts and opinions on specific details, lyrics and feelings about the music you're reviewing. Whether we agree or not, it gets us thinking about how we listen to music.

Midland to me is about how it makes me feel. I feel good when I listen to their songs. Lyrics are secondary for me. I listen for the steel guitar, Cam's timely bass notes and of course the guitar licks and solos from Luke, and all supplemented with keyboards, mandolin etc. Over produced? Taylor Swift is as well, but the style of music does nothing for me. Midland still sounds great to me when just the 3 go acoustic. What hooked me on this band was the acoustic version of Make a Little. My favorite song is Check Cashin' Country which I believe was written by Jess. My 2 cents. Good review though from someone who isn't a hardcore fan.

The situation with "Fourteen Gears" is that the performance version that became very popular on KZfaq has no drums, while the album version does. Why is this such a big deal? The particular tempo, meter, phrasing, rhythmic activity, and absence of drums on the performance version results in our being able to perceive the tune with a "cut-time" feel, that is, even though the meter and phrasing were written a certain way, we mistakenly perceive the meter and phrasing differently, specifically at HALF ITS ACTUAL SPEED (hence "cut" time). But on the album version, the drummer plays with a "straight-time" feel, that is, in line with the ACTUAL meter and phrasing the song was written with. This is why the album version sounds faster and more active (or "overdone" or "overproduced"). Get this: The performance version actually has a slightly faster tempo than the album version. Even though they slowed it down a little for the album, straight time still sounds faster and busier. It turns out that the cut-time feel of the performance version is a very important part of why folks fell in love with the tune in the first place. Could the drummer have played on the album with a cut-time feel? Ya. Why wasn't it done that way? Somebody made what turned out to be a bad decision. It's up to fans to tell Midland to play it live with a cut-time feel!

I’ve never paid attention to the actual lives of the members, so I’ve LOVED this album. Never thought of the band from this point of view.

I thought the album was great, it’s a lot different from their debut album which I absolutely l loved. As a fellow Austinite, yes I was a bit confused about their background and authenticity but good music is good music at the end of the day. My favorite song is “fast hearts and slow towns.” Reminds me of my past relationship and living in a small town a couple years ago with my ex.

Didn't know that about the guys in the band, nor do I even care. I'm a trucker who loves music that resignates with me and brings me to moments I had and will have. Johnny, Willie, Merle made story telling songs that doesn't mean that every story was based off there life but it connected to millions who have lived it. Even if they are a fabricated band they did a hell of a job making music that's sounds good.

LOST IN THE NIGHT IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL SONG!!!!!

Their debut album was so great. But their sophomore is good, but not as great as their debut album.

This line, “I would've bribed God just to hold back the dawn” out of Lost in the Night, while not very well delivered is right up there with “Whiskey kills the man you turned me into,” and “Every day is a lifetime without you.” Those kind of lines that aren’t part of the chorus but have a strong punch to them.

Anything midland I love

FYI... Cam is the lead singer on Lost in the Night, not Jess, Jess is the lead singer on Roll Away

I'm gonna go see them in December in Amsterdam, Netherlands

Put the hurt on me is about Mark’s Wife.

I love that you can dance to these songs!! 😃

THICKET

Their vocal harmonies are what got me hooked on them about 15 months ago; continues to be one of the strongest elements of them

I know Taylor Swift isn’t country at all anymore, but as someone who appreciates sonwritinging/songwriters, please do a review! Everyone appreciates a good metaphor 😜 also, good video! Will be listening to more of this album this week.

Honestly Grady I was beginning to lose hope that someone in the world enjoyed country music as much as I did, you have restored my hope. You got yourself a lifetime sub right here brother! Great video dude.

That random scream by Tyler Childers was hilarious

Midland work really hard at their craft. Nobody puts as much in, plays as many shows without clearly loving what they do. And their shows are great. I think this is a nice 2nd album, a great follow up to on the rocks with some real fun tracks. I hope that they continue to grow. I am all in on these guys.

I will say this, I stopped listening to country music in the early 2000's and recently started listening again. What brought me back, Midland.

You hit this review spot on in my opinion. I really did like their ability to shift from upbeat to relaxed songs and (almost) always incorporating the steel. Midland is money fueled country band, but for some reason, I believe the sound and use of instruments is intoxicating. Even if they sell out, they undeniably can make great music

Every band is playing dress up no matter how big or small. No one is really that cool we are all just people.

Put the hurt on me is probably my favorite song on this album

This is an excellent review! You've not left out the background and the history of the band. That's why you're partly disappointed and I can understand that. But as you say, it's an amazing album. Here, in France, where nobody knows about this background (and about country music...), I just know that if I want to share good and traditional country music, Midland will always be there!

I’m from Australia and have not long discovered Midland. I don’t care about their ‘authenticity’ or lack of. Good songs and good singing are exactly that. I love them. And they’re easy on the eye as well. All singers these days market themselves. Good on them, I like their look. Especially Mark in a tight pair of jeans!

I mean.... you’re not wrong, but can we listen to the album again??? Please? 😁

This album is freaking amazing. It’s been my favorite album since it came out. Absolutely love every part about it. Not a single bad song in this album I can’t skip a single song because it’s really amazing. That’s my opinion drop yours under.

Keep up the great work Grady! I love your content

14 gears bothers me, there are 8LL, 10, 13, 15, and 18 speed trucks. Not 14.

I still like On The Rocks. Put The Hurt On Me bothers the shit out of me. It’s clear the inspiration from Wicked Game, but one thing about Wicked Game that makes it such a good song is its length. It lets the sorrow soak in! Put The Hurt On Me barely makes it to exactly just over three minutes.

I agree with the review, but I would weight the lyrical matter differently -- thus resulting in probably an 8.5/10 from me. They are certainly going after an image, an era, a sound, and nailing it. On paper, a band like this would be a no from me, but damn they do it so well it's truly extraordinary. No one in the country music space, whether mainstream or not, is doing what Midland is doing -- basically Dwight Yoakam meets the Eagles -- and they do it to perfection. They are unique in the literal sense of being unlike anything else out there. Also, "Cheatin' by the Rules" is the best produced song I've heard all year.

Tbh yeah it seems super polished and the sings may or may not be how they actually live their life but that’s honestly the way the industry works, especially new country music. Soooooo is it really that uncommon? It’s different new country (&better) music so I’ll take it tbh

I forgot to say I am a huge fan of their first album so I was a bit hesitant when this one came out. But after listening to it a few times I am so in love with it. Right now my favorite song is Gettin the Feeling.

It's all about the music

Hear me out on this, it's a bit tinfoil, but Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, maybe it's a subtle nod to the very much alive western swing scene in Texas?

Lost in the Night is Cameron Duddy. Jess Carson sings on Roll Away

Everyone has their preferences! I can certainly understand your feeling about the lyrics, and you make a fair point. Mark Wystrach is just kind of a chill guy who’s fiancé is expecting, I hardly believe their on the bus snorting a line, but at the same time the music and sound of this album just overrides all that ingenuity to me, especially on the love songs like 14 gears, I love you goodbye, put the hurt on me, and Lost in the night. Just beautiful sounding love songs

New album please 🙏🏼🔥

The way tour channel is going it's extremely good. I hope you'll get famous

Midlandero From the Philippines 🎻❤❤

Midland is the best thing going in country music right now and the writing is awesome.. btw mad men is one of the greatest tv shows of all time so...

I love Cheatin' Songs in this album, it's highly relatable even though I'm a teenager I've still seen the images that they sang

Grady, do you think that George Strait ACTUALLY fell in love in Marina Del Ray? Or his girl ACTUALLY left him before Unwound? Or were those lyrics to fabricated? 🙄

I love the line you said, “It’s one of the year’s best albums, yet one of the most disappointing.” Perfect description. I agree.

Had to throw in THICKET eh

The fabrication issues kinda bothered me at first but not anymore. As long as they keep that beautiful sound coming, I'm down.

I have such mixed feelings about Midland. You nailed it, the sound is amazing and I even really like their singers voice quite a lot; but the lyrics are so unreal and like you said, too perfect. No ups and downs of life more just sleezy playboys and thats not something I think country music fans really relate to

I think you hit the nail on the head around 4 mins but sometimes a song is just a song. I thought singers all wrote their own songs about their own personal feelings until I was 18. It was like my eyes were opened, and realised a lot of songs are open to interpretation. Realistically it can be a totally happy person singing a song about tragedy. That annoys me sometimes, it does (like Thomas Rhett singing about a break up - pretty sure he’s never been through one but ok) Sometimes it’s just a song to be sang along and enjoyed and not always an insight to someone’s life.

doing coke and hooking up with pta moms sounds like a vibe, its nice to dream

If a underwear model and a tech nerd are gonna save county music I'll support it

You nailed on the head exactly what I was thinking listening to this: in that the execution and atmosphere of each song sounds great, but there's also a disconnect emotionally and personally. In a way, the songwriting reminds me of Carrie Underwood in most of her discography when she tries branching away from the sassy arena rockers and attempts to go for vulnerability, but it can't help but sound "off" in that the writing either feels too focus group-written and Hallmark card platitude-heavy. From here on out, I can definitely see Midland maintain a passionate cult fanbase along the lines of The Mavericks, but I don't see them having much radio success either. I for one still appreciate that they're here despite the authenticity issues.

Saw them last night in Fort Worth...it was awesome

You can try to pick apart Midland but country music doesn't get much better than this is all I have to say.

You don’t how they live on the road buddy I think you are looking for a reason to complain

I’m not sure if you seen them live, but I did in Vegas these boys party hard asf. Cameron was so blitz he gave away his guitar mid way through the concert. Security had to go and retrieve it and they put Cam on drums. I got videos of the concert if you need proof.

"It's like when T Swift raps." haha you're killin it my dude

Just saw these guys in Boston Friday night. Our 4th time, they killed it, great harmonies, band is in the pocket all night. Love these guys.