In the latest release from Shaboozey’s upcoming cinematic album The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales - a project that is set to push the boundaries of what a traditional album is - the 'Amen' singer takes one step deeper into the world of the Wild West.

On ‘Burn It Down’, Shaboozey adds another notable name to his impressive list of collaborators, featuring soul and R&B crooner Leon Bridges and continues to develop his genre-bending style.

The track follows previous singles, ‘Born To Die’ and ‘Cowgirl’, both of which also come from The Outlaw Cherie Lee, but we got a preview of ‘Burn It Down’ before its official release. Heading to the legendary NPR Tiny Desk studio, Shaboozey was joined by Bridges to give ‘Burn It Down’ its first live performance and to be a part of their Black Music Month series. The setlist was a mix of fan favourites and upcoming album pieces, with the West Virginian also performing ‘Amen’, ‘Drunk’, ‘Good News’ and ‘Cowgirl’, alongside as big a band as could fit behind the desk.

Shaboozey followed up the performance with an official announcement for the release of ‘Burn It Down’ on social media, with a video of the effortlessly cool duo singing the track in a vintage car. The single continues to build anticipation for The Outlaw Cherie Lee, which is set to be released on July 31 and promises a mix of country, Americana, hip-hop and pop as the artist reimagines the American West.

With an electric guitar intro and a deep reverb setting the scene before a fiddle crashes in with heavy percussion, the track immediately reflects Shaboozey’s tendency for combining genres, leaning into country and pop.

The chorus features a catchy vocal performance from Shaboozey, with Bridges’ voice bringing in a smoothness in the second verse. The emotional impact of the song hits harder as some distant steel guitar is added into the mix.

The song kicks off with our fictional protagonist wanting to know who hurt the person he's singing to, presumably his love interest - and perhaps the titular ‘Cherie Lee’. It sounds as if someone in the Wild West has done this individual wrong, and if they need help getting even, then Shaboozey is the one to call - he’s ready to “burn it to the ground”.

The chorus asks for a call for honesty with a “hand on your heart” from this person, he doesn’t want any secrets being hidden or protecting those that have wronged and gone against them - he’s ready to defend and, ultimately, take revenge.

Bridges continues the promises as he sings that he can be this person's solace and would go as far as starting a riot to solve their problems.

It feels as if this track would be the anthem for the main character of Shaboozey’s upcoming album, in traditional Western tale style, there always needs to be a hero - on ‘Burn It Down’, he’s stepping into that role.

“Tell me who hurt you, girl, I'ma do 'em way worse
You buried all your secrets under six feet of dirt
Uh, even angels want revenge
Girl, go get it, you don't gotta lie down
It ain't easy gettin' even
If you need me, I could burn it to the ground

-

Hand on your heart, baby, tell me right now
You been through it all, I know the pain you carry 'round
I'ma catch a body if I ever find out
I'ma take a match to this town

-

I'ma burn it down
Burn it to the ground
I'ma burn it all down
Burn it to the ground

-

Ayy, let me tell you something right here
I know the sun ain't shinin', but we gon' see better days
I swear

-

Well, I ain't perfect, but I never make it hurt
I can be your solace and be your shotgun in the clutch
Baby, let me know what you need, good or bad
I would start a riot for you, babe
Even angels want revenge
I'ma turn the city upside down
I'm no good at getting even
But for you, I'ma put the call out
You gotta know, girl

-

Hand on your heart, baby, tell me right now (Tell me right now)
You been through it all, I know the pain you carry 'round (Pain you carry 'round)
I'ma catch a body if I ever find out

-

I'ma take a match to this town
I'ma burn it down
Burn it to the ground (Ooh)
I'ma burn it all down
Burn it to the ground (Yeah)

-

Here we are
Oh, did you get that, baby?
Well, you take the high roads

-

Hand on your heart, baby, tell me right now
You been through it all, I know the pain you carry 'round
I'ma catch a body if I ever find out
I'ma take a match to this town
Hand on your heart, baby, tell me right now (Tell me right now)
You been through it all, I know the pain you carry 'round (Ooh)
I'ma catch a body if I ever find out (Ever find out)
I'ma take a match to this town

-

I'ma burn it down
Burn it to the ground (No, no)
I'ma burn it all down
Burn it to the ground”

Shaboozey

Artist