Conner Smith - Smoky Mountains

TikTok sensation Conner Smith hard launches towards country stardom with his long-awaited debut, Smoky Mountains. Showcasing his vocal prowess and intuitive writing abilities, it's a collection less interested in pursuing trends and more in presenting Smith’s traditional country influences with a contemporary flair.

Smith describes the album as “a story of living inside a dream, missing home and growing up along the way”. It's a fitting statement given the immediate success of hooky earworm ‘I Hate Alabama’, yet the viral hit alone did little to differentiate him from the pack.

Nevertheless, the first few chords of the dazzling title track provide a fresh introduction. Smith's voice stretches across the mountaintops with such heartfelt passion that it's impossible to diminish his artistry as a radio flavor of the week.

This energetic commitment continues on the infectious ‘Creek Will Rise’ and smoldering ‘Heatin’ Up’, which sonically honor the heydays of icons Tim McGraw and Alan Jackson. While vocally ‘Take It Slow’ offers a softer side of the Nashville native, he sounds most committed to slowing down on the delicately executed ‘Roulette on the Heart’, alongside Holler favorite Hailey Whitters. Every moment is a demonstration not only of Smith’s abilities as a storyteller, but also as a sleek strategist attempting to conquer the almighty radio with a diverse array of destined-to-be hits.

Across Smoky Mountains, Smith displays the full breadth of his multidimensional talent. Yet, his star shines brightest when he takes risks in being candid and achingly vulnerable, evidenced in both ‘Regret in the Morning’ and ‘God Moments’. This pair of songs offers profound insights into the mind and heart of a young man simultaneously living inside a dream, missing home and growing up.

8/10

Conner Smith's new project, Smoky Mountains, is out now via Big Machine Label Group.

For more on Conner Smith, see below: