David Nail - Best of Me EP

David Nail - one of Country Music’s smoothest, purest male vocalists - undoubtedly has one of the most underrated back catalogues in the whole genre.

Since his separation from MCA following Fighter in 2016, Nail’s output has been rather sporadic; the notable Well Ravens soft-rock project felt more like an experimental ‘freedom’ moment than anything else. Now back with his new Best Of Me EP, Nail returns to form with a much more accessible, commercially appealing collection that will delight long-term listeners.

The pre-released ‘Sunset Carousel’ kicks off the EP with a delightful dose of innocent summer love. With a melody that washes over you like the “waves rolling in”, it feels like a 2022 summer anthem that never was. A criminal waste of an opportunity at country radio, it radiates such warmth and evokes youthful, timeless memories. It’s a brilliant, comforting return to form.

Nail sends a message to his father-in-law-to-be on the acoustic title track, one of his most personal songs to date. As a deeply family-orientated guy, it’s a beautifully written insight into the strength of his love for his wife Catherine, and the ultimate expression of gratitude.

“I’ll give her the best of me / if you’ll give her away” sings Nail, painting a picture of a love that extends far beyond any material possessions. The stripped-back production allows Nail’s gorgeous delivery room to breathe – making for a big highlight of the EP.

On the pleasant ‘Wherever You Are Tonight’, Nail revisits a stirring love of the past in a tale of what-could-have-beens, contemplating if she feels the same. “I'd still give it one more try / wherever you are tonight”.

It shares its mainstream-leaning production with ‘Silverado’, a rebellious, sultry track, reminiscent of the likes of ‘Champagne Promise’ and ‘Burning Bed’. Steaming up the windows of a Silverado in an exhilarating rush of love, Nail unleashes the confident side to his artistry in a brave swerve lyrically from the rest of the EP.

Whilst it doesn’t hit the meteoric highs of projects like The Sound of A Million Dreams and I’m A Fire, the Best Of Me EP is a welcome homecoming for the commercial David Nail of old.

The talent and extraordinary ear for a melody has always been permanent; we’ve just been waiting for that level of consistency to return. This is a step in the right direction.

7/10

David Nail's 2023 EP, Best of Me, is released June 30th via One Five Sound.