Larry Fleet - Earned It

Larry Fleet is firmly on the upward curve as one of Music City’s hottest talents to watch.

Three studio albums in with his latest offering, Fleet has laid the foundation as a flag-bearer for the traditional country sound, establishing himself as one of the genre’s powerhouse male vocalists. With this behemoth 21-track collection, Larry Fleet has many a story to tell, and few can do it better.

There really is so much to admire here. Whilst covering all bases of the country spectrum, it’s an album that just feels so true to Fleet’s artistry; another masterstroke from producer Joey Moi. There’s an endearing quality to songs like the breezy 'Earned It' and 'Lord Willing', whilst the more bombastic moments like 'Beer Needs A Beer' and the tongue-in-cheek 'Two Beer Plan' have the potential to be career-defining hits. One big chart single, and it’ll be lift-off for the Tennessee native.

Fleet has an outpouring of gratitude on the album’s stand-out track, 'Things I Take For Granted'. This gorgeous acoustic co-write with Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi and Brett Tyler sees Fleet describe himself as “the Webster definition of what a lucky man is”, gushing over the simple things in life that he holds most dear. It encapsulates the values of country music to a tee.

The album also has its fair share of outside cuts, with Fleet trusting the stellar writing community for nine of the 21 tracks, including cuts from the likes of Jessie Jo Dillon, Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy and TC3’s Neil Mason, just to name a few. From the summery, soulful 'Tennessee On You', that's reminiscent of Morgan Wallen’s '7 Summers' to the throwback 'There’s a Waylon' and the reflective 'Grow', the song selection is top drawer. Fleet has a superb ear for a melody, and has crafted such a sonically cohesive record.

Towards the end of the album, the quality never lets up. 'Daddy Don’t Drink' is as good as sobriety songs come - “my world changed by God’s grace, the day you were born, that’s why Daddy don’t drink anymore”. Sublime acoustic production that brings the songwriting to the fore, and Fleet has a knack of hitting right where it matters with a powerful lyric. One of the album’s many memorable highlights.

Earned It is the epitome of a damn good, straight-up country album. From the honky-tonk dancefloor fillers, to the singalong anthems, to the introspective ballads, Larry Fleet has got it all covered.

The emergence of Fleet, amongst the Randall Kings, Drake Milligans and Jake Worthingtons of the world, has been a breath of fresh, traditional country air, and long may it continue. As far as 2023 mainstream albums go, this collection is as solid as you’ll find.

9/10

Larry Fleet's Earned It is out Friday, September 1 via Big Loud Records.

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