Shaboozey - Where I've Been, Isn't Where I'm Going

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter pushed Shaboozey into the spotlight, but his breakthrough song, ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy),’ cemented his status as a country star to be reckoned with.

An early contender for the song of summer title, ‘A Bar Song’ is a practically perfect hit. Infectious, relatable and strikingly honest, it successfully combines modernized footstompin’ production with a fresh yet eerily familiar vocal performance. Like George Jones, Hank Williams Jr. and countless other classic country artists before him, Shaboozey has rightfully taken the torch and advanced the standard drinking trope into something uniquely his own, yet universally known by all.

On his timeless third album, Shaboozey lets the world know that ‘A Bar Song’ was by no means a fluke. The 12-song collection continues to explore the trials and tribulations of a worn down traveling troubadour, all the while moving the narrative forward through inspired production and Shaboozey’s unmistakable voice – one that’s gravely yet filled with tender emotion. It’s a voice that’s delightfully refreshing to hear in 2024, but also absolutely vital in advancing the genre itself.

The cinematic production of ‘Horses Hellcats’ induces chills, finding Shaboozey ferociously crying out, “Once I pick up speed / ain’t no catching me,” as he effortlessly combines hip hop with Americana. Similarly, on ‘Last Of My Kind,’ the distortion of his vocals on the chorus scorches, leaving the listener in the dust, serving as a burning, yearning testament of his artistic commitment to live up to his fullest potential. ‘Let It Burn’ is gorgeously impactful, a sweeping lament for the heartbroken with an instantly chantable chorus that demands a reclamation of power. It’s perhaps a rightful next hit to follow ‘A Bar Song.’ Meanwhile, on ‘My Fault’ he finds the perfect duet partner in Noah Cyrus, whose ethereal contributions give further spotlight to the jagged complexities of his own voice. It’s a powerful tit for tat as a meaningful relationship meets its end.

With Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, Shaboozey oozes with ignitable star power as he expertly mixes his hip hop, country and Americana musical influences along with his past experience as a filmmaker. It’s a creatively diverse cocktail unlike anything in country music today, all but confirming that ‘Bar Song’ was merely just the first sip of many more hits to come.

9/10

Shaboozey’s 2024 project, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, is available everywhere on May 31 via American Dogwood / EMPIRE.

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