NYCS First Impression: Cody Johnson ‘Ain’t Nothin To It’
Singer-songwriter Cody Johnson has had an incredible career thus far, building up a huge fanbase in Texas and creating the music he is proud to put his name on. While predominantly putting music out on the Texas Radio Airplay and the 8-12 states it consists of, this is the first time Johnson receiving mainstream recognition. In 2018 he signed with Warner Music Nashville and is gearing up for the release of his very first major label studio album, Ain’t Nothin’ To It out today.
Johnson’s traditional country sound and real-life experiences are reflected on Ain’t Nothin’ To It and the songs are more true to Johnson than ever before. While on the road, Johnson has been performing new songs off the album in his live show, so fans have gotten a preview of what is to come.
The title track sets the tone for the whole album with its pure country vibes. “Ain’t Nothin’ To It” is about relationships, looking back on them, and timelessness advice. Between not telling her everything your thinking, quitting smoking, and crawling into bed and listening, it is a song everyone needs to hear. “One says dad now how’d you do it the other just laughs and says there ain’t nothing to it.” These lyrics make a relationship seem easy although shortly after addresses that “when you see her turn 55 you will be glad you quit drinking, got up and went to work and church, and just listened.”
One song that touched our heart was “Fenceposts”. The intro is a classic old country feel that makes you feel like sitting on a porch in a rocking chair. The song stems from Johnson and his wife looking at a piece of property in the country. While walking around he can picture her coming up the hill leading up to a house with flowers on the window sill. He begs his wife not to tell the in-laws about new land until the paperwork is done and not to worry about the money because he has a couple things he can sell but right now it is “between you and me and these here fenceposts.”
Bringing a more upbeat tone to the album are songs “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Honky Tonk Mood”. Each one has a solid Toby Keith vibe and it sounds like Johnson is about to bust into a bar and raise some hell.
While every song on this album speaks volumes, the last few tracks really do a great job of wrapping it up although stand tall on their own. Johnson’s latest single “On My Way To You”, which has broken the Top 25, is a current fan favorite. Two other songs including “Dear Rodeo” and “Where Cowboys Are King”, take you back to the George Strait era with their smooth sound and real cowboy vibe. “I get back there every now and again, I turn a few steers and rope in pens…Just Couple of days and I am gone again, chasing this ol’ six-string oh but I sure would love to be where cowboys are king”
Johnson joined us for our Swag Session earlier this week told us, “Because of ten years of being on my own, I wasn’t afraid to step out of the box a little bit, I felt like it was still going to be me,” speaking about the full-length album.
Ain’t Nothin’ To It is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.
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