NYCS First Impression: Brantley Gilbert ‘Fire and Brimstone’

Brantley Gilbert’s fifth album Fire & Brimstone is here, and it was worth waiting for. The 15-track album shows us a side of the country rebel that we don’t see too often. It’s filled with personal tracks about Gilbert’s struggles, marriage, and what it’s like to be a father. But don’t worry, Gilbert didn’t forget about the fans who enjoy his wild side as there are also quite a few fun and laidback songs that we are used to hearing from the singer-songwriter. What makes this album extra special is Gilbert either wrote or co-wrote each title. As soon as you hit play, you’re in for a ride.

The album starts off with “Fire’t Up.” Written by Gilbert, Brandon Day, and Justin Weaver, the guitar-driven track was the right choice to get the party started. It’s aimed at the artist’s fans who enjoy getting a little rowdy on the weekend. Continuing the party vibe but different from the usual alcohol party anthems we are used to, “Welcome to Hazeville” is a song honoring weed. The track came out just in April just in time for 4/20 and features Colt Ford, Lukas, and the iconic Willie Nelson, who is known for being vocal about marijuana. Written by Gilbert, Rodney Clawson, Andrew DeRoberts, and Ford, it has a mellow tune and does a good job mixing country and rap.

After starting out with the rock anthems, Gilbert takes us along for a personal journey. The first single and the track that completed the album, “What Happens in a Small Town” featuring Lindsay Ell quickly became a fan favorite and is currently climbing its way up the country charts. It’s the singer’s first duet with a female, and it doesn’t disappoint.  It tells a story about the Georgia native’s journey with his wife Amber and all the ups and downs they went through before ending up together. While it may be a song about Gilbert, it’s relatable to anyone who has had a rocky road in their relationship.

Continuing with the emotional vibe, the title track “Fire & Brimstone” shows off Gilbert’s vocals and writing skills as he wrote the song by himself.  Featuring Jamey Johnson and Alison Krauss, the acoustic track gets personal about Gilbert’s relationship with God and how he feels like he is perceived in the world.  The way the three voices overlap in the bridge really adds to the emotion.

Gilbert holds nothing back on this album, especially how he feels about his wife. “Man of Steel” shares how he wants to be there for his wife, no matter what life throws at them. Written by Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, and Cole Taylor, the track shows how strong the couple’s marriage is and the love he has for her. Superman may be a fictional character, but Gilbert does what he can to be a real-life hero. “Never Gonna Be Alone” piggybacks off that, with a faster tempo, he lets Amber know that she is never going to be alone.

The heartfelt “Man That Hung the Moon” ends the album. Inspired by Gilbert’s son and newborn daughter, the singer-songwriter goes into how life has changed becoming a father and hopes that one day his kids will accept him for the mistakes he made and who he turned out to be. Written solely by Gilbert, it puts the icing on the cake to a great album.

We’ve waited three years for this album and it most certainly did not disappoint. Seeing this side of Gilbert is something we can get used to. The singer-songwriter is celebrating Fire and Brimstone by hitting the road. First up is his second annual Kick It In The Sun Cruise where the singer-songwriter will be joined by Chase Rice, LANCO, Diamond Rio, Tyler Farr, Danielle Bradbury, Jon Langston, Colt Ford, Tyler Rich, SixForty1, Trea Landon, Sam Grow, Tyler Braden, Brian Davis, Tyler Booth, and more.

In January, Gilbert will be headed out on the Fire’t Up Tour with Rice, Dylan Scott, and Brandon Lay. They’ll kick things off in London, Ontario. Check out brantleygilbert.com to see if they’ll be stopping in your city!

To keep up with Brantley Gilbert follow him on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Fire & Brimstone 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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