Trace Adkins: Ain’t That Kind of Cowboy – EP Review

Trace Adkins’ latest EP, Ain’t That Kind of Cowboy is available now, October 16th on all streaming platforms. Take a look below as we dive deeper into the collection of songs in our full review.

After nearly four years since new music from Trace Adkins, a new EP Ain’t That Kind of Cowboy has been released, marking his first project since joining Verge Records Nashville. Still, the six-track release is a continuation of the well-known, lively, and deep-southern-rooted style from the “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “Ladies Love Country Boys’” performer.

The title track acts as the third on the setlist and includes moments of raw sentiment and country-style storytelling. It utilizes a few different approaches through production in regards to Adkins’ heavy tone among stripped chords as well as, primarily in the chorus, more present accompaniment that creates a strong and confident “take it or leave it” feel. “Ain’t That Kind of Cowboy” seemingly points out all the creative and artistic elements that this seasoned musician is capable of since releasing his debut album, Dreamin’ Out Loud, over 20 years ago in 1996.

“Running Into You”, a ballad written by James Slater and Tony Lane, showcases the softness and delicacy of Adkins, who often records heartfelt cuts. Though, there’s something different about this arrangement that stands out. Bart Butler, the producer of the collection, in addition to Adkins and the instrumentalists, maintained a sincerity throughout the process that affects listeners in a way for all emotions involved to be delivered at full force.

A track that annotates a broken heart and explores the aftermath, “Running Into You” covers scenarios in which the person who has said goodbye hasn’t entirely left.

“Round the corners of my heart // Waiting there to take me there again // In the shadows and the light // In the morning and the midnight // When the leaves are still blowing in the wind // That’s when”

Ain’t That Kind of Cowboy is an exciting sneak peek to Adkins’ journey with Verge Records Nashville. In fact, with over 8 million streams in seven months since “Better Off” was released as a single, the EP’s introduction track, the Louisiana native seems to have a lot left up his sleeve. Check out Adkins’ performance of “Better Off” that aired on “TODAY with Hoda and Jenna” from the Grand Ole Opry.

“It was a lot of fun to get back into the studio with Mickey Jack (Cones) and work with Bart (Butler) on this EP, and I couldn’t be prouder of these songs from some of my favorite writers,” shares Adkins in a recent press release. “I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”

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Ain’t That Kind of Cowboy EP is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

 

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