Athens, Georgia has been a long time Mecca of live music for the southeastern United States. The city’s music scene has been the launching pad for many national touring acts such as REM, Widespread Panic, and The Drive-By Truckers. Corey Smith is the latest singer-songwriter to use the Athens’ music scene and its’ eager listening college crowd to springboard his popularity. Smith draws his musical influences from different genres such as country, blues, rock, and bluegrass, but adds some of the most lonesome, soulful vocals on the music scene today. Since the 2003 release of his debut, Undertones, his popularity has grown through his grassroots effort of touring college towns throughout Georgia. His sophomore release, In the Mood, saw changes in his styles, but still showcased his crafty songwriting coupled with his distinct, yet incredible voice.
His latest release,
The Good Life, is his strongest effort to date and most diverse musically - layered with country, bluegrass, and southern blues influences. Complex stories of everyday topics touch on everything from being a young parent juggling a music career to staying grounded through ever growing popularity. From the haunting guitar in “Long Way to Go,” to the raw, acoustic blues of “If I Could Do It Again,” Smith captivates the listener from beginning to end. The bluegrass picking of “I Can’t Help Myself,” the beautifully touching “The Lord Works in a Strange Way,” and the humorous, “If That’s Country” that features his touring guitarist, Jason Kenny are all standout selections. The title track, “The Good Life”, rounds out the album and is one of his best efforts to date, both musically and lyrically.
The Good Life showcases Corey Smith’s impeccable knack for songwriting and his raw emotion that bleeds through on each track. His gifted voice and accessibility of word will undoubtedly take him places far from Athens.
For more info see coreysmith.org
