Country music certainly has its flavors of the week and sonic trends. But unlike, say, Top 40 pop, the genre is still navigable and fruitful for the tried-and-true artists whose work has stood the test of time. The bastions of the 1990s are still in the mix, and in recent times before the current health-crisis, they’ve still packed houses.
Clay Walker’s one of those artists who has managed to keep his musical identity intact while pulling in new generations of listeners. Unimpeachable songs make that possible, and Walker has plenty, from his run of chart hits in the ’90s (“What’s It To You,” “Rumor Has It”) to thoughtful, personal tunes on more recent albums She Won’t Be Lonely Long and Long Live the Cowboy.
Next up is the brand new single “Easy Goin,” which is available now on all platforms. Walker was nice enough to offer C&I readers a chance to listen right here. Check it out:
The Texan singer co-wrote his new tune – which will be on an as-yet-untitled forthcoming album – with Adam Wheeler and Paul Sikes. It’s about being dumped by a woman who’s made up her mind and shows no regrets — doesn’t even shed a tear.
“I’ve been in relationships where I was the one who was wrong and couldn’t see that until it was over.” Walker told us in a recent exchange. “I’ve also been on the other side of that and I feel like that helps give a good perspective to this song.
“I like the fact that the girl takes control in this story and says ‘enough is enough,’ and she makes the decision to leave without a bunch of drama. Now that’s how you punch a guy in the heart.”
Poignant lyrics aside, the song itself offers the kind of organic melody that made Walker stand out so early in his career.
“The song just feels right to me,” Walker says. “There is a new game in town (Nashville), and you can play or not. I’m a Texan and I understand what and who I am. I like traditional country music. I do think there is a place for me on the radio.”
Walker — who has experienced his own health challenges in life — says he’s managing the current quarantine situation as his other fellow artists are – by reconnecting with home life and trying to stay engaged with fans online.
“I’ve been … spending quality time with the kids, tending animals every day, and soaking up sunshine. Only this past week did I really start to miss entertaining ‘my people’.
“My voice has had so much time to heal and sounds better than normal. I want to share that! What I miss most about touring is the joy that I bring to people and the joy they reciprocate when we are all together.”
Keep tabs on Walker and the progress of his upcoming album at the artist’s website.
Photography courtesy Shore Fire Media.
