Album Review: Luke Combs - Growin’ Up

A biased review of the country star’s third studio LP

Luke Combs is a staple in our house. The whole family loves his music, so this album release is one of the more anticipated I’ve had in quite some time. It just dropped at midnight, so I’m gonna take some notes on each song during my first listen and tell you what I think. So, here we go:

Doing This: Hard hitting album opener. First single off the album. Strong and passionate vocal performance. He clearly feels this song. Gradually builds to a crescendo. Fun to belt this out in the car. (8.5/10)

Any Given Friday Night: I hear banjo! Reminds me of “South on Ya,” the song he recorded for the SEC Network. It’s a typical “list song” that’s been popular on country radio for a couple years now. Catchy but unremarkable. (6/10)

The Kind of Love We Make: Third and most recent single. Probably a good one for the two-steppers out there. I love the groove of this one. It’s hard not to nod your head along with it. Another strong vocal performance, as Luke always seems at his best when he’s belting. (7/10)

On the Other Line: A funny song inline with Brad Paisley’s “I’m Gonna Miss Her.” Angry wife/girlfriend on the phone, but he can’t talk because he’s got a big fish “on the other line.” I’m a sucker for wordplay like that. This one will get a nice reaction at the live show, but nothing remarkable vocally or instrumentally, except the güiro used throughout. (6/10)

Outrunnin’ Your Memory (w/Miranda Lambert): I feel an 80’s country meets Bob Seger vibe from this one. Heavy on acoustic guitar and pedal steel. Luke & Miranda’s voices blend nicely in harmony, but neither employs their signature power. Almost feels like a missed opportunity. (5/10)

Used to Wish I Was: “Thought I was gonna be #3 one day, till I wrecked my old man’s car.” Any Earnhardt reference in a song gets a 👍 from me. This one is relatable for everyone who had dreams fall by the wayside. It’s a short, simple song with a nice melody. It struck a chord with me, despite being light on substance. Two listens and you could have the words memorized. This is made for a sing-a-long or karaoke. (7.5/10)

Better Back When: A theme we’ve heard over and over again in country music, thing were better in the past. Feels like a song built for Summer parties. It’s enjoyable, but will get lost in the hundreds of songs with a similar message. (6/10)

Tomorrow Me: Second single. The highlight of the album to this point. Why is he so good at writing about hook-ups with ex’s? It’s a new take on a common topic in country music: what happens the day after. Luke belts on this one, which automatically makes it good in my opinion. This song is an alternative outcome to the same situation from my favorite Luke song, “Hurricane.” (8.5/10)

Ain’t Far From It: Straight 90’s country. This could easily have been a #1 for Garth Brooks or Brooks & Dunn back in their day. I miss that rock & roll with steel guitar sound. This could easily be the opener on his next tour. I predict will get released as a single and quickly go to #1. (9/10)

Call Me: Different delivery than we’re used to from Luke, almost a light staccato at times, with some extra syllables within beats. It appears the writers were different on this one than the rest, which explains the change of approach. I dig it. (8/10)

Middle of Somewhere: Back to Luke’s signature delivery; relaxed verses and belted choruses. I don’t know what it is, but he could do this every song and I’d never get tired of it. Maybe it’s because they’re easy and fun to sing along to. Yup, this one will be on any Combs playlist I make. (9/10)

Going, Going, Gone: Acoustic guitar and light vocal open, and builds to the chorus. This reminds me a lot of “Gone” by Montgomery Gentry. Ok, it doesn’t remind me of it, it’s practically the same lyrically, but has a softer delivery. It’s very pretty, actually. (7/10)

Conclusion: Based on previous posts of social media where Luke teased songs that weren’t on this album, the cover art clearly being cut in half, and the fact that every album he’s released gets a “deluxe” version, we can conclude “Growin’ Up” is only half of this project, and it sounds like it. I’m positive “Gettin’ Old” is coming out down the road. It’s a solid album, but it just feels like it’s missing something. Although, it usually takes a few listens for me to get a complete grasp on an album, so I have no doubt this one will grow on me. It’s an 7.5 out of 10 for me, so far. It’s probably one of the better popular country albums that will come out this year, but I’m left wanting more. I’m pretty sure we’ll get it soon.

I’m sure some of you will be listening to this during your commutes today and throughout the weekend. So tell me, what are your thoughts, your favorite song from it, and do also think this is just part 1? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Also, if you like or dislike this type of content, let me know that as well. This is my first album review, so feedback is appreciated.

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-Trav