Dylan Scott has been on a rapid rise this year, trailblazing with no.1 singles and his hugest tour to date – ‘Country ‘Til I Die’ – across the US. Now, he’s kickstarting summer with the release of ‘Easy Does It,’ his most anticipated and enthralling album to date. Whether you’re a devoted country lover, newcomer or hold a soft spot for nostalgic ballads, this is one release that will colour your playlist with warmth, emotional depth and sweet, unforgettable melodies.
Throughout, Scott crafts a pleasant blend between the spirit of classic Nashville songwriting and arena-worthy hits. Offering a tender love letter to the small town that raised to him, it’s a beautiful snapshot of the winding roads that have led to this very point – the musical pinnacle of his career and fresh chapter. Yet what he touches on most is self-reflection and his loving commitment to his family, ensuring each song is wrapped in unyielding gratitude and lyrics that speak from the heart.
‘This Town’s Been Too Good To Us,’ which recently sky-rocketed to no.1 on country radio, is a masterclass in nostalgia. The vibrant opener, ‘What We’ll Never Have,’ is a similar confession that his marriage and children is all he’ll ever need, regardless of his home and possessions. Evoking classic sensibilities, ‘Back Forty’ vividly captures the Nashville farm where his children grew up: a love snapshot of time that he’ll forever look fondly on. Matched with profound vocals and traditional, glowing soundscapes, he offers an endless reminder to appreciate the beauty of life’s simpler moments.
Yet this happiness hasn’t come without heartbreak, expressed through the intense regret of the dark, drink-fuelled ‘I Hate Whiskey’. His vocals delve into a strong baritone, taking centre stage and battling his inner demons. This is a crucial point in the album’s narrative – without the pain, there would be no self-acceptance or gratitude for his journey towards fulfillment.
Between the ballads and tender love songs are fun, energetic numbers, with Scott’s rock-tinged country spirit on full display. ‘Country ‘Til I Die’ – which titled his recent sold-out tour across the US – is a declaration of his devotion to the genre for the remainder of his career. With an extra Nashville twang, shameless lyrics, and and colourful soundscape, it marks an uplifting and celebratory moment in the album.
Tracks such as ‘Twice’ are deeply intimate, infused with a hopeless romantic intimacy. Reflecting on peaceful, acoustic number – written alongside Charlie Handsome, Jaxson Free, John Byron and Taylor Phillips – Scott shared: “I’ve been with my wife since I was 15 years old – she’s the rock, she’s the glue that holds this whole thing together. I didn’t write ‘Twice,’ but I knew I had to have it the first time I heard it, because it just reminds me of my wife and our relationship. If I could, I wish I could live it twice.”
With ‘Easy Does It,’ one thing is for certain: Dylan Scott may be at the peak of his musical voyage, but he’s only getting started. Catch the country hero in action next week at CMA Fest in Nashville, where he’ll perform at Spotify House on June 6th and at Nissan Stadium on June 8th.
