Kameron Marlowe - We Were Cowboys | Album Review
Kameron Marlowe released his debut album "We Were Cowboys" produced by Dann Huff and Brad Hill on August 26th. This album features sixteen songs including his debut single Givin' You Up and Burn 'Em All crediting some of Nashville's most admired songwriters including Marlowe himself.
"This album encapsulates it all nostalgia, romance, heartbreak, and everything in between." -Marlowe
We Were Cowboys (Kameron Marlowe, Wyatt McCubbin, Tyler Farr) This track paints a story about young boys whose imagination established them as cowboys. From playing with sticks and stones, running like wild horses, to saddling up in their first truck at 16, to bull riding but never making eight. "We were cowboys."
Country Boy's Prayer (Casey Beathard, Dan Isbell, Reid Isbell)Country Boy's Prayer was a stand-out track from this album. The sheen tone in the opening verse escalates into a robust sound asking God for a country boy's requests. " And if that ain't out of line, could you find a little time for a country boy's prayer?"
Girl On Fire (Kameron Marlowe, Jason Gantt, Josh Osborne)The first line of Girl On Fire sets a sweet mellow tempo that portrays a summer fling that resulted in nothing more. "I wonder if those whispering pines ever told our secrets."
Giving You Up (Kameron Marlowe)Some of the most successful songs come from real-life events. Giving You Up spiked from an ex-relationship given the thought of possibly mending the relationship. Once that phone call ended the realization of reality came into focus expressing "I'm giving you up." The guitar was picked up and the lyrics became actual. "There ain't no use for you in this heart no more, So I'm letting go"
Does It Have To Be Over (Kameron Marlowe, Josh Hoge, Wyatt McCubbin)This song unveils a hard breakup where she needs space, and he needs closure. The rawness sets the tone for the listener to feel the emotion in the heartbreak. "Does it have to be over?"
This Old Town (Kameron Marlowe, Tyler Farr, Wyatt McCubbin)This Old Town hits home. The second verse stood out most creating a vivid image for small-town living, "Shotgun shell, Red stop signs, Sheriff parked, Down at the county line/ We don't know why, but we hang around.”
Money Ain't $hit [Explicit] (Casey Beathard, Brice Long, Shane Minor)Marlowe shares his take on the saying "money can't buy happiness" with his upbeat track, Money Ain't $hit. "Life ain't about price tags, Cadillacs, or first class seats."
Fool Me Again (Kameron Marlowe, Rob Williford, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)Fool Me Again is a slowed-down heartbreak track. The hurt in Marlowe's voice makes for believable storytelling lyrics. "And who's going to wind up right back on this stool, Playin' those sad songs and playin' your fool? Me again"
Burn 'Em All (Kameron Marlowe, Brinley Addington, Joey Hyde, Aaron Eshuis)Burn 'Em All was released in 2020 reaching Billboard's Hot Country Top 40. This upbeat tune is ideal for a typical Friday night. "Pour the gas, light the match, set the night on fire, Set the blaze, let the flames get higher."
Steady Heart (Kameron Marlowe, Jessi Alexander, Dan Isbell)Steady Heart is a love story about two opposites who bring out the best in each other. This track was inspired by Marlowe's parents' long-lasting relationship of almost 30 years. "This song is incredibly special to me and because of that I've been holding onto it until the time was right." "When we come together we're the best of who we are."
Over Now (Tucker Beathard, Jake Mitchell)Over Now talks about overcoming a bump in the road in a relationship. Rather than relinquishment, he's asking for a pristine start. "Let's start over now."
Saying Goodbye (Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin, Mark Nesler)Saying Goodbye is a man giving guidance to another man on what to expect while dating an ex. "No, there ain't nothin' like a girl saying goodbye, It's like the world goes dark for a little while, You're gonna live but a part of you is gonna die"
Ain't Enough Whiskey (Kameron Marlowe, John Pierce, Dan Isbell)Ain't Enough Whiskey starts out with a short and sweet guitar solo to draw the listener in. Marlowe comes in showcasing a bluesy tone while drowning his heartbreak sorrows in the whiskey. "The thought of livin' without you, girl, No, there ain't enough whiskey in the world."
Runnin' Out On You (Alex Maxwell, Dawson Edwards, Liam Stolly) Runnin' Out On You is an acoustic ballad with minimal instrumental background emphasizing the focus on the lyrics. "You don't have to say a thing, 'Cause I saw it in your eyes, And they said all they have to say."
Granny's Got A Garden (For G'maw Jan) (Kameron Marlowe, Rob Williford, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)"But when her back gets to hurtin', You might smell somethin' burnin'," Marlowe tells it best as he shares the story behind Granny's Got A Garden for his G'maw Jan.
Long Way Down (C. Michael Spriggs, Craig Wiseman)
Long Way Down has a thunderous tone of country rock. "But after tonight, girl, you're gonna have to love me forever, It's a long way down." When it seems to be the end, Marlowe bursts into an outro ending. An elite ending to an exemplary album.
