SONG REVIEW 🎵📝 Rick Kennerknecht - Happily Heartbroke, Pour Me One More Empty Glass
Rick Kennerknecht - Happily Heartbroke, Pour Me One More Empty Glass
Country
CO, US
Overall Impression: Songwriter Rick Kennerknecht explores some of country music's most overplayed cliches and contradictions with deadpan satire, on his release of "Happily Heartbroke, Pour Me One More Empty Glass". The writer showcases his wry wit on this neo-traditional ballad by highlighting and subverting a litany of country music motifs, using a deft touch and clever lyricism to turn them on their ear. A richly expressive baritone vocal is backed by piano and steel guitar as it delves deep into Nashville's vast catalog of recurring themes and oxymorons, giving the track a warm and inviting sound that's reminiscent of nineties mainstream country radio. Rick Kennerknecht's "Happily Heartbroke, Pour Me One More Empty Glass" treats the genre with the utmost respect while at the same time dismantling its tropes from the inside out, making it an easy recommendation for contemporary country fans who share in his sardonic sensibilities.
Strongest Point(s): Solid production, decent mix. Excellent contemporary country ballad sound. Perfect vocal casting, really sounds authentic, particularly on the spoken segments. Absolutely amazing satirical songwriting that reads like a laundry list of country music tropes and contradictions. The oxymorons really hit the hardest, humor-wise; most people are aware of country's recurring themes (trucks, beers, dogs, etc), but less cognizant of the glaring contradictions that are all too common in Nashville songwriting. "Tight pair of loose-fitting shoes" and "Mama always told me what she never said" were two my favorites, but there's a ton of great one-liners sprinkled throughout. I also loved the joke of the "never-ending song", that adds yet another layer of terrific satire. I felt like you maintained a good balance of parody and reverence with the lyrics. All in all, this track is a great comedic exercise with a genuine sound that might not quite be for everyone, but those who catch on and commit to the bit will be absolutely enthralled and entertained. Fantastic work on this one!
Target Audience Appeal: Fans of Country, Neo-Traditional Country, Contemporary Country
Artist target suggestions: Alan Jackson, George Strait, Jon Pardi, Don Williams, Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Mark Chesnutt, Brooks & Dunn, Sturgill Simpson, Luke Combs, Wheeler Walker Jr.
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About the Reviewer:
Steven Azami is a multi-instrumentalist with over 25 years of experience in the music industry. Both as a touring/session player and as a producer, his career has spanned nearly every genre from bluegrass to jazz, from rock to reggae. In addition, his work as a music educator has allowed him to cultivate and foster talent within the next generation of musical explorers.
