The title Southern Symphony stands in marked contrast to Yours, the name Russell Dickerson gave his 2016 debut. Southern Symphony suggests an ambitious project with a dramatic undercurrent and, in a sense, thats true. Dickerson does delve into his upbringing on the albums title track and Come to Jesus is an ode to enduring marital love, songs that underscore how the record isnt all about good times, despite the presence of eternal party hounds Florida Georgia Line. Frivolity doesnt weigh heavily on Dickersons mind, but Southern Symphony has a bright, shiny gloss that suggests its a party. The production is so slick that the deeper emotions Dickerson attempts dont quite stick, yet the album is ingratiating due to his unassuming, friendly touch and its relentless smoothness. Its an album that sounds like the radio is playing at 10 a.m. on a cheerful Monday morning. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Rovi