Where I've Been Isn't Where I'm Going

Featuring his breakout hit, "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," Shaboozeys third LP is a timely and intelligent cross-pollination of modern country, hip-hop, and hooks. The Virginia artist has been making variations of this sound since 2014, flying under the radar with innovative releases like 2018s Lady Wrangler and 2022s Cowboys Live Forever, Outlaws Never Die until Beyonce requested his services on her own country effort, Cowboy Carter, early in 2024. With his profile justly elevated, Shaboozey was ready with a new single of his own, a universally relatable drinking anthem that became a huge global hit practically overnight. Where Ive Been, Isnt Where Im Going is more than just a vehicle for "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," its a showcase for a modern American approach that continues to leave genres behind. On some of the more rap-forward cuts like "Horses & Hellcats" and the BigXthaPlug collaboration "Drink Dont Need No Mix," pedal steel, acoustic guitar, and organic elements dovetail with heavily processed beats and vocals in a refreshing blur that feels like now with a bit of then in the rearview mirror. Hes got some nice ballads like "East of the Massanutten" and the romantic Noah Cyrus duet "My Fault," but its the more unclassifiable songs like "Let it Burn" that make the record feel exciting. ~ Timothy Monger

ビヨンセ『Cowboy Carter』への参加で名が広まったヴァージニア出身シンガー・ソングライターの初作。米音楽界におけるカントリー/アメリカーナの潮流が高まるなかで注目され、先行カット"A Bar Song(Tipsy)"は全米1位を獲得済み。同曲はラッパーのJクウォンによるヒット"Tipsy"(2004年)を引用したものだが、アルバムは殊更にブラック・ルーツを表すものではない。ノア・サイラスと共演した"My Fault"を筆頭にあくまでもカントリーに基づいたエモーショナルな歌世界を展開し、塩辛い滋味ヴォーカルを堪能させる。ビヨンセが拓いた舞台に颯爽と現れてポップ音楽の更新を進める、2024年の重要作。
bounce (C)池谷瑛子