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

Rovi