Album after album, Dan and Shay continue to swoon the hearts of their fans with their country music. They sing about love stories, heartaches, and adventures that we all live and dream about. Since their album, Where It All Began, was released in 2014, the guys continue to find their sound. If you have listened to their albums then you too have heard their sound grow and mature. Now, with the release of their self-titled album, Dan and Shay continue to stay true to themselves and their music by melting the hearts of fans with country powerhouse tunes but with a more well rounded and rich sound. With that said, let’s talk about this new album.
The first single off of their new album was “Tequila.” The song mixes chill tones with powerhouse vocals that make you so damn happy that the boys are back with new music. The music video perfectly captures the visuals of the song’s lyrics. Taste is a huge component to the song with lyrics like “I remember how bad I need ya, when I taste Tequila.” The music video features a deaf man connecting with a woman through American Sign Language and how tequila connects the two. Of course, being a song titled “Tequila” there’s some product placement, but it’s done in a subtle manner and moment doesn’t take away from the video’s overall story.
The next song, “Keeping Score” features powerhouse icon Kelly Clarkson. You basically hug each note in the song as both Kelly and Shay’s voices perfectly blend with one another’s. They each have such great control over their voice that you can’t help but be in awe as you listen to the song. Additionally, the song has a positive message about letting go and loving your significant other as if it’s your last moment. It’s about loving fully and wholeheartedly and living with no regret because you never know when your time on earth comes to an end.
As we continue to listen to the album, we find another track that was released prior to the full release of the album and that was “Speechless.” As the title suggests, the track truly does leave you speechless. And with wedding season in full swing, this track is perfect for the season. As the lyrics swoon you away, they tell of the feeling when you see your significant other in the wedding dress that is symbolic for that special day. The song’s a slow, rhythmic beat has hints to that of Dan and Shay’s older song, “Obsessed”, but despite the past tune, “Speechless” has a more mature tone to it.
A latter track in the album may quickly become a fan favorite. “My Side of the Fence” is a ballad that you can’t help but smile when you listen to it. The light touch of the electric guitar gives it a sexy edge but the lyrics give the song a sense of innocence. Sometimes when you’re dating or are in a long-term relationship and time passes by, you may take your partner for granted. But this song acts as a reminder that what you have in front of you has and will always be truly special and that sometimes the grass isn’t greener on the other side.
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The album ends a slightly upbeat tempo despite the title of the track “Island Time.” This song definitely shows off Shay’s voice and Dan’s laidback guitar track has you swaying to the beat. This song ends the album on a chill, fun note which perfectly encompasses the essence of both Dan and Shay.
Overall, the self- titled album, Dan + Shay, is the most solid, cohesive album out of all of the other albums that Dan and Shay have released. Each track in the album is special and unique in their own right. What’s great is that Dan and Shay didn’t stray too far from the music they released in the past because you hear hints or similar rhythms in each of the songs but it sounds like the duo finally found their groove. With how cohesive the overall album is, it just speaks volumes as to how well Dan and Shay work together. The self-titled album shows how both Dan and Shay are growing as artists and it’s interesting to note how their music will continue to grow from here.
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