Review
"Home State," Jordan Davis' debut album released back in 2018, is a delightful mixtape of country, R&B, pop, and a good ol' touch of Southern rock. Picture yourself cruising down a lazy back road, tunes about love, lust, and the carefree days of youth flowing through your speakers. Davis penned every song himself, bringing his storytelling flair front and center, while Paul DiGiovanni sprinkled his magic as the producer.
The album kicks off strong with "Singles You Up," a track that's as catchy as a summertime porch swing with its rhythmic groove and inviting guitar riffs. Then there's "Take It From Me" that rolls in with a confident Southern rock vibe and a dash of funk. If you're hankering for some slower, swoony moments, "Sundowners" and "Slow Dance in a Parking Lot" will slow things down nicely. The final track, "Leaving New Orleans," hints at more grown-up themes that Davis would explore in his music later on.
Critics tipped their hats to Davis' work here, like Stephen Thomas Erlewine from AllMusic, who loved the quick tempos and lively beats. Annie Reuter of Sounds Like Nashville even called it a "standout debut." Climbing to No. 6 on Top Country Albums and landing at No. 47 on the Billboard 200, "Home State" made quite a splash. It's racked up over 500 million streams and struck gold not just in the U.S. but up in Canada, too.
If you're looking for something to light up your next road trip or just need a solid soundtrack for everyday life, give "Home State" a spin. You'll find Jordan Davis' unique style and songwriting shining bright in this set of tracks. - Daisy
