Review
Well, honey, why don’t you sidle on up and take a seat because we're about to dive into Cody Jinks' 2018 album "Lifers," which takes the kind of sit-down storytelling right out of the honky-tonk playbook and serves it up with some good ole 70s outlaw flair. From the get-go, with "Holy Water," you're drawn into a spiritual soiree of sorts, where Jinks’ rich vocals wash over us all like a Southern summer rain, mixed with the support of heavenly female backing vocals. The lead single, "Must Be The Whiskey," gives a healthy nod to the whiskey-soaked floors of numerous honky-tonks, tying masterful songwriting with a chorus you’ll find yourself humming long after last call.
Now, speaking of toe-tapping, "Big Last Name" goes full Texas on us—a godsend for those knowing a thing or two about big trucks and bigger dreams. Meanwhile, "Colorado" throws in a heartfelt collab with Ward Davis, perfect for those contemplative drives down a two-lane highway. If it's emotion you're pining for, get cozy with "Somewhere Between I Love You and I'm Leaving." Jinks doesn’t shy away from emotive territory, bringing “poignant” lyrics that elevate a well-worn tale of love and loss.
Things taper off into thoughtful equators towards the end with tracks like "7th Floor," "Stranger," and "Head Case." Jinks digs deep into the themes riding the lines of introspection and personal struggle, showcasing the ability to steer through his country roots while letting us ponder life’s winding country roads. With "Lifers," an ode to sticking by your daddy's values, Cody Jinks firms up his status in modern country, keeping sure and true to old roots while sowing fresh seeds that's apt for a ride on a broader countryside. - Savannah
