Review
When we dive into Riley Green’s latest project, "Don’t Mind If I Do," released October 18, 2024, we're taken on a journey with a melody just as rugged and real as a Polaroid snapping the grit and warmth of country living. Now, let's talk about some tracks that'll make you stop in your tracks. "Jesus Saves" resonates, capturing a tale without tipping its hat into preachiness, revealing Riley's storytelling finesse. Don't miss "Reel Problems," where Luke Bryan jumps onboard, gifting us arguably the quintessential country song of the year with its lush arrangements. And "Too Early To Drink" creatively spins a time-trodden theme into something profound, thanks to its dance of steel guitar and mandolin in waltz time. It's country with a side of pure feels.
Pairing Riley Green with Ella Langley on the title track adds an engaging dynamic, echoing the magnetism of old-time duets like those of Conway and Loretta. These collaborations demonstrate Riley’s knack for blending voices that hum like two bees at a tulip. While the album suffers from a case of "too-much-itis” with its hefty line-up of 18 tracks, some hits make us linger while others get caught in a humdrum shuffle. Still, those dynamic duo moments add a charming twist that lingers like a sunset sinking over a southern field.
Despite its length and some tunes that might ride on familiar and formulaic paths, "Don’t Mind If I Do" embodies Riley Green's down-home authenticity and celebrated songwriting—not to mention the fruitful camaraderies he fosters with fellow artists. It's a testament to his ability to captivate when the song is his fully crafted vision or a finely tuned collaboration. So, while the album might flirt with pitfalls, those golden tracks make the expedition undeniably worthwhile for his fans, offering plenty of reasons to smile while sifting through. - Maggie
