Chas Collins Delivers a Knockout with “She Gave Me That Look”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Florida-based country artist Chas Collins is back, and he’s not just making noise—he’s making a statement. His bold, groove-driven new single, “She Gave Me That Look,” is a masterclass in capturing a universal human experience with raw, unvarnished energy. This track isn’t just a song; it’s a visceral snapshot of that electrifying, lightning-strike moment when the world fades away, and all that remains is the magnetic pull of another’s gaze.
From the very first note, “She Gave Me That Look” grabs you by the collar. It’s built around a swampy, undeniably Southern rock guitar riff that instantly sets a gritty, tension-filled atmosphere. The chorus, when it hits, goes straight for the gut, delivering a powerful emotional punch that resonates with anyone who’s experienced that sudden, undeniable connection. Collins himself perfectly encapsulates the song’s essence: “This song’s about that one glance that changes everything. No words, no warning—just a look that cuts through the noise. Every guy’s been there at least once, and when it hits, it hits. I wanted this track to feel like that exact second.” And feel it, you do. The production, crafted in Nashville with Collins at the helm, is tight and focused, allowing the raw, emotional vocals to shine without compromise. It’s pure Chas: a signature blend of country soul and an ’80s rock edge, delivered with conviction that refuses to phone it in.
Chas Collins is no overnight sensation; he’s a road warrior with over 3,000 live shows played across 43 states. This extensive grind has forged him into an unmistakable presence, both vocally and physically—at 6’6”, he commands every inch of the stage. His career is a testament to building from the ground up, earning fans one handshake and one powerhouse performance at a time. Raised in Louisiana with deep roots in both the church and the honky-tonks, Collins’ journey has been marked by profound resilience. After Hurricane Katrina wiped out everything he owned, he moved to Nashville. The subsequent loss of his mother, grandmother, and aunt within four years could have broken a lesser artist, but Collins channeled his grief into grit, crafting songs rooted in resilience, love, and the unvarnished truth of real life.
His 2015 single “Try It On” landed in the Top 10 on CMT’s 12 Pack Countdown, launching a more extensive touring run and cementing his reputation as a powerful live performer with a unique sound. Just as his career was gaining significant momentum, the COVID-19 pandemic brought the music world to a grinding halt. Yet, instead of fading into the background, Collins used the downtime for introspection and creation. He delved inward, writing some of the most personal material of his life—songs born of struggle, faith, healing, and rebirth. What emerged from this period was a refreshed and refined sound: emotionally charged, rock-leaning country music that cuts through the noise with authenticity and conviction.
Now based in Tampa Bay, Collins continues to record in Music City while playing for audiences nationwide. “She Gave Me That Look” follows a string of recent releases and sets a compelling tone for what’s next—a season of new music that promises to lean even harder into Collins’ distinctive fusion of heartland country and Southern rock heat. Chas Collins isn’t just a singer-songwriter; he’s a storyteller whose smooth yet powerful voice and no-nonsense approach resonate deeply. Whether he’s channeling Southern grit or gospel roots, his songs speak to anyone who’s fought their way through the dark and come out swinging. This isn’t just music; it’s a testimony to perseverance and the enduring power of a single, unforgettable look.