Cody Jinks Digs Deep with “In My Blood”: A New Chapter of Outlaw Authenticity
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Cody Jinks has always been an artist who operates on his own terms, forging a path through the country music landscape with a refreshing blend of grit, honesty, and a voice as deep and resonant as the Texas night sky. His eleventh studio album, In My Blood, set to be released on July 25th via Late August Records, promises to be a significant new chapter, an exploration of self-discovery and hard-won wisdom that further solidifies his standing as a modern outlaw troubadour.
The album’s first offering, “Found,” immediately sets a compelling tone. Written by Ward Davis, Brent Sherokey, and Andrew Peebles, “Found” is an uplifting anthem that embraces the winding, often challenging journey of self-discovery. It’s a testament to the power of resilience, delivered with Jinks’ unmistakable baritone vocals and a rollicking musicality driven by robust guitar and drums. The track lays a solid foundation for the album’s overarching themes: personal growth, overcoming adversity, and the strength found in confronting life’s trials head-on. “Found” is a sonic handshake, welcoming listeners into a narrative rooted in authenticity and the redemptive power of self-awareness.
In My Blood, produced by Joshua Thompson and Charles Godfrey, is described as blending the raw storytelling of traditional honky-tonk with the intensity of Southern rock, a combination that has become a hallmark of Jinks’ sound. This is not a polished, Nashville-pop country album; it’s a record with a “gritty, soulful edge,” characterized by stripped-down instrumentation that allows the emotionally charged lyrics to truly shine. Jinks’ baritone, a powerful instrument in itself, takes center stage as he delves into themes of redemption, resilience, and the struggles of the working class. It’s an album that looks back at where he’s been and forward to where he’s going, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into the ongoing evolution of an artist who isn’t afraid to confront his own journey.
Perhaps one of the most exciting aspects of In My Blood is the special collaboration on the title track with Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke. Starr, a long-time friend and a revered figure in Southern rock, joins Jinks for what marks their first recorded collaboration. This pairing is a natural fit, promising a powerful synergy between two artists who share a similar spirit of authenticity and a deep connection to their musical roots. The anticipation for this track alone is enough to pique the interest of fans of both artists.
Jinks himself offers insight into the album’s core, drawing a direct line between the title track and his previous work. “I think that In My Blood, the song itself could be taken as the next chapter of ‘Change the Game’,” he shares. “‘We know what we did. We know where we’ve been. We know what we’ve done. In My Blood is why we keep doing it.'” This statement encapsulates the essence of the album: it’s not just a collection of songs, but a continuation of his personal and artistic narrative, explaining the driving force behind his unwavering dedication to his craft and his audience.
The full tracklist, revealed alongside the album announcement, hints at a diverse yet cohesive journey. While details on specific songs beyond “Found” are yet to emerge, the themes and the powerful opening track suggest an album rich with the kind of unflinching honesty and musical prowess that Jinks’ fanbase has come to expect and revere. In My Blood feels less like an album launch and more like an invitation to witness an artist at a pivotal moment, laying bare his soul with every note. For anyone who appreciates country music with substance, character, and a profound sense of self, Cody Jinks’ In My Blood is shaping up to be an essential listen this summer.
In My Blood:
- Better Than the Bottle
- Lost Highway
- The Others
- In My Blood (ft. Blackberry Smoke)
- Something Wicked This Way Comes
- See the Man
- When You Can’t Remember
- Lonely Man
- Monster
- Found
- When Time Didn’t Fly