Riley Green: Southern Storytelling Elevated on the 24-Track ‘Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)’
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Artist Information: The Neotraditional Standard Bearer
Hailing from Jacksonville, Alabama, Riley Green has quickly established himself as a prominent voice in modern country music, often celebrated for his “neotraditional” sound. A former college quarterback and avid outdoorsman, Green’s music is deeply rooted in Southern authenticity, blending the storytelling grit of classic country legends like Merle Haggard and the reflective heart of personal songwriters. Since winning the ACM New Male Artist of the Year in 2020, Green has mastered the balance between rowdy, truck-centric anthems and deeply vulnerable, self-penned ballads, most notably the multi-platinum hit “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.” His third studio album, Don’t Mind If I Do, first arrived in 2024, and this expanded 24-track deluxe version, released in August 2025, further cements his reputation as an essential keeper of country music’s flame.
Album Review: Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)
Riley Green’s deluxe iteration of Don’t Mind If I Do is less an expansion and more a complete statement, delivering 24 tracks that traverse the full emotional and thematic spectrum of the modern country lifestyle. The album is cohesive, built on familiar themes of small-town life, faith, heartbreak, and humor, yet the six additional songs, particularly the collaborations, add significant depth and emotional weight to the original core.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
| Track | Title | Review |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | That’s A Mistake | A strong, slightly rock-tinged opener. It sets the tone with a clear narrative about the realization of a bad decision, leaning into a familiar country trope with a powerful vocal delivery. |
| 2 | Change My Mind | A classic-sounding mid-tempo track where Green tries to convince a woman that moving on is the wrong idea. It’s built on a steady beat and showcases his earnest vocal style. |
| 3 | Reel Problems (feat. Luke Bryan) | A highlight collaboration. This is a perfect blend of fun, outdoor-focused lyrics and a catchy, radio-friendly hook. It’s an undeniable feel-good anthem about prioritizing fishing over city troubles. |
| 4 | Turnin’ Dirt | A staple for Green’s catalog, this track is a laid-back, blue-collar ode to honest work and small-town pride. The relaxed groove makes it perfect for a drive. |
| 5 | Jesus Saves | The emotional centerpiece of the original album. A powerful, solo-written ballad that tackles heavy subjects—veterans, homelessness, loss—with raw sincerity. It’s a genuine testament to Green’s songwriting maturity. |
| 6 | Too Early To Drink | A self-deprecating, slightly humorous track about hitting the bar a little too soon. It’s light, relatable, and serves as a good bridge between the emotional tracks. |
| 7 | Pick A Place | A relaxed, atmospheric track that centers around choosing a spot to settle down. It’s a simple love song rooted in shared rural geography. |
| 8 | Way Out Here | A clear definition of Green’s musical identity. This song is an unapologetic declaration of Southern pride and a refusal to conform to city life, featuring a driving, resonant melody. |
| 9 | Waitin’ All Day | A classic, hooky tailgating or pre-party song. It builds excitement with its energetic rhythm, capturing the anticipation of a weekend well spent. |
| 10 | Chip Off The Ol’ Block | A tender tribute to family and heritage. It feels personal and well-worn, honoring the traditions and lessons passed down through generations. |
| 11 | Alcohall Of Fame | A clever and witty drinking song that personifies alcohol consumption as a humorous achievement. It’s musically simple but lyrically engaging. |
| 12 | Rather Be | An effective statement of priorities. It strips things back to the core—fishing, a cold beer, and open space—making a clear case for Green’s simple pleasures. |
| 13 | Good Morning From Mexico | A breezy escape song. It provides a nice change of pace and atmosphere, chronicling a temporary vacation from life’s complexities. |
| 14 | Torn | A thoughtful track exploring the conflict between two different sides of love or life. The emotional ambiguity is handled well, adding a mature layer to the tracklist. |
| 15 | Damn Good Day To Leave | A surprising, upbeat breakup song. Instead of sadness, it focuses on the beauty of the day, making the departure feel more like a necessary, positive step. |
| 16 | Looking Back On This | A reflective moment of nostalgia. It sounds like something you’d listen to while reminiscing, focusing on how current events become cherished memories. |
| 17 | Don’t Mind If I Do (feat. Ella Langley) | The title track and a fantastic duet. Green and Langley’s voices blend beautifully on this sweet, smooth love song, making it one of the original album’s standouts. |
| 18 | Worst Way | The original album closer, this solo-written track is deep and soulful, showcasing a vulnerable side of Green as he deals with regret and heartbreak. |
| 19 | Make It Rain (New) | One of the strongest additions. This emotional power ballad showcases Green’s vocal range and intensity, delivering a poignant message about resilience during tough times. |
| 20 | Cowboy As It Gets (feat. Randy Houser) (New) | A gritty, traditional-leaning track. The duet with Randy Houser adds a rougher, outlaw edge, confirming Green’s commitment to neotraditional country grit. |
| 21 | I Just Need You (feat. Hannah McFarland) (New) | A tender, intimate moment. McFarland’s complementary vocals make this a beautiful, raw love song that focuses purely on companionship and vulnerability. |
| 22 | What Am I Supposed To Do Now (New) | A direct, no-frills heartbreak song. It captures the immediate confusion and regret following a relationship’s end, relying on simple, effective lyricism. |
| 23 | Bet They’re Biting (New) | A light, classic Riley Green track celebrating his love for fishing and the outdoors. It’s a fun, no-stakes reminder of his down-to-earth personality. |
| 24 | One To Willie (New) | The perfect closing tribute. It honors country music heroes, specifically Willie Nelson, whose iconic guitar work is rumored to be featured. It’s a respectful nod to the past that closes the album on a high, appreciative note. |
Verdict
The deluxe version of Don’t Mind If I Do is the definitive package for Riley Green fans. It successfully balances the upbeat, fun-loving aspects of his music with moments of profound, self-penned depth like “Jesus Saves” and “Worst Way.” The deluxe additions, particularly the powerful “Make It Rain” and the tasteful tribute “One To Willie,” elevate the project, showing that Green is confidently evolving as both a hitmaker and a serious, authentic songwriter. This album is a solid blueprint for neotraditional country in the 2020s.