Route 33 Delivers a High-Energy Summer Anthem with “Best of Me”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Just as the Australian sun begins to sizzle, the nation’s favorite country duo, Route 33, has returned with the ultimate soundtrack for the season. Their brand-new pop-country single, “Best of Me,” released on November 28 via indie label RTC Records, and it serves as a triumphant victory lap for a duo that has spent the last year conquering global stages.
Fresh off the back of an ARIA #1 Australian Country Album in late 2024 and their acclaimed Live from Tamworth EP, Jock Barnes and Trent McArdle are leaning into their signature sound: big harmonies, driving guitars, and an infectious, “windows-down” energy.
The Track: “Best of Me”
“Best of Me” is a masterclass in modern pop-country construction. It tackles the timeless theme of a love that completes the soul, but does so with a fresh, upbeat perspective that feels tailor-made for summer festival stages.
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The Concept: The song is built on a poignant contrast. The verses are reflective, capturing the quiet realization that life’s biggest moments feel hollow when experienced solo. However, the track truly ignites in the chorus—a soaring, high-octane celebration of “living life wide open,” featuring imagery of dancing in the rain and fast drives.
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The Production: To achieve their most polished sound yet, the boys enlisted Tom Garnett (known for his work with Delta Goodrem and Peking Duk). Garnett’s influence is clear; he manages to preserve the “classic country soul” and grit of the duo while wrapping it in a sleek, contemporary radio sheen.
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The Performance: The chemistry between Barnes and McArdle is undeniable. Their harmonies are as tight as ever, a testament to nearly a decade of performing together since their 2016 debut.
A Career-Defining Year
For Route 33, 2025 has been nothing short of “epic.” The duo hasn’t just been dominant domestically; they’ve taken the Australian country sound to the world stage.
“It’s been a massive year for us… getting to tick that bucket list item by playing the Calgary Stampede, we couldn’t be happier,” says Jock Barnes.
Back home, they fulfilled a long-held goal by joining the Gympie Music Muster lineup, further cementing their status as festival favorites alongside their regular appearances at CMC Rocks and Groundwater. “Best of Me” is the perfect bookend to this chapter, transitioning the duo from the raw energy of their live EP back into the studio spotlight.
About Route 33
The story of Route 33 is one of genuine Aussie mateship. Jock Barnes and Trent McArdle first bonded on the footy field, where a post-game jam session revealed a musical spark that couldn’t be ignored. Since their debut single “Last First Kiss,” they have built a reputation for easygoing humor and honest storytelling. Whether they are playing for thousands at a major festival or a small crowd in a local pub, they have a rare gift for making every audience member feel like they are part of the inner circle.
The Verdict
“Best of Me” is exactly what the country music scene needs right now: a song that is unapologetically happy and technically superb. It captures the essence of the “Route 33 vibe”—laid-back yet powerful, and deeply relatable. If this is how they are finishing 2025, the industry better buckle up for whatever they have planned for next year.
Rating: 5/5 Stars