CD Review: Shaboozey – Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going
By Georgette Diab for Country Music News International Magazine
Shaboozey’s latest album, titled “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going,” has been well-received by both fans and critics. His breakout crossover hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” heavily interpolates J-Kwon’s 2004 pop-rap smash “Tipsy” and has been climbing the charts steadily. The success of the album can be attributed to Shaboozey’s unique sound, which blends elements of country, pop, and rap, as well as his strategic collaborations with artists like Beyoncé on her Cowboy Carter album.
The album was released on May 31st, 2024, and contains 12 tracks. Here is a song-by-song review of the album, in chronological order:
“Horses and Hellcats”
This song is a powerful and emotive track by Shaboozey that showcases his storytelling prowess and lyrical dexterity. The song paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs faced by individuals navigating through life’s ups and downs. The juxtaposition of “horses” and “hellcats” in the title symbolizes the contrast between grace and grit, elegance and rebellion.
Musically, “Horses and Hellcats” features a dynamic blend of gritty beats, melodic hooks, and Shaboozey’s distinctive vocals that captivate listeners from start to finish. The production is polished and atmospheric, enhancing the overall mood of the track and drawing the audience into the narrative being woven through the lyrics.
Thematically, the song delves into themes of perseverance, resilience, and self-discovery. Shaboozey’s introspective lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own journeys and find strength in the face of adversity. The chorus is anthemic and uplifting, serving as a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, there is beauty and growth to be found.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
“A Bar Song” is an energetic and infectious track that captures the spirited essence of a night out at the bar. The song’s upbeat tempo, catchy hooks, and playful lyrics create a fun and lively atmosphere that’s perfect for getting listeners in the mood to party.
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is a feel-good track that captures the essence of having a great time with friends and enjoying the pleasures of nightlife. Shaboozey’s charisma and charisma shine through in this song, making it a perfect addition to any party playlist or night out on the town. Fans of upbeat, catchy music with a fun-loving spirit will surely appreciate the infectious energy and positivity found in this lively track.
“Last of My Kind”
The song blends Shaboozey’s unique brand of country-infused hip-hop, showcasing his ability to seamlessly merge these two genres. The song opens with a slow, moody guitar riff that sets an introspective tone. Shaboozey’s weary baritone vocals then enter, as he sings about feeling like he’s “the last of [his] kind”. This lyric speaks to the singer’s sense of being an outsider in the music industry, as a Black artist blending country and hip-hop influences.
“Last of My Kind” is a powerful and introspective track that showcases Shaboozey’s unique artistry. By blending country tradition with his own hip-hop sensibilities, he’s created a song that feels both timeless and forward-thinking.
“Anabelle”
This song captures the raw emotions of heartbreak and moving on from an unhealthy relationship. The haunting, steady-driving production creates a melancholic atmosphere that perfectly matches the lyrical content. Shaboozey’s weary baritone vocals convey a sense of pain and anguish, as he sings about the breaking point in a relationship and the need to finally let go. Overall, this is a very relatable song for the audience; at least it gave me a lot of food for thought as I was writing this song review!
“East of Massanutten”
The song has a cinematic, Western-inspired sound, with sweeping guitar work. Lines like “Runnin’ from the demons that haunt me back home” convey a sense of desperation and the need to get away from his past.
“East of Massanutten” blends country and hip-hop with a guitar-driven production providing a backdrop for his melodic, rap-inflected delivery. The song has an anthemic, almost cinematic quality that evokes the feeling of riding off into the sunset in search of new beginnings.
“Highway”
“Highway” is a deeply personal and introspective track. In the song, Shaboozey grapples with his own mental health struggles and the pain he has caused a loved one. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Shaboozey feeling lost and unworthy, knowing he has hurt the woman who gave him her heart. He acknowledges his “dark place” and pleads for another chance, promising “if somehow I make it to Sunday, I promise, I’ll be coming back.” Shaboozey’s emotive vocals convey the weight of his internal turmoil, making the listener feel invested in his journey.
“Let It Burn”
Shaboozey taps into the inner thoughts and struggles that many of us face, painting a vivid picture of someone longing to help their partner break free from the chains of their past. This yet another emotionally charged song that has resonated with listeners since the release of this album.
Musically, the track pays homage to classic country and folk influences, with Shaboozey’s intoxicating vocals leading the listener through an emotional roller coaster. This song is powerful and poignant and showcases Shaboozey’s versatility as an artist and his commitment to crafting meaningful, emotionally-charged music.
“My Fault”
“My Fault” is a poignant and introspective collaboration between Shaboozey and Noah Cyrus that explores the aftermath of a broken relationship. The song takes an honest and vulnerable look at the feelings of guilt, regret, and self-blame that often linger after a relationship ends.
The lyrics depict a couple who are struggling to come to terms with the damage they’ve done to each other. They wonder if the relationship’s demise was ultimately “their fault,” unable to fully absolve themselves of responsibility.
“Vegas”
“Vegas” explores themes of regret, addiction, and feeling lost. Shaboozey sings about someone who has fallen deep into a cycle of self-destruction. However, there’s also a sense of longing to break free and find redemption. The production on “Vegas” has a raw, live feel, with prominent acoustic guitar and percussion that create a modern western ballad vibe that showcases Shaboozey’s ability to blend country, hip-hop, and Americana influences into a distinctive sound that resonates emotionally.
It’s a reflective and raw track that hints at the depth and authenticity to be heard throughout the entire album.
“Drink Don’t Need No Mix”
The song is a genre-blending collaboration between Shaboozey and Dallas rapper BigXthaPlug, showcasing their shared affinity for hard-hitting lyrics and a penchant for hard liquor. The production on “Drink Don’t Need No Mix” is hazy and atmospheric, with muted 808s and rattling hi-hats providing the perfect backdrop for the artists to revel in their drunken escapades. The lyrics are both humorous and relatable, capturing the universal desire to escape the monotony of everyday life through the liberating power of alcohol and good company. Overall this song is a raucous, unapologetic celebration of the joys of letting loose and living in the moment
“Steal Her From Me”
The song’s lyrics are about a man who becomes entangled with a woman already in a relationship, only to find that his own happiness is fleeting. The chosen words for this song paint a vivid picture of the protagonist’s internal conflict. On one hand, he acknowledges that he is not a “homewrecker” and that the woman has chosen him over her previous partner. Yet, he is acutely aware that this newfound love will not last. The song also touches on the concept of karma, with the protagonist sharing that “what goes around comes around”. Despite this bleak outlook, the protagonist exhibits a surprising level of maturity and acceptance. Rather than seeking revenge, he chooses to “put it to rest” and let the woman go when she is “through with me.” This perspective highlights the importance of personal growth and the ability to move on, even in the face of heartbreak.
“Steal Her From Me” is a poignant and introspective exploration of the complexities of love and loss. Shabozey’s masterful storytelling and the song’s haunting melodies create a powerful listening experience that resonates long after the final notes have faded.
“Finally Over”
The lyrics of “Finally Over” convey a sense of Shaboozey fighting his past demons and unwillingness to compromise his values, even as he finds himself turning to alcohol to cope with the pressures. He cries out to God for help, reflecting the deep emotional turmoil beneath the surface. Despite the upbeat tempo, the song deals with Shaboozey’s internal struggles and battle to make it in the music industry.
Overall, Shaboozey’s latest album showcases his versatility as an artist and his ability to navigate different musical styles with ease. It has solidified his position in the music industry and set the stage for what promises to be a long and successful career. I would have rated this album with a higher score, but I felt (being a musical artist myself) that this was a good hip-hop album rather than a country album. So from a country music perspective my rating is what is reflected at the end of this article. Honestly, this album needs its own genre: Country-Hop (a fusion of Country and Hip-Hop).
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
