From the Masters to Nashville: Thomas Rhett and Niall Horan Team Up on Surprising, Infectious Honky-Tonk Single “Old Tricks”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In a creative twist that is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about collaborations of the year, country superstar Thomas Rhett has teamed up with international pop sensation Niall Horan for a brand-new version of the honky-tonk singalong, “Old Tricks.” The track, which originally appeared on Thomas Rhett’s ABOUT A WOMAN (Deluxe) featuring Blake Shelton, proves that the best creative moments are often the most spontaneous and rooted in genuine friendship.
The Nashville Powerhouse
Thomas Rhett has spent just over a decade establishing himself as a versatile powerhouse in country music, amassing an astounding 24 Number Ones, 16 billion streams, and a trophy case filled with accolades, including the 2020 ACM “Entertainer of the Year” award and multiple CMA, GRAMMY®, and Billboard nominations. Fuelled by both songwriting prowess (earning five CMA Triple Play awards) and an undeniable charisma, Thomas Rhett consistently delivers hits defined by a laid-back perspective and a vocal delivery drenched in casual country soul, always keeping his devoted fans on their toes. His willingness to blend genres and sounds makes him the perfect artist to lead this unexpected crossover.
A Connection Forged on the Road and the Green
The idea for the alternate version of “Old Tricks” was born out of a casual friendship that spans six or seven years. The origin story is as unexpected as the collaboration itself. As Thomas Rhett recalls, the suggestion came “out of nowhere” while hanging out with Horan and Noah Kahan at the Masters golf tournament this year.
“I was at the Masters this year and went to hang out with Niall and Noah Kahan, and out of nowhere Niall goes, ‘I’m so mad you didn’t ask me to sing on “Old Tricks.”’ I said, ‘Man, you were the last person I would’ve thought would even like this one!’” Thomas Rhett recounts. Horan’s dedication—knowing all the words and persistently texting Rhett about it—made the decision easy.
Niall Horan, who became instantly hooked on the song after hearing it by chance in the studio, confirmed his deep affinity for the track: “I just loved everything about it, it’s a proper country song.” He was “gutted” he wasn’t on the original. For both artists, the session felt “easy, natural, like it was always meant to happen,” creating a fun, full-circle moment that honors the spirit of the original collaboration.
The Song: Proper Country with Global Appeal
“Old Tricks” is unapologetically a honky-tonk singalong. It features a buoyant, retro-country energy driven by lively instrumentation—likely featuring vibrant piano, twangy guitar, and an infectious, stomping rhythm section that compels listeners to grab a partner and hit the dance floor. The song title suggests a fun, self-aware narrative about falling back into familiar, perhaps charmingly mischievous, habits.
Where the original featured the iconic gravitas of Blake Shelton, the new version benefits from Horan’s youthful, slightly pop-tinged voice harmonizing with Thomas Rhett’s warm country timbre. This blend elevates the track’s accessibility, allowing the “proper country song” heart to reach a broader, global audience without losing its soulful authenticity. It underscores Thomas Rhett’s knack for collaboration and Horan’s natural ability to slide into any genre he genuinely connects with. The result is a fun, highly infectious earworm that is sure to become a staple in both Nashville honky-tonks and streaming playlists worldwide.