The concept of Reboot is beautiful in its simplicity– take one of the most successful country music recording acts in music history (39 Top 10 songs since 1991, 20 of them hitting #1), rearrange 12 of their most classic songs two decades after they were released, and pair them up with the most popular contemporary artists of oue time. It’s honestly a wonder no other artist has had this idea first– it’s a superb way to breathe life into songs that are getting a little long in the tooth and cement your legacy as a veteran act who still has got it.
By and large Reboot delivers exceptionally well in this format– the songs vary between note for note renditions with new vocals, to wildly different arrangements that completely change the feel of the songs entirely. From the raw power of Luke Combs on “Brand New Man”, fierce ZZ Top-esque guitar tone of Brothers Osborne on “Hard Workin’ Man”, the painful reprise of Ashley McBryde (especially in the second verse which has a verse chord suspension which is absolutely killer) on “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone”, or the party anthem energy Midland brings on “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”, the new blood on Reboot delivers in spades throughout the entire album. But no song matches the emotional weight of “Red Dirt Road” featuring Cody Johnson. The original was an upbeat number with an iconic guitar hook that drove the pace forward, while the redone version is a nostalgic trip down memory lane that tugs at the heart strings that makes you feel every single second of the story of the narrator’s upbringing on a red dirt road. That first chorus where they hit the chorus and Johnson and Dunn harmonize over “I’ve learned the path to heaven is filled with sinners and believers” gave me goosebumps when I first heard it in 2019, and it still gives me goosebumps today. It is simply excellent.
As I mentioned last year during my write up of their 2003 album Red Dirt Road, Ronnie Dunn’s vocal intonation and silky smooth harmonic delivery just sounds so perfectly country in a way that very few singers can capture. Alongside the brilliant songwriting of Kix Brooks whose ability to weave a story is unparalleled, the duo has an energy that is timeless. I had the opportunity to see them live a few days ago alongside my beautiful wife and it was an incredible show. Despite the fact that Brooks & Dunn are both in their early 70’s they sound just as good as they ever did.
Standout Songs: “Brand New Man”, “Hard Workin’ Man”, “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone”, “Red Dirt Road”, “Boot Scootin’ Boogie”
Matthew. 