Jerrod Niemann – “One More Drinking Song”
Nobody can accuse Jerrod Niemann of false advertising: “One More Drinking Song” is exactly what its title promises, and not a scosh more. Although it’s a bit tempting to reward anything country-sounding in light of the debacle that was last Wednesday’s CMA Awards show, the truth is that if the neotrad generica represented by Niemann’s single were the only alternative, the turning of tides toward Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum might be for the best.
Thankfully, though, some artists are still recording good country songs, and good country drinking songs. The superb “An Old Friend of Mine” was a highlight of Joe Nichols’ recent album. The 9513 columnist Miss Leslie independently released “Drunk Dialer” just a few months back. Even Brady Seals’ “Been There, Drunk That” and Rodney Atkins’ “Fifteen Minutes” (both from 2009 releases) were a fair bit of fun.
Yes, good country drinking songs are still being recorded. This just doesn’t happen to be one of them, probably because it never aspires to anything more than competence. It’s template traditional country designed to go down easy, but in striving to make no negative impression, it doesn’t make much of an impression at all. The singalong tempo and Niemann’s affable baritone will have you humming while you listen, but you’ll be hard-pressed to remember any of the details minutes later. Because they don’t matter, possibly not even to Niemann himself. This isn’t a song for a lasting career; it’s just something else to sing, another track to fill an album.
Points have also been deducted for the cutesy sound effect over a not-so-racy line about getting laid and the barroom singalong at the end, both standard ingredients of this song type that appear all-too-predictably and bespeak a general lack of innovation.
In response to the song’s own question – “Hey hey hey, what’s so wrong/With one more drinking song?” – nothing, nothing at all. But if it doesn’t distinguish itself through an especially clever turn of phrase, a fresh musical take, an outstanding vocal performance, something on which to pin an identity – if it even seems to delight in its own nondescriptness – I’m left wondering why anyone would choose to listen to this particular drinking song in the first place. Especially given all the fine alternatives.
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November 20, 2009 at 9:20 am Permalink
The artwork for this one deserves another thumbs down.
November 20, 2009 at 9:52 am Permalink
You’d think that a powerful label like Joe’s Music would have a bigger budget for artwork, wouldn’t you?
November 20, 2009 at 10:16 am Permalink
To be fair, it’s an old picture–I can’t find a single press shot related to the new project.
November 20, 2009 at 10:52 am Permalink
was that picture from his days as a back up singer for buena vista social club? to be fair, not updating your promo material is lazy. if the song’s not worth taking a new picture to promote, it’s probably not worth listening to either.
November 20, 2009 at 11:01 am Permalink
I wasn’t really referencing the promo shot, but rather the single artwork I linked to on Amazon.
November 20, 2009 at 11:05 am Permalink
i know, i saw it. you would think that the label would want to use up to date photos.
November 20, 2009 at 11:17 am Permalink
…there’s really no need to try and fill the upcoming chesney-gap already!
November 20, 2009 at 12:10 pm Permalink
Jerrod just shot new promo shots today to use with his new deal with Sea Gayle Records. His complete album is actually a solid record (a few are/were up on his myspace).
November 20, 2009 at 12:10 pm Permalink
I should say “This week” not today.
November 20, 2009 at 5:35 pm Permalink
So Brad Paisley and Chris DuBois are betting money on this guy huh? I expect him to do about as well as Trailer Choir has done for Toby Keith’s “Show Dog” label. Its actually kind of amazing to me that Chris Young has done so well with the black dress song on Top 40 country radio. Maybe Sea Gayle expects to jump on the tails of Chris’s one man “trend” with Jerrod’s single! (lol)
I would expect the major players at Sea Gayle to shoot for a higher caliber artist than a typical “CDX Special”. It will be interesting to see how this pans out.
PS – What’s with the strange first names of the recent batch of male artists? Jerrod? Brantley? Sometimes using a nickname can be a blessing…
November 20, 2009 at 11:32 pm Permalink
I think its cool. Thats what I like about indy rock artists, everything isn’t the same high budget packaging and overproduced sound. Hopefully it will continue to influence other genres.
November 21, 2009 at 4:09 am Permalink
I’m glad you chose to review this as opposed to the new Joe Nichols album. Instead of complaining about bad songs and albums why don’t you review something we should go out and buy.
November 21, 2009 at 9:16 am Permalink
…that would be manipulating and not reviewing, matt.
November 21, 2009 at 11:16 am Permalink
It’s nothing special, but I like it. Always a breath of fresh air to hear some actual country-sounding songs being released.
November 22, 2009 at 12:35 pm Permalink
Rick,
The Jerrod Niemann album is far and above better than “CDX” material you reference here.
November 23, 2009 at 12:30 pm Permalink
In all fairness, he probably didnt update his pictures, becasue he doesnt look that good anymore. In real life, he looks kinda fat, and like he drinks to much(which he does)!
Also He’s an A** so i really hope this song goes nowhere.
November 23, 2009 at 5:37 pm Permalink
was that picture from his days as a back up singer for buena vista social club?
It’s the publicity shot from his Jason Mraz tribute show.
November 25, 2009 at 10:07 am Permalink
this is not the best song, ive heard in a while…or the worst song ive heard in a while.
thats said, it is definately not a song i’d use to try to start a career…its “forgettable”.
just my two cents.
November 26, 2009 at 9:34 am Permalink
THe only debate about the CMAs is if the elitist bastards who refuse to accept it as country music deserve the heart attacks they had or not.
November 28, 2009 at 7:34 pm Permalink
I dont care what it has or doesn’t it is just a fun song I LIKE IT!!!
November 30, 2009 at 9:12 am Permalink
“becasue he doesnt look that good anymore. In real life, he looks kinda fat, and like he drinks to much(which he does)!”
Actually Jerrod looks the best now he has probably ever looked. It’s sad how some people can be so jealous. Anyway, I like the song and I think Jerrod is gonna be a star!
November 30, 2009 at 9:24 am Permalink
So which is it? Is he a fat drunk or is he not?
November 30, 2009 at 12:10 pm Permalink
Jerrod Niemann is an ass? Hasn’t been one to me when I’ve been in the same places he’s been.
November 30, 2009 at 1:14 pm Permalink
i cant speak for anyone else, but i too have meet mr. niemann and he was a jerk. he wasnt fat though!
November 30, 2009 at 1:15 pm Permalink
also i wouldnt say i was jealous of him, b/c he wasnt the nicest guy. maybe he was having a bad day…
November 30, 2009 at 1:25 pm Permalink
just b/c he isnt your best friend or boyfriend. doesnt mean you need to be a hater.
and wether you like the song or dont. Who cares?
if he is/or isnt the nicest guy. Who cares?
hes in the music biz. they all have ego’s. DUH.
p.s. i knew him too…and he HAS changed
November 30, 2009 at 2:38 pm Permalink
is this about the singer or the song?
November 30, 2009 at 3:21 pm Permalink
This thread is starting to get kinda interesting.
November 30, 2009 at 3:43 pm Permalink
It sounds to me like he probably is an ass; either that or a lot of people are making stuff up. Well, I’ll go with he’s an ass. I don’t know if he is a nice guy or an ass, but I hope is career fails. Just because I’m jealous of him. Yea, I admit it. I’m not jealous of Garth Brooks or Shania Twain or Willie Nelson. But I am jealous of Jerrod Neimann. And I hope his career fails.
November 30, 2009 at 3:49 pm Permalink
sam (sam)
ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
November 30, 2009 at 7:56 pm Permalink
Have yall seen his girlfriend? I”m sure as hell jealous of him shes a perfect 10. I saw her during CMA Fest at his show at Limelite.
December 2, 2009 at 9:48 am Permalink
None of you know what the heck you are talking about! You all are extremely jelous of him! Jerrod is the nicest guy! Jerrod is an outstanding writer and performer! Jerrod has a gorgeous voice! Plus he is a very handsome man! He WILL excell in his career……..take that to the bank!
DJH15
December 2, 2009 at 11:01 am Permalink
You know it is to bad that people have to be cruel. Jerrod is getting started. You know I have know him for awhile and he is just pretty neat. Has some awesome songs. He one of very few that is still country like George Strait. Good Luck Jerrod.
December 2, 2009 at 1:41 pm Permalink
My husband and I met Jerrod when he was playing in Wichita, Kansas and he is one of the nicest guys we have ever met. He was extremely friendly and talked to us for a good while. Not only that but he had a great voice and was a real pleasure to watch/listen to.
P.S. And no he was not fat at all. He was very fit and attractive!
December 5, 2009 at 6:22 pm Permalink
Okay take this from someone who KNOWS Jerrod & what an awesome person, artist & song writer he is…HE WILL SUCCEED! He is not FAT & is a very good looking man! So stop hatin. New photos are coming!
As for his abilities…Jerrod has written & co written many songs for the likes of Garth Brooks “Good Ride Cowboy”, “That Girl is a Cowboy” & “Midnight Sun”. He has also written or co-wrote songs for the likes of Jamey Johnson, Neil McCoy, Julie Roberts, Zona Jones, John Anderson & more!
Jerrod is reserved around some people he may not know but I can tell you, most are in the music business. He is a man with a gentle but strong heart & an awesome voice! His new album is awesome & I urge you all to actually stop talking crap about people you don’t know & just listen to the songs…The music is what it’s all about & if you don’t like “One More Drinking Song” then you probably aren’t real country but I suggest you look out cuz Jerrod is here to stay!
December 6, 2009 at 3:17 am Permalink
He must be doing something right cause all you haters & posers are talking about him!
December 6, 2009 at 8:10 pm Permalink
Wow, things have heated up since I was here last. Anyone else find it ironic that a bar regular is complaining about someone drinking too much?
December 6, 2009 at 8:18 pm Permalink
lmfao. Jerrod would get a kick out of all of this!fyi…he’s sick talented, hot and a sweetie. Also, J and my friend Jon just wrote a song for Kenny Chesney and another for Blake Shelton. Yay!
December 17, 2009 at 7:47 am Permalink
I got my picture taken with him and his girlfriend (not at the same time though) at his show at the Stage this summer. Not sure which one I value the most HAHAHA His music is awesome and I think he’s really going to make it big as long as he remembers whats important to him and doesn’t get the big head.
January 13, 2010 at 9:50 am Permalink
Listened to his Myspace music and this guy AINT country. He sucks.
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