Justin Moore - “Back That Thing Up”

I’m so glad we agree on how utterly great this dumb song is. I’m addicted.

I agree with Jim that one should appreciate the way the lyrics are employed so as not to completely discuss the action of sex, thus retaining the ability to “play both sides” and i can even agree that requires talented writing, but I just dont think that elevates this song to anything more than joke or novelty status. He may end up becoming a decent artist, but i dont hear anything whatsoever distinctive in his voice, delivery or the song as a whole. It’s funny that Jim mentions Chris Cagle, cuz this song as a whole package seems like it fits nicely right next to “Chicks Dig It”….

I have residual Juvenile related issues that will forever keep me from enjoying this song.

Me too, i just didnt want to get into a whole “holler/holla back” kinda thing…..joking aside, that lack of originality is another reason i had a hard time taking it seriously…

good point and I am officially clarified, but its still rippin’ Juvenile off to a crazy extent…

ya got me there, Dan. Along with the title, and the fact that he does use the title many times in the song, there isnt any musical similarity, i agree. Although we havent mentioned that Moore is attmepting some very bad white boy rap during the verses ;-)…ok, thats about all i can handle dissecting this song, y’all enjoy….

Wow, a cross between Chris Cagle, Chris LeDoux, Craig Morgan and Big and Jackass! Just what I’ve been waiting for with baited breath for all these years…. (lol)

Pounding rock drums and distorted and slashing electric guitar. Now that’s what I call country music! I will admit to liking the song and would love to hear it with traditional country instrumentation, which of course will never happen.

If radio plays this new artist I could see the song doing well as it has spades of Airhead Country Appeal Factor in spite of having actual musical merit as well. What’s a shame is that a similar ripping country rocker like Bomshel’s “Hillbilly Love Song” never made it out of the CURB Label barn. Oh well…

Just for further clarification, the radio version of the Juvenile song was called “Back That Thang Up.” The only thing separating that song from this one is a thin veneer of metaphor.

Chris: Have you seen the vidoes of Spinal Taps lead singer explaining Stone Henge? If you haven’t HILARIOUS.

Hmmm,

Is this a ‘good’ trend for country music artists to be heading? Using tired hip-hop cliches?

I fully expected that many of you would disagree with me about this song. You’re not unjustified in your opinions.

What I would say to you is this: I don’t pander to anyone. Sure, I’m willing to take Jessica Simpson to task, but I’m also willing to stick up for artists who do something very well, even when that “something” falls outside certain boundaries.

Maybe some people expect me to consistently hammer on certain types of songs, but I simply refuse to do so. Every time I review a song, that song must stand on its own merits and in its own context.

I will not pick sides in the battle about what is or isn’t country music. Very, very rarely you will hear me refer to something as “not country.” When I do, you better believe I think it’s a pop record through and through.

Further, I’m generally not willing to discredit a song on concept alone. There are many concepts I don’t personally care for–and this may or may not be one of them. But the question I’m asking during the review process is whether or not a given concept is well executed.

Likewise, I’m not willing to discredit a song based on production aesthetic alone. It makes no sense for me to sit here and comment negatively on every song that has “John Rich sounding production.” I don’t inherently dislike John Rich sounding production, and I don’t believe that John Rich sounding production inherently negatively affects a given recording. The only thing I’m concerned with is whether or not that production works well, again, in the context of the song in question.

The point is this: I don’t cheerlead, and I don’t bully. I’m willing to call artists out, and you love me for that. But I’m also willing to give credit where credit is due, even when that credit goes to someone outside your preferred circle.

Is this record audacious? Yes. Is this silly? Yes. Is this pointless? Mostly. Is it well executed? You bet.

Sorry, I’m a very emotionally needy person.

This is one of those songs that is so dumb, its hard not to like. Its not a classic, but its worth a few listens. And I agree that wondering if Justin Moore is in on the joke is part of the fun.

There’s an old Merle Haggard song called, “Sam Hill,” where the Hag describes an old man who goes to a mountain everyday. Haggard purports to be confused as to what this old man is doing, but the listener’s know he’s having an affair with a scandalously younger woman. Its not a classic song, but its fun wondering, “Can the Hag really not know what’s going on?” And Haggard turns in a really charming performance, more so than Justin Moore does.

I agree that it isn’t going to become legendary.
By the way, how do you feel about Kenny’s solo record?
I prefer his LuvJoi music.

…the band, not the dessert.:)

Is this record “audacious” though? What is less risky than a song like this in today’s market?

“What is audacious”? Not only does the song scarcely attempt to have a point; a good deal of it is basically spoken-word. I think it’s a good deal more outrageous than even the dumbest mainstream single, and that’s part of its polarizing charm.

Leeann, I agree w/you w/r/t Big Kenny’s record. It’s quirky and I like it for what it is. :) I also own all the B&R stuff and their solo stuff. I even don’t mind John Rich, except when he makes ignorant remarks about stuff.

Because I didn’t hate “Back That Thing Up” I looked Justin Moore up on Amazon and found that they had “I Could Kick Your Ass” available for download. I’m pretty sure I recall Jim mentioning it on his round up of new faces, so I took a chance and downloaded it. I really like it. I like Moore’s voice, the production and the fun lyrics.

This song is immature, sexist in some ways, and smug- but I really liked it! Moore seems to understand the difference between wit and ego. Toby Keith and Trace Atkins could learn a lesson from him.

Remember, kids: Love walks out the door when lust flies innuendo.

As a young male, this song strikes a chord with me… but it’s an out of tune chord.

I love this song. I think it’s a fun introduction for the “rest of the world” to a fabulous up’n'coming talent. I love the other songs I’ve heard of his as well, and look forward to the album!

Hey Justin, you just remember back home in that little town that you grew up in, we love you. And we think your doing a dang good job. As for the rest of you haters, you just aren’t willing to give a southern boy a chance. Everybody is so quick to judge. That sucks. Justin Moore is awesome. And if you guys can’t see that, then maybe you need to go listen to rap or something!!!

Back That Thing Up is a great song and so is I could Kick You Ass.If you all would give the song a chance instead of just hearing the one line maybe you would no that.

As for all the John Rich sound talk if it was so bad the people would not be making the songs go into the top ten. It is oblivously what people want right now. I am not saying that that wont change I am just saying that for now it is the sound of the times.

and I agree with Rosey, except for one thing it sounds like they know enough about rap music I think they already listen to it, So of course they wouldnt know GOOD COUNTRY MUSIC if it jusmped up and bit them in the ass!!!!!

I’m not saying Moore isn’t good. I’m just saying this song isn’t.

I like the song, on first listen. It will probably get old quickly, but that chorus is really catchy. [sarcasm]It’s a shocker that Randy Houser was involved.[/sarcasm]

I think Justin Moore is sensational. After listening to all of his songs, including “Back That Thing Up” I am so excited for his album to be released! I think he is just what country music needs. He has so many different types of songs that will appeal to all different types of people. If you didn’t like this one, I suggest listening to some of his songs that he wrote and co-wrote. I think his original songs that he started out with are his very best. You’ll see a completely different side of Justin Moore and I hope you like it as much as I. As for “Back That Thing Up”, I’ll admit it is not exactly a showcase for his fabulous voice, due to the way the song was written. He actually has a very strong distinctive voice. In regards to the lyrics, he was just merely having a good time and adding a little comedy to a song. Is there any harm in that? Maybe if you weren’t wasting your time being so critical and tearing people’s hard work to pieces, you would see the fun in it too. Thumbs up all the way, to Justin Moore and his new song.

It’s about chicks working on a farm and driving machinery? Maybe I’m hearing a different song than you? I haven’t seen the video, but we’re talking about the song on this thread, not the video.

This song is about a “chick working on a farm and driving machinery” about as much as Chuck Berry’s song “My Ding a Ling” is about a child’s play toy that just coincidentally happened to consist of “silver bells hanging on a string.”

By the way, I’m no prude and I like the real topic of “Back that Thing Up” a lot more than the topic of driving machinery.

Me too.

That’s funny, John!

By the way, my “me too” was directed at Hairandtoenails.

I’m still puzzling over how he got away with the “cock-a-doodle-doo” bit.

Oh, by the way, Randy Houser was one of the co-writers for “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” as well. So this subject is near and dear to his heart, eh?