Recommended tracks: “Miss You Man,” “Late Great Heartbreak,” “Man or the Song”
Artists you may like: Thomas Rhett, Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt
Two years after the release of their fifth studio album Memory Lane, Old Dominion returns with their highly anticipated sixth project, Barbara. This album finds the band reconnecting with the signature sound that first won over fans—warm melodies, clever lyrics, and a laid-back charm—while continuing to evolve both musically and emotionally.
Known for their smooth blend of contemporary country and pop-rock, Old Dominion has carved out a unique space in the modern country scene. Since breaking through with their debut album Meat and Candy in 2015, the band has consistently delivered radio-ready hits while pushing the boundaries of their sound. Now, with the release of Barbara, Old Dominion returns to the core of what made them fan favorites—offering a collection that feels both fresh and familiar, rooted in the storytelling and sonic warmth that defined their earlier work.
Kicking off the record is “Making Good Time,” a track that reflects on a past relationship through a nostalgic lens. It’s a headbanger in true Old Dominion fashion: dripping with emotion, layered with crisp guitar work, and anchored by the kind of catchy chorus that instantly pulls you in. It’s the kind of song that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with Old Dominion in the first place.
The next run of tracks (“Water My Flowers,” “Me Most Nights,” and “Man or the Song”) takes you on a journey through reflection, honesty, and quiet loneliness. Each track peels back a different emotional layer, but “Man or the Song” stands out with some of the band’s most introspective and raw songwriting to date. The line “When I’m lookin’ in a mirror / I see a man on fire / Am I a radio poet or a barroom liar?” hits like a gut punch, blurring the lines between identity and performance in a way that lingers long after the song ends.
The standout track for me is “Miss You Man,” a deeply moving song about navigating the grief of losing a loved one. I connected with it instantly, and I’ll admit, I cried the first time I heard it. Songs about grief are rare in country music, but when they’re done right, they hit hard; and this one absolutely does. The line “I can’t believe it’s almost gonna be six years” struck a personal chord, as 2025 marks six years since I lost my grandfather. Sometimes, the right song finds you exactly when you need it most.
Two more standout tracks on Barbara are “Late Great Heartbreak” and “Crying in a Beach Bar.” “Late Great Heartbreak” brings to mind their hit “I Was On A Boat That Day;” it’s upbeat and fun, all about moving on, with clever lines like “I’m finally moving on / From the late great heartbreak / I’m crossin’ off my ex / And I’m payin’ my respects.” Old Dominion is one of the few country acts who can write smart lyrics like this and make them sound effortless. “Crying in a Beach Bar” is another highlight, flipping the classic saying “Ain’t no crying in baseball” into something fresh and memorable. It’s the kind of song that fits perfectly alongside Kenny Chesney’s best: easygoing, catchy, and full of heart.
The album closes with “Goodnight Music City,” a heartfelt ode to the Nashville music scene and all the changes it’s been through over the years. It’s the perfect closer, with a touch of accordion adding a warm, nostalgic feel. Given that most of Old Dominion’s members started out as songwriters navigating those very challenges, the line “Tryna cut corners in a ten-year town / Get your fifteen minutes on a country merry-go-round” really hits home. It captures the struggles musicians face trying to break through in the country world—a reminder that behind every hit, there’s a story of perseverance and hustle that often goes unseen.
With Barbara, Old Dominion proves once again why they’ve earned such a loyal following. The album is a reminder of their roots while also showing how far they’ve come, balancing vulnerability, wit, and the kind of melodies that stick with you long after the last track fades. Whether you’ve been a fan since the beginning or you’re just discovering them, Barbara offers something for everyone. It’s not just another chapter in their discography; it’s a reflection of their growth, their heart, and their place in country music right now.
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