Jessie Lee Cates is currently the #1 Reverbnation artist in Chatanooga, and that is only one of her many accomplishments. She has had back to back Top 5 hits in Europe, had an international #1 with her previous single, the emotional ballad "Behind Your Back," won second place in Kellie Pickler’s 'Kellioke' Contest in Knoxville, and has opened for country music star Jason Aldean and Aaron Tippin. She has a classic-influenced country voice and style (listen to "Behind Your Back" and you'll hear that loud and clear) and a distinct message, as shown on this track.
If you apply this song to country radio and the women and men in country music right now, this song hits the nail right on the head. "Let your Country Out" is telling people to stop trying to be someone you're not, and to be true to yourself. She's emphasizing the fact that country is cool, so why hide it? But many artists in the country music industry are slow to realize that point. As Saving Country Music recently noted, there has been a rise of "Metro-Bro" in country music — the men who obviously want to pop stars so they sing songs that are more R&B and pop than country and slap the country label on top of them. And just like Cates says in this songs these men think they're "from the hood," wearing clothes like Sam Hunt and fancy suits instead of cowboy boots. Of course, country music is always evolving, but it would be nice to see some of these men 'let their country out' and start making some real country music.
The only real downfall of this song is the slightly grating and annoying voice of the echo/response effect at the end of every line of the verses. It's unnecessary and most of the additions add nothing to the song whatsoever. But despite that, this song is produced like a country song should be produced. The banjos are loud and proudly prominent, and fiddle is woven throughout the song. The song sounds country, no doubt about it. Cates also sings the song well. There's not the emotion found in "Behind Your Back" but this song still shows off her vocals.
Jessie Lee Cates has been such a success overseas, but it's time for her to get some real recognition in her own country. This song and her EP, titled after this song are showing true potential. She could be one of the artists to steer country away from pop and back to country. As for the artists to lead this next generation of county music, Jessie Lee Cates is one to name.
Overall rating: 4 crowns
The only real downfall of this song is the slightly grating and annoying voice of the echo/response effect at the end of every line of the verses. It's unnecessary and most of the additions add nothing to the song whatsoever. But despite that, this song is produced like a country song should be produced. The banjos are loud and proudly prominent, and fiddle is woven throughout the song. The song sounds country, no doubt about it. Cates also sings the song well. There's not the emotion found in "Behind Your Back" but this song still shows off her vocals.
Jessie Lee Cates has been such a success overseas, but it's time for her to get some real recognition in her own country. This song and her EP, titled after this song are showing true potential. She could be one of the artists to steer country away from pop and back to country. As for the artists to lead this next generation of county music, Jessie Lee Cates is one to name.
Overall rating: 4 crowns
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