‘Craving You,’ Thomas Rhett (ft. Maren Morris)
The single continues Rhett’s success in the world of country-pop.
Thomas Rhett has the Midas touch. His single “Die a Happy Man” recently earned the Nashville native his first Grammy, and last month he took home two Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards for Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year. His newest single “Craving You (ft. Maren Morris)” continues the hybridized pop, R&B, and country sound which helped Rhett amass seven straight number one singles on the Billboard country chart. And this foot stomping track looks to be headed straight for the top as well.
The opening drum solo is reminiscent of Phil Collins’ iconic gated reverb drum beat from “In The Air Tonight” and continues throughout the song. The overpowering drums add an 80’s pop feature to the sound, and the rocked-out guitars come together to create an insanely catchy beat. Saving the song from being labeled as pop is the banjo playing subtly in the background during the chorus, which gives it a touch of country.
There are a few moments in the song when the melody echoes Jerrod Niemann’s “Drink to That All Night.” It wouldn’t be the first-time Rhett borrowed a tune from another song. The guitar progression for “Die a Happy Man,” sounds like Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” And considering the success he had with that song, perhaps Rhett is on to something. Take the blueprint of a familiar song, add a splash of country-pop to it, and you have yourself a number one hit.
The lyrics are subpar and leaves you “craving” nothing. “You’re like a cigarette / That shot of 100 proof / No matter how much I get / I’m always craving,” sings Rhett and fellow Grammy-winner Maren Morris. It speaks to the theme of love is a drug, which you’d expect to hear in a pop song. It does beg the question: Is this really a country song or a pop song disguised as country?
Morris’ soulful vocals come to life during the chorus, and the decision to incorporate a female voice to the harmony is a well-played move. It gives the song an additional dimension by adding a reciprocal message. No longer is the song just about a guy missing his girl. The girl feels the same way.
Rhett has a knack for taking mediocre pop songs and turning them into country gold. Within a few short years, he carved out his niche and made quite the name for himself. “Craving You” does take some time to grow on you. But when you stop comparing the song to the works of Chris Stapleton and Jon Pardi, who perpetuate a more authentic country sound, you appreciate the tremendous commercial appeal. It’s only a matter of time before this song earns Rhett his eighth consecutive number one single.
Stream the single here:
