I follow and love Kyle Daniel since a couple of years. Especially his concerts in Germany and his great way of storytelling easily made him one of my favorites. The more I was looking forward to his debut album, Kentucky Gold. It will be released on 19th July 2024.
Kyle Daniel – About The Artist
Kyle Lewis Daniel is US-American country music artist. Born on 11th September 1985 in Bowling Green, Kentucky, he is nowadays based in Nashville. He originally was a drummer, but broke a leg at the age of sixteen and could not continue to play. Since then, the guitar became his main instrument. Daniel originally did blues music. With his Kyle Daniel Band, he for example made it to the finals of the 2004 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. In 2018, Kyle Daniel released his self-titled debut EP. One year later, he released another EP, What’s There To Say. In 2022, he also shared Following the Rain. His music nowadays is a mixture of country music and Southern rock.
Kyle Daniel – Kentucky Gold – Track by Track
The twelve track album lasts 42 minutes.
1. Can’t Hold Me Back
The opener Can’t Hold Me Back is one of four songs, which have already been shared as singles. The song is a strong, hard country rocker. Kyle Daniel’s raspy voice feels to fit perfectly into this one. Definitely a great first step into Kentucky Gold.
2. Fire Me Up (feat. Maggie Rose)
For Fire Me Up, Kyle teamed up with US-American soul and country artist Maggie Rose. Even though the song is slightly less rocking than the opener, it is still nicely driven by the guitar riffs. The collaboration with the female country artist works as well as the country music vibes in this one. Catching!
3. Runnin’ From Me
After this energetic beginning, Runnin’ From Me focuses on the country vibes. The song almost feels traditional. Steel guitar, piano and banjo tunes inevitably make the hard hat from left to right an back to the rhythm of this song.
4. A Man Like That
How could you be a man like that? The rather angry, but slow track comes with a strong, marching groove. The focus of this song is absolutely on Kyle’s voice. As the Kentucky-origin country artist is a great storyteller in his songs, listening to this song is a(nother) treat.
5. Southern Sounds (feat. Kendell Marvel)
The next collaboration on this album is on Southern Sounds. Kyle Daniel is teaming up with Kendell Marvel, who already wrote for artists like Jake Owen or Chris Stapleton. He also co-wrote this track. However, this song is rather calm and quiet, Especially Marvel’s vocal parts add a nice touch. Southern Sounds make me feel at home – this song makes you feel like home as a country music fan as well.
6. Me and My Old Man
When I listened to Me and My Old Man for the first time, I was absolutely in love with this amazing song – and I still am. The rather straight modern country song underlines the excellence of Kyle Daniel and his ability to put stories and messages into music. When somebody wrote a song like that about you, you simply have to be a really a really good soul.
7. Summer Down South (feat. The Cadillac Three)
With Kyle Daniel and The Cadillac Three, two acts, which are very popular in the German country music scene, join forces. The result is a fast country-rock’n’roll song with steady, hammering drums. If you can dance to this song, you need quick feet – but it is definitely worth it.
8. Following the Rain
The album started very rocking, had very personal elements and party songs. Following the Rain illustrates the wide range of Kyle Daniel songs which simply work out. This one is quiet, personal, deals with personal struggle. I just keep on following the rain. Beautiful and touching.
9. Deep in the Woods
The ninth song starts quite, but then creates quite some energy in the chorus. The instruments are very classic country ones, with steel guitars and harmonica. The special element of the track is – again – the voice of Kyle Daniel, who manages to fill the space with his unique voice. A must-listen.
10. Wild, Free and Easy
Wild, Free and Easy is a mid-tempo song, which mixes country music with scattered present guitar chords. Again, the atmosphere of the song feels to be on point. You simply ask yourself why Kyle Daniel is not that much bigger in this music business. Another really great performance.
11. Everybody’s Talkin’ (feat. Sarah Zimmermann)
For the last cooperation of this album, Daniel recorded Everybody’s Talkin’ with Sarah Zimmermann. The one half of the Nashville duo Striking Matches majorly adds value on the guitar side. The song comes with summer and party vibes is great song to sing-a-long with Daniel. I am sure it will be a blast on his upcoming tour dates in Europe.
12. Divided We Are
Together we stand – divided we are – this social-critic song feels more important than ever. The piano ballad deals with the current situation in the United States. We are dying just to live here in this place, but it seems we separate a little more with every day. Such an impressing finale of the album.
Kyle Daniel – Kentucky Gold – Spotify
Here is the album on Spotify:
Kyle Daniel – Kentucky Gold – My View
There is just still one thing which is surprising to me about Kentucky Gold. I still cannot believe that this one is in fact his debut album. On the other I knew that this one will be a really good one. Okay, I have to admit, I was a bit of wrong about my expectation. It is excellent, close to perfection. Kyle Daniel is just such a talent. Keep my fingers crossed that this one pushes his career to where it should be. Absolute love and admiration for this guy from my side.
Favorite Song: Deep in the Woods
Kyle Daniel postings
Here are all my posts related to country music artist Kyle Daniel:
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