Brooks & Dunn's Reboot Series: A Mixed Bag of Emotions

Song Reviews

1. Play Something Country (with Lainey Wilson)The irony of taking a song titled "Play Something Country" and transforming it into a rock song is palpable. Producer Dan Huff made a misstep here, and Billy Gibbons should have been a co-producer. This version lacks the essence of country music and falls flat. It's a far cry from the original, scoring only 4/10.2. Neon Moon (with Morgan Wallen)The treatment of this remake is decent, but it highlights the lackluster nature of the entire album. Why would anyone choose Morgan Wallen's version of "Neon Moon" over Ronnie Dunn's masterful original? Morgan Wallen offers nothing new or interesting. It's like choosing a lesser version over the classic. This track gets a 6.5/10.3. Rock My World (Little Country Girl) (with Marcus King)This collaboration isn't entirely bad. The production and arrangement are well-matched, allowing Marcus King to showcase his talents and make a familiar song feel new. It doesn't blow you away, but it shows the potential of a good tribute record. It earns a 7.5/10.4. Ain't Nothing ‘Bout You (with Megan Moroney)The original version of this song had a polished sound that didn't quite fit country radio. Megan Moroney, however, brings out the meaning in the lyrics with her unique voice. Her rendition is arguably better than the original, and she proves to be a highly emotive singer. This track gets a 9/10.5. Brand New Man (with Warren Zeiders)Warren Zeiders is a disappointment. His version of "Brand New Man" is an embarrassment to both country music and the duo. The rock excesses of the Reboot series make this track particularly bad. It scores a 1/10.6. Believe (with Jelly Roll)If you're not a fan of Jelly Roll or sappy music, you might dislike this track. But Jelly Roll's performance is hard to ignore. "Believe" suits his style, and even his critics have to admit his singing ability. This track gets an 8/10.7. She Used To Be Mine (with Riley Green)Riley Green gives a decent performance on this B-level Brooks & Dunn hit. While his songwriting might leave something to be desired, he keeps it country and delivers a classy rendition. This is one of the more enjoyable tracks on the album, earning an 8/10.8. She Likes to Get Out of Town (with The Cadillac Three)A song's legacy isn't just about the words or the vocal performance; it's about the melody. The melody is what evokes emotions and nostalgia. Unfortunately, on this track, the melody is often overshadowed by the droning rock treatments. This collaboration doesn't live up to the potential of the original song and gets a 3.5/10.9. Boot Scootin’ Boogie (with Halestorm)This is a disaster. Lzzy Hale of Halestorm is usually a reliable collaborator, but this version of "Boot Scootin’ Boogie" is a complete misfire. It's not meant to be a metal song, and the attempt to make it so is a failure. This track gets a 1/10.10. That Ain’t No Way to Go (with Mitchell “Bitches” Tenpenny)This was always a weaker Brooks & Dunn track, and adding Mitchell “Bitches” Tenpenny only makes it worse. The contemporary production doesn't enhance the song; it detracts from it. It gets a 3/10.11. How Long Gone (with Earls of Leicester)This is an excellent track that recognizes the bluegrass roots of "How Long Gone." Jerry Douglas's co-production with Shawn Camp adds a new dimension to the song. A bluegrass album of Brooks & Dunn songs could be a hit. It gets an 8.5/10.12. I’ll Never Forgive My Heart (with Jake Worthington)It's puzzling that they didn't collaborate with more young artists inspired by Brooks & Dunn's original sound. This collaboration with Jake Worthington is a success, showing the potential of such partnerships. It gets an 8.5/10.13. She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind (with Hailey Whitters)Like many tracks on the Reboot, this one takes a contemporary approach, but it works. Hailey Whitters gives a great performance while still allowing the original melody to shine. It gets a 7.5/10.14. Hard Working Man (with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram)You might have hoped for a more country-sounding version, but this collaboration with Christone “Kingfish” Ingram is still enjoyable. It showcases Ronnie Dunn's versatility and keeps up with Kingfish's style. It gets a 7.5/10.15. Hillbilly Deluxe (with HARDY)HARDY has gone off the rails. His music has lost its rootsy elements and has become overly rock-oriented. This version of "Hillbilly Deluxe" is a disappointment. It gets a 0/10.16. Indian Summer (with ERNEST)ERNEST always brings passion to his covers, and "Indian Summer" is no exception. He makes you believe that it was one of the strongest tracks from Brooks & Dunn's catalog. It gets an 8.5/10.17. Drop in the Bucket (with A Thousand Horses)Another rock song on the album, this one originally had a Southern rock flavor. Michael Hobby of A Thousand Horses might even sing it better than Kix Brooks. It's a forgettable track, but this version has its merits and gets a 7/10.18. Only in America (with Corey Kent)Taking a country song and giving it a rock interpretation drains the melody and makes it less enjoyable. Corey Kent's version isn't bad, but it doesn't improve on the original. It gets a 5.5/10.