Cole Swindell takes a fun twist to the classic pop-country formula with his newest single, ‘Stereotype’, where he takes what makes the genre so fun in an even more modern lens.

Don’t let the elements of the track fool you, though ‘Stereotype’ has all the stereotypes (pun intended) of a pop-country song; trucks, that low southern voice, and twangy slide guitars, ‘Stereotype’ has a very fun, unique feel to it. It starts sounding pretty standard, but immediately, before listeners reach the chorus, the presence of trap and electronic drums following a low-key down beat is already eyebrow-raising. The acoustic guitar otherwise hides the surprise, but the chorus puts a shining spotlight on that modern twist. The section explodes with multi-layered harmonies, replacing the trap drums with organic drum sounds, but still possessing that downbeat that makes the intro feel so fun to begin with. The second verse sounds much more standard, continuing with the acoustic drums with crystal clear production, quickly transitioning to the chorus once again adding rhythmic elements that bring it all the closer to trap, with a very quiet trap-hat sounding groove in the back of the orchestration. That element alone, though subtle, distinguishes ‘Stereotype’ from other country songs. The song fades back to electronic drums for a final subdued chorus, the instruments dying away after the last line is sung.

‘Stereotype’ plays on a lot of what makes country music ‘country’, that much is undeniable. The adventurous nature of its execution is what makes it all the more special, and regardless the song is an incredibly fun three-minute-and-forty-second ride from start to finish, with pristine production and a dynamic progression that keeps each section unique from the last. From start to finish, it’s an expertly crafted piece of music that’ll attract even those less inclined to listen to country, and perhaps even open them to an entire new realm of music.

Author: Nicholas Gaudet

Music producer and writer from Dieppe, Canada.