Kolby Cooper hasn't put out a song I didn't like, and Vol. 2 is no exception. While I was a little disappointed that the record was only five songs, every one hit for me and I enjoyed every second of it.
The record kicks off with the much anticipated 2 Words, a song Kolby teased a few months ago. It's a breakup song with attitude and explicit lyrics, exactly what I like to hear. I can already hear crowds yelling "then fuck you" at shows.
The next song, One Night Stand, kicks off with a groovy rhythm that really took me by surprise. It's got a playful tune with some clever wordplay that shows promise in Kolby's writing. He even brings in some humor with the line about "casual encounters."
I'd consider What've I Got To Lose my least favorite song on the record. It comes in a little weak musically and there's something about the banjo breaks that remind me of bro country from five years ago. The lines that repeat "on the couch" don't flow as well as they could have.
If I Still Had It was released as a single before rest of the album, and I totally understand why. It's an emotional song that has highs and lows, particularly in the transition from the guitar solo to the acoustic bridge. Cooper shows off his musical prowess and depth in this track.
The album wraps up with Cannonball, a hopeful end to a record focused on breakups and past relationships. Cannonball hits hard from the first line and encourages folks to "jump in" and take risks to get what you want. The second verse is the highlight of Vol. 2. Cooper's delivery of the line "no matter what you do don't slow down" sits in the shadow of the thought that "every road's got an end you don't really wanna see."
Congratulations to Kolby Cooper on this release! I expect to see lots more great music from you in the future.
RATING: 🥃🥃🥃🥃🍺
Kolby Cooper definitely had some fun with the bathroom stall inspired album art.
He even included a real phone number!
Call my buddy @Jtsharp_kc and make sure he’s awake... His number is on the album cover! 🤘🏻
— Kolby Cooper (@KolbyCooper_) August 15, 2020