What makes up a good Country Music? Is it the vibes, the mood, or just plain music itself? But really, the answer is really subjective. It depends on the artist and the audience, and the way they interpret a piece. As for Chris Stapleton’s ‘Cold,’ what lingers and stings most is the ploy in his strings and the excessive sadness, questioning in every part of the song why does love has to be so cold.
Stapleton’s Signature Voice
The song itself is described to have similarities to Elton John’s style, but the deep and cold (no pun intended) voice of Stapleton brings a punch onto it by highlighting his signature soul music style; letting all the emotions rip before entering the chorus.
The single is actually a part of his upcoming studio album, ‘Starting Over’ bound to be released on November 13. If you are following recent news about him, you’d probably know that the title track is already out on streaming platforms.
The album features 11 brand new songs including the title track and the recently released ‘Cold’. But his album does not end there as it also comes with three-song covers such as Guy Clark’s ‘Old Friends’ and ‘Worry B Gone’, and John Fogerty’s ‘Joy of My Life’. His album also features tracks from his collaborations with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ Mike Campbell and Benmont Tench, as they play and co-wrote some of the iconic tracks in the album.
Filled with Love
With canceled tours and live performances, Stapleton didn’t forget to include his touring band for a spin in his upcoming album as his bassist JT Cure and drummer Derek Mixon became major contributors in his album. His fourth studio album may be about heartbreaks and dilemma but his wife, Morgane Stapleton, apparently is one of the backup singers in the title track ‘Starting Over’ accompanied by the legendary pedal steel player Paul Franklin.
The album is still produced by Dave Cobb, Stapleton’s producer ever since he started his career in country music.
While it’s true that the song might be all about the pain felt by people who experience relationship issues, but ironically, there are people who wholeheartedly loves him for who he is. With the same band, same producer, same friends, and his wife, their joint efforts catalyzed the completion of Chris Stapleton’s album.
The song may have a ‘Cold’ outside demeanor, but the warm love he’s getting from the people around him remains constant and certain.