photo by Ari Lyon; photo courtesy of DRPR

Single Review of Shane Stevens: “GRITS”

Award-winning, hit-producing songwriter Shane Stevens has a hooky country single of his own, “GRITS.” It’s one of those rhythm-driven, funky country numbers that screams “radio hit.” If this doesn’t break big for Shane – and it’s been out for a while, so it may not – I wouldn’t be surprised if it gets recorded by a big-name country star and stirs things up on country hit radio. Yes, it’s that catchy, it hits all the right notes, and if you enjoy country music, it’s a song that’ll soon become a personal favorite, regardless of whether or not it gets a lot of country radio spins.

The song kicks off with a big catchy guitar riff, slides into rap/talkin’-country lyrics, and seems tailor-made for line dancing. It features a singalong/dancealong-able chorus, and, of course, it pays homage to GRITS (“Girls Raised In The South”). The song’s style is almost formulaic, but there’s a reason that formula works. The best songs of that type catch lightning in the bottle with just the right beat, a stylish vocal delivery, and lyrics that fall together cleverly. I mean, it doesn’t work without clever lyrics, and “GRITS” has got ’em, from the early-song line of “better than a slap of butter on a biscuit” to the back half of the chorus, “Shakin’ what they momma gave ’em, they keepin’ all their daddies prayin, Can I get an Amen? An Amen? For GRITS, girls raised in the South!” Pay attention, and you’ll find plenty more well-constructed lyrics, too – soon, you’ll catch yourself listening for them.

Bottom line, country music fans, is that you’re gonna enjoy this song. Just give it a quick listen, and you’ll hear what I’m talkin’ about.