Everything seems to be aligning perfectly for country duo Dan + Shay as their third studio album, self-titled, Dan + Shay, was finally released on Friday, June 22. Sending hints to fans through Twitter and Instagram, the duo released their first single off the album, “Tequila,” in January. To keep the anticipation going, the duo released two other songs, “Speechless” and “All to Myself” in the past months.
The duo, Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, found their sound with their self-titled album, giving modern country music fans exactly what they want to hear, with a bit of a twist. The album consists of 11 songs, 10 of which are co-written, including “Keeping Score” which features Kelly Clarkson. Clarkson’s vocals serve as the perfect pairing with Mooney’s, creating a beautiful song about cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones.
The tracks each have a modern, pop-country sound. Maturing from their recent album Obsessed, their improved sound seems to fit their current lifestyle much better. The album is full of upbeat summer jams, like “Make or Break,” “All to Myself,” and “Alone Together,” while also showing the growth in their lives since their previous album.
Inspired by their recent marriages, the album is strictly love songs. Both Smyers and Mooney were recently married last year, and it is evident in their music how important their loved ones are to them. Mooney and his wife also welcomed a son, Asher James, last year.
The album ends with two of their slower love songs, “My Side of the Fence” and “Island Time”. Both are utterly romantic and will have fans falling in love with Dan + Shay all over again. With lyrics like, the grass is always greener cause the sun shines when you smile, and when I’m holding you the world makes sense on my side of the fence, it is clear that Dan + Shay are both happily in love.
Dan + Shay are currently on tour with Rascal Flatts, and will be headlining their own tour in Europe next January.
Dan + Shay Rating: 8.5/10
-Maria Awad
