Critical review: The Album - “Happy Endings”

Eclectic. Soothing. Optimistic. Old Dominion shows off their knack for

songwriting and unique sound in their sophomore album “Happy Endings.” The band

proves they can raise the bar and stay true to their genre of contemporary country music.

The first single on the album, “No Such Thing as a Broken Heart,” presents a

carefree anthem about having hope even on the crummy days of life. Jaunty guitar tones

and the sharp pick of a banjo add an extra flare to the song. The hit sets the dynamic tone

for the rest of the album.

The artists undoubtedly prove they are true charismatic lyricists in “Shoe

Shopping,” Matthew Ramsey, Luke Laird and Shane McAnally tie together shoes and

love in a perfect knot with this song. The underlying message expresses the band’s charm

and wit. “If you’re shoe shopping, try me on for size.” The song consists of simplistic,

playful vibes that make are reminiscent of riding around in a car with the windows down.

“So You Go” amplifies passion and shares the perspective of someone clinging to

the past. The upbeat rhythm and lyrics make listeners feel like they are racing around

warped in a state of confusion chasing after the one that got away.

The album’s mood takes a turn in the track “Not Everything is About You.” In a

spiteful story, lead singer Ramsey, bares his soul by singing from an experience about

moving on and not being caught up on a past relationship by humming the lyrics, “Yeah

the world don’t revolve around you, not everything is about you anymore.” Listeners

cannot help but feel empathetic with every bitter word that he spits.

In a track about the infamous defining the relationship discussion, “Written in the

Sand,” brings a breezy tone as Ramsey questions, “Are we written in the stars baby, or
are we written in the sand?” It captures the band’s trademark style of matching fresh and

beachy with modern country through soft picking of guitar strings and the lack of drums

or a strike of an electric guitar.

Similarly, Ramsey begs, “Why don’t you be with me?” in “Be With Me,” but the

song focuses more on the start of a relationship and wanting the unnamed women to see

him in a new light. Taking a simple approach the tune purrs with optimism and rides a

high that never comes crashing back to Earth. Both songs teeter around the lasting of a

relationship and leaves listeners wondering what the final verdict will be.

“Stars in the City” and “New York at Night” come together in a collision of

country and a big city atmosphere. Through rambunctious verb usage the listener feels

like they are running around New York City at night constantly surrounded by lively

lights and racing cars. “New York at Night,” blares a magnetic fast-paced guitar strum,

while “Stars in the City,” resonates with a laid-back acoustic soft mood.

Old Dominion stays true to their sound throughout the album. Every song is a

careful selection of words that allows fans to relate and feel something while listening to

their upbeat style of music.

The men of Old Dominion have defined their sound and have established their

genre of music as modern country, making them a formidable force within the country

music industry. “Happy Endings” can be found on iTunes and Spotify.

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