ALBUM REVIEW | Brent Cobb - 'Southern Star'

It give listeners a chance to explore the stories of Georgia in different ways — some they may relate to, some they may wish for.

Brent Cobb's fifth album, Southern Star, is a thoughtful blend of classic country-soul songwriting and laid-back grooves. Recorded at Capricorn Sound Studios in his Georgia hometown, the 10-track LP, features local artists and songwriters, paying tribute to the deep-rooted connection to his Georgia hometown.

Southern Star is the first album the Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and musician has self-produced, a fitting choice for a record close to his heart. His decision to self-produce the album is a testament to his artistic growth but also a commitment to his roots. Southern Star could be seen as a love letter by Cobb to his Georgia hometown, and Cobb’s influence in production means the album remains as personal as possible.

The album kicks off with the title track, ‘Southern Star’, a perfect opening track to encapsulate the journey through Georgia on the rest of the album. Immediately, Cobb's gentle vocals evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia and homecoming as he describes his enduring connection to his hometown.

Following suit is ‘It's a Start,’ a track brimming with vibrant, toe-tapping rhythm. The track’s upbeat rhythm, delivered in lines like ‘Well, it’s springtime down around Slaughter Creek Dirt Road’ complements the joyful feelings of living a simple life. The tempo mirrors the happiness Cobb feels towards the things he finds comfort in, ultimately making it easier to draw the listeners into the essence of the song.

Cobb keeps the tempo throughout the catchy choruses of ‘Livin’ the Dream’. It adds a more modern flair to the album but blended with the sweet sounds of the harmonica is shows how timeless the instrument can be, and how developing your sound doesn’t always mean abandoning your roots.

Another beautiful song on the album is ‘Patina’. Written by his wife, Layne, ‘Patina’ captures the idea of living in the moment and cherishing the present. Knowing the context it’s hard not to feel warmth at how Cobb’s soft melody sing the lyrics his wife had written for him. Once again, there are personal layers added into the album that make it all the more sentimental.

This is then followed by the rich ‘Don’t Know When’, which is accompanied by enchanting backing vocals of a local choir. ‘Kick the Can’ invokes the unhurried sounds of 1970s folk music, providing a mellow interlude amidst the album's more spirited tracks. While ‘Devil Ain’t Done’ stands out with its harmonica-infused groove, an irresistible invitation to revel in the funkier side of Country and Americans music.

The single, ‘When Country Came Back to Town’ highlights Cobb’s concentrated storytelling. The longest on the album, it acts as a sort of ode to the earlier moments of his career and the musicians that came before him. To many fans it’s a narrative that feels both familiar and poignant.

Inviting a less personal storytelling moment, ‘Miss Ater’ written by fellow Georgia songwriter Sally Jaye, is a touching portrayal of a lonely woman in a forgotten town. It delves into the complexities of southern life, offering a contrasting perspective to the album's more celebratory moments. The album then closes with ‘Shade Tree’ bringing the listener full circle.

Throughout Southern Star Cobb effortlessly transitions from gentle, introspective melodies to upbeat, infectious rhythms. While the predictable tempo shifts may seem repetitive at times, they give listeners a chance to explore the stories of Georgia in different ways — some they may relate to, some they may wish for. It's an album that captures the essence of a place, a time, and a culture, inviting listeners to join Cobb on a heartfelt journey back home to the southern star.