Kip Moore made a promise to his devoted fanbase to release an acoustic album that was a reflection of some of the most memorable parts of his shows that fans have grown to love; those performances built from a stool, mic stand, soft lights, and his signature area rug. On Friday, 11/16, that wait ended as Moore fulfilled his pledge with the release of Room To Spare: The Acoustic Sessions.
This seven track acoustic EP features one previously released tune and five never before released tracks. Each of the tracks are Moore co-writes including two with fellow country singer, Charlie Worsham, who will also appear on Moore’s mini tour of the Midwest in November.
Room To Spare is stellar from the first song to the last with creativity reigning supreme starting with a stripped down version of an original fan favorite “Plead The Fifth.” This raw version of his Slowheart hit is a mirror image lyrically, but is accompanied with a steady strumming of an acoustic guitar as a steady drum beats in the background.
Following are some stand out songs including “Tennessee Boy.” Complete with foot stomping beat reflective of any John Denver classic, Moore sings about the simple love between a southern boy and a free spirited Rocky Mountain lovely:
Verse One:
Tennessee boy, gonna sip a little ‘shine
Sip a little ‘shine, Tennessee boy
Twist off the lid like grandad did
Let the fiddle make a little a mountain noise . . .
Verse Two:
Colorado Girl, gonna get a little high
Get a little high, Colorado Girl
Get a little herb outta God’s green earth
Spread a little joy all around the Girl . . .
“It Ain’t California” is a classy track with great steady guitar accompaniment. A song written years ago and reworked recently with Worsham, Moore creatively pays homage to the late Tom Petty as references to Petty’s artistic legacy is found throughout the song: “American girls with those golden tans / Running down their dreams, buried in the sand”, “Would’ve followed you to the great wide open / Me and Mary Jane, yeah, we shed some tears / We’re both free-falling without you here”. Moore’s grit is softened in this easy going, laid back tune with background vocals adding to the ambiance.
“Come Home With You” finds two people at a bar, where heartbreak and loneliness lead to conversation and a proposition for a night spent together, made more believable with Moore’s tender vocals.
“Part of Growing up” is a poignant look at life for a boy and the different stages he faces, including the ups and downs that tend to snap you into reality but more importantly, to coin a phrase are a Part of Growing Up:
Some doors have opened, more have shut
And I’ve had some dreams turn to dust
Yeah, life has hit me just because it can with heavy hands
But that’s all part of growing up
Moore’s soulful performance of each storytelling tune is nothing short of magnificent and is something that is increasingly endearing to his fans. If you haven’t downloaded this gem yet, give it a listen. You won’t be disappointed.
Room To Spare: The Acoustic Sessions is available for stream or download here.
For more information on Kip Moore, including upcoming tour dates, visit his website at: www.kipmoore.net.
Room To Spare: The Acoustic Sessions Track List
1. “Plead the Fifth” (Acoustic Version) (Luke Dick, Josh Kear)
2. “Tennessee Boy” (Kip Moore, Dan Couch)
3. “Love You to the Moon” (Charlie Worsham, Natalie Hemby, Luke Dick)
4. “It Ain’t California” (Kip Moore, Charlie Worsham, Jon Mabe)
5. “Wish It Was Me” (Kip Moore, Adam Browder, Scott Stepakoff, Dan Couch)
6. “Come Home With You” (Kip Moore, Troy Verges, Blair Daly)
7. “Part of Growing Up” (Kip Moore, Josh Miller, Andrew DeRoberts)