There’s an easy explanation as to why Chris Stapleton has swept the CMA, ACM, ACCA and Grammy Awards this year (with nominations for upcoming Billboard, Americana Music and Honors, and CMT awards). Simply put, he’s Chris Stapleton and his album Traveller has been the biggest breath of fresh air to the music industry (in general, not just country) in recent history. And while Stapleton has been Nashville’s best kept secret songwriting genius, his recent single “Parachute” really showcases his other unbelievable talent: his voice.
The song starts with a catchy mandolin picking along to a steady drum beat that sets a tone somewhat reminiscent of a scene in a classic western. And then the voice of Stapleton enters, speaking at first, until he gets to the last two words of the first verse. You feel the growl, the soul, and then he lets it all out during the chorus:
You only need a roof when it’s raining
You only need a fire when it’s cold
You only need a drink when the whiskey
Is the only thing that you have left to hold
Sun comes up and goes back down
And falling feels like flying till you hit the ground
Say the word and I’ll be there for you
Baby, I will be your parachute
Accenting each word within the chorus is the strum of an electric guitar, adding an exclamation mark to the emotion behind Stapleton’s voice. The wonderful sound of the mandolin continues with a consistent presence throughout the song, including a few amazing solos. Both instruments give a strong Southern rock feel that supports Stapleton’s phenomenal vocal performance from beginning to end.
“Parachute” was released to country radio on May 2 and is available on all outlets.