Hollywood Gold. Two words that one might not think a country singer from Texas would chose for his latest EP, but that’s just what Parker McCollum did. However, the title has nothing to do with the glitz and glam of Rodeo Drive or the Hollywood Hills, rather a decades old story that is very near and dear to his heart. McCollum’s grandfather once purchased an Australian horse that in many ways was beyond his reach, but he went for it. The horse was then stolen from his property, and after several searches day and night, this horse named Hollywood Gold was found and returned home. Even though McCollum had heard this story all the time while growing up, it was only until recently that the moral story behind Hollywood Gold hit him, and led him to the title.
It’s not just the title that’s so personal, so is each track. McCollum had a part in writing five songs on the EP, co-writing with Randy Montana, Billy Montana, Tony Lane and Jon Randall Stewart (who also produced the album) on four of the tracks. His solo track “Hallie Ray Light” was written in tribute to McCollum’s girlfriend who bears the same name.
The only song not written by McCollum, and the only one he’s ever recorded that he hasn’t written himself, is “Like A Cowboy.” If there were ever a song to record that McCollum didn’t write, this is it. Penned by none other than Chris Stapleton and Al Anderson, the song was a perfect choice for McCollum not only because it’s an amazing track, but because he feels that his grandfather, quite the cowboy himself, would appreciate the song and him singing it. In addition to the amazing lyrics, the song paves the way for McCollum to showcase just how strong his vocals are as he holds out several long notes during the chorus:
And I ride like a thief on the run
And I hide from the things that I’ve done
And I fly like the wind to the sunset
Just like a cowboy should do
Just like a cowboy should do
McCollum’s favorite track on the album is “Young Man’s Blues,” and it’s easy to understand way. The album opens with the current single as the roar of an electric guitar coming through the speakers, setting up the feeling of driving down a freeway. McCollum sings about driving back home after not visiting for a while and his fear of facing any changes to where he grew up, especially the validation that he outgrew the town or, even worse, the town outgrowing him. McCollum starts off and closes the song with the same three lines, drilling in his fear of being forgotten: “Used to run down country road 2854 / Now I’m the boy that don’t come around no more / Sometimes I wonder if they even still remember my name?” Coming full circle, the lyrics ask: even if they remembered him this trip, what about the next one?
Also included on Hollywood Gold is McCollum’s debut, fan favorite and currently Top 10 single “Pretty Heart,” which was also recently certified Gold by the R.I.A.A.
McCollum might have titled his album after his grandfather’s horse, but it’s fair to think his grandfather would agree that this album is the true Hollywood Gold.
Hollywood Gold was released on Friday, October 16 and is available for download and streaming here.
For more information on Parker McCollum, visit his website parkermccollum.com and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Hollywood Gold Track Listing:
1. “Young Man’s Blues” (Parker McCollum/Randy Montana)
2. “Like A Cowboy” (Chris Stapleton/Al Anderson)
3. “Pretty Heart” (Parker McCollum/Randy Montana)
4. “Hallie Ray Light” (Parker McCollum)
5. “Hold Me Back” (Parker McCollum/Tony Lane)
6. “Love You Like That” (Parker McCollum/Billy Montana/Jon Randall Stewart)