The Mix highlights six of country group's hottest tracks
Rock/country group and two-time Grammy award winner Zac Brown Band will bring its Southern jams to Columbia's Colonial Life Arena tonight. The band's sound is most often showcased on country radio, but its songs draw from a variety of genres, from reggae to bluegrass. Take a listen to The Mix's playlist of six of Zac Brown Band's hottest tracks to get you hyped for tonight's show.
"Toes"
This track off 2008's "The Foundation" is a carefree tune with lyrics that could be whimsically illustrated on a "Life is Good" T-shirt. With the opening line "I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand," this song is perfect for a day at the lake or a road trip down to the Lowcountry. Fans will have no problem swaying along to this catchy tune as they hold cold beers in their hands tonight.
"Colder Weather"
This piano-driven ballad shows off the band's softer side. The single, which was featured on 2010's "You Get What You Give," is a tearjerker. Try not to cry as Brown croons lyrics like "He said I wanna see you again / But I'm stuck in colder weather." The vocal harmonies on the song's choruses are reminiscent of classic country tunes and the storytelling nature of the lyrics is proof of the group's strong lyrical skills.
"As She's Walking Away"
This collaboration with Alan Jackson helped Zac Brown Band earn a 2011 Grammy for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals and an Academy of Country Music award for Top Vocal Event of the Year. Although the guitar lick is similar to "Hey There Delilah" by the Plain White T's, the sweet duet about the one who got away has twang that makes it clearly country. The lyrics serve as advice for fellows who may not realize that true love is right in front of them: "Don't you let regret take place / Of the dreams you have to chase."
"Highway 20 Ride"
This slower tune sheds light on a relationship gone wrong. The acoustic guitar on this track may remind listeners of another Southern singer, James Taylor, as "Highway 20 Ride" sounds a bit like "Carolina in My Mind." Brown's voice sounds smooth on the "oohs" and crescendoes to powerful held notes as the song comes to a close.
"Keep Me in Mind"
"How come all the pretty girls like you are taken, baby?" This playful track chronicles the singer's flirtation with an unattainable lady as he tells her that "I pray someday that you may love me only." "Keep Me in Mind" switches gears between upbeat and slowed down, showing off Brown's voice with a blues-y chorus, staying danceable with groovy guitars, bongo drums and folk-y fiddles.
"Chicken Fried"
This fun track may seem inescapable as it is blasted everywhere, from radio speakers to the crowded stands of Williams-Brice Stadium. "Chicken Fried" is the South's anthem, with lyrics describing a down-home good time and the best things in life, like "a little bit of chicken fried / cold beer on a Friday night / a pair of jeans that fit just right / and the radio up." This track is an essential selection for any Zac Brown Band playlist, as it showcases the true energy and attitude of the band. This one is sure get the crowd singing along at tonight's show.
Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. with opening acts Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue. Tickets are still available, with prices ranging from $45 to $64.50, on the Colonial Life Arena website, coloniallifearena.com.