If you could put the sound and timbre of a singing voice into a museum, then surely Chris Stapleton’s would be in the country music hall of fame. To put a word on it, it’s simply perfect. Bright and brilliant with just enough growl, it’s the ideal sound to accompany songs like “Tennessee Whiskey” and “The National Anthem.”
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But Stapleton doesn’t need to just sings that were penned by other artists. Of course not. He has written his own songs and earned accolades galore for them, too. In fact, here below, we wanted to dive into three such songs that the cowboy hat-wearing Stapelton wrote for himself solo. So, without further ado, dear reader, let’s dive into the music.
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1. “Traveler”
Written by Chris Stapleton
This jaunty acoustic-driven song is the title track from the country artist’s 2015 album. Written by Stapleton, the song was also the debut single from the LP. The Grammy-nominated track garnered an win for Stapleton for Best Country Solo Performance. Like so many of his songs, it showcases his spotlight of a singing voice, whatever it lands on instantly alights with beauty and allure. On the song, Stapleton sings over pretty slide guitars,
I see the sunrise creepin’ in
Everything changes like the desert wind
Here she comes and then she’s gone again
And I’m just a traveller on this earth
Sure as my heart’s behind the pocket of my shirt
I’ll just keep rollin’ ’til I’m in the dirt
‘Cause I’m a traveller, oh, I’m a traveller
I couldn’t tell you honey, I don’t know
Where I’m goin’ but I’ve got to go
‘Cause every turn reveals some other road
And I’m a traveller, oh, I’m a traveller
2. “The Devil Named Music”
Written by Chris Stapleton
Also released on Stapleton’s 2015 album, Traveler, this track deals with the difficulty of being a professional musician. As acoustic and electric guitars along with harmonica and drum kits play, Stapleton talks about being on the road, driving all night, flying and being road weary. Even when you’re living your dream, there are downsides. Sometimes you can’t remember where you’ve been or you miss what you’ve left behind. On the solemn song, Stapleton sings,
We drove all night to Billings, Montana
Flew into Utah and slept there all day
And I can’t remember stopping in Denver
Yeah, I live my illusion that somebody needs me to play
And sometimes I’m drunk
And sometimes I’m stoned
And yes, I get tired of being alone
And I miss my son
And I miss my wife
But the devil named music is taking my life
3. “Think I’m in Love with You”
Written by Chris Stapleton
This song was released on Stapleton’s 2023 LP, Higher. It’s got a jazzy feel to it before his Platonic Ideal of a country voice swings in from the rafters. The love song has the singer offering to the listener his feelings and his realization that he’s, in fact, always loved her. Over a catchy electric guitar, the country star sings, his voice rich with heartbroken devotion,
Baby, do you ever wonder
Whatever happened way back when
Or if I’ll see you again?
And maybe if you ever wonder
Aw, you might wish things could change
I know this might sound strange but
I think I’m in love with you
I didn’t know it at the time
I know what I want to do
It’s making me lose my mind
I thought about thinking it through
And every time I do I find
I wanna make your dreams come true
I think I’m in love with you
I’m in love with you
Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images
