Singer/songwriter Cale Tyson is circling back to his country roots with his latest single. Released on Friday (October 27), “Hope You’re Hungover” offers a surprising sonic pivot, embracing the lyrical theming of the genre’s radio hitmakers.
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From tailgates to George Strait, the Texas native leans into familiar imagery in the playful and pointed breakup track. I hope you’re hungover all alone / On your telephone / Asking why’d you let me go?
“‘Hope You’re Hungover’ is my first journey back into the world of country music,” Tyson shared in a statement. “Country has always been at the forefront of my heart, but I felt like I needed to stray from it for a while to eventually come back to it. I feel like this is a whole new approach to the genre, tying in my roots with the more modern sounds I’ve been exploring since.”
The somewhat tongue-in-cheek tune isn’t a parody of the genre but a lighthearted representation of his new phase in life. Instead of fitting the mold of a rhinestoned country music traditionalist or a tortured indie-rock balladeer, Tyson is simply embracing a new sense of personal and creative freedom.
“I chose to get clean and sober a little over a year ago after a 30-day stay in a rehab facility in Pasadena, California,” Tyson added. “Writing this song was a bit of a play on sobriety and drinking in general. I don’t have to worry about hangovers anymore since I don’t drink, so it’s kind of fun to poke fun at the subject. I’m really grateful to have booze out of my life, if for nothing else: no more hangovers.”
[RELATED: Cale Tyson Returns With Moody Weeper Called “Alone”]
“Hope You’re Hungover” is his first country-centered release since his acclaimed record Careless Soul arrived in 2017. His 2013 debut EP, High on Lonesome, earned praise for its vintage-inspired sound. In recent years, Tyson relocated from Nashville to Los Angeles, sharing a steady stream of pop-tinged tracks.
Watch the official music video for “Hope You’re Hungover,” directed by Lucas Markman, below:
Photo by Reto Sterchi, Courtesy of Missing Piece Group
