Aaron Lewis-- "Anywhere But Here"

I've been pretty wary of the country-side of Aaron Lewis. I liked "Country Boy" well enough, but the rest of the songs on his first solo album just didn't compare to the music he released with Staind. "Anywhere but Here," the first single from his next album (due out in June) is leans less toward that stereotypical country sound and more toward soulful, cathartic southern rock, with lyrics reminiscent of what's always made Staind's songs so catchy and meaningful.

 

The words are so identifiable, and the music is simple yet beautiful. I prefer the acoustic version (featured in the video above) with just Lewis and his guitar, but even in the recorded version (link below) it's hard not to find yourself hitting replay each time the song ends. With it's layers of twangy guitar blending with the deep and rasping voice of Lewis, it's a balanced combination that just works.   

Aaron Lewis - Anywhere But Here by Aaron Lewis of Staind

This Road Is Goin Nowhere,
And These,

These Shoes Are Worn Too Thin,
There's Always Should'ves Where I'm Goin,
There's Always Could'ves Where I've Been,

Anywhere But Here,
I Wish I Was,
Anywhere But Here

There's Always Footsteps From Behind Me,
But Don't They Ever Read The Writing On The Wall,
And All This Time I've Spent Rewinding
Might Mean Nothing
Might Mean Nothin At All

I Wish I Was,
Anywhere But Here,
Just To Be,
Anywhere But Here,

The Bed Next To Me Is Empty,
Just Like The,
The Shell I've Been Tryin To Fill,
The Things Put In Life To Tempt Me,
They Can't Ever,
They Won't Break My Will,

But I Wish I Was,
Anywhere But Here,
Just To Be,
Anywhere But Here,
I Wish I Was,
Anywhere But Here,
Just To Be Anywhere But Here. 

Ramble On- February 8

Kiss Me When I'm Down- Gary Allan -- It's amazing how listening to some songs can take you back to an exact time in your life. Just by hearing the first few notes, your mind and heart are completely transported back a month, a year, ten years, to the time when your ears first heard it, and your soul first felt every word the artist was saying. 

I have that kind of reaction to this song. When I hear it, I go back to last year, spring break. I was in my roommate's jeep, and we were on our way back to her aunt's house we were staying at in Panama City. It was late at night, and I was in a sad, single, and just dark place emotionally. This song just seemed perfect for me for that exact moment, and every time I hear it, I go right back there, and still feel every word he says the same way I did that night.  

This song is perfect if you're in a "we just broke up, but I miss you, and I just want to feel sorry for myself" kind of mood. I love, love, love this song. 

   

Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning) - Vertical Horizon -- As I was listening to the previously mentioned Gary Allan song, I also listented to his cover of Vertical Horizon's "Best I Ever Had." Though I really like Allan's version, the original is a classic that you just can't beat.

Also falling along the lines of sad/lonely/breakup songs (maybe this weather is making me depressed?) this song is great when you just want to feel sorry for yourself, or just hear a really good song. Quite beautiful, and a nice kick back to 1999.

 

Country Boy- Aaron Lewis -- A friend (and the biggest lover of Aaron Lewis I know) recommended this song to me a few months back, and I instantly assumed that Aaron Lewis was born in my hometown and that the video was filmed in Center Point. Turns out, he's no Kentuckian, but actually a Vermont/Massachusetts-ian. Listening to him sing about growing up "on an old dirt road in a town you wouldn't know" is more than relatable, though.

If you are used to the Staind side of Lewis, this song is not gonna be it. It's the first single from his new country-flavored EP set to come out in early March, and though it has familiar vocal soundings, the lyrics are different than any Staind song I've ever heard. Adjust to the style and you're in for a ride through the story of his life, from his roots to the selling his soul to "the devil in L.A."

If you have any country in you at all, you might have just found your new anthem.  (And as a side note, if you want to buy me a gift in thanks of increasing your musical brain, the guitar he plays in the video would be just perfect. Please and thank you.)