The album kicks off with "People Know You By Your First Name." In today's country environment, this song largely comes across as just a song about being from a small town. However, Brody doesn't overdo it, and the song comes off as genuine and believable from the artist. His relaxed tone doesn't sound like he's trying to convince the listener of his roots or "how country he is." I'll admit to enjoying the song, even though I know there are songs of more substance later to come.
"Roll That Barrel Out" dhas a Zac Brown Band feel to it. And "Little Yellow Blanket" is sort of a typical song about a day spent with a loved one doing simple things. It's not the greatest song in the world, and it does feel like it's been done before, but the instrumentation and production is done so simply that it makes up for it.
But it's with track four, "Angelina," where the album truly hits its stride and becomes something special. In "Angelina," Brody sings about a relationship that unknowingly turned serious before being forced to end. "Angelina, maybe you'll be back again someday if what you left behind is really love." The singer sounds pained at the loss and longing for a return.
The title track is next. In "Trail In Life," the singer recalls people who've made a difference in his life...a first love, fraternity brothers who made leaving hope easier, and the mother who gave him up for adoption, wishing for all of them, "I hope your trail in life has been good to you." When that third chorus hits, I still well up with tears. The song is full of honesty. With this song, and its predecessor, Brody's vocals are at their top notch.
"Sunday Drive," is another simple song about a day spent with a loved one. It's at this point where you realize what makes songs like this one and "Little Yellow Blanket" so endearing. Brody keeps the simple songs simple. He doesn't try to make them bigger than they are the way a lot of current mainstream artists do when singing these themes and motifs. The song is what it is. As with the first track, it doesn't feel like an attempt to convince the listener of his "country cred." It feels honest and natural coming from Brody.
This album is one worth a listen. You won't have to think too hard about it, and it can be nice sometimes to just listen to relaxing country music.