Who wants some 80s pop/country/something? Me, me!
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[6.67]
Crystal Leww: I’m not the hugest fan of his ballads, but Thomas Rhett in full-on bro-country pop star mode is a thrill to listen to. “Craving You,” which features Maren Morris on harmonies, is just so much fun, optimal for singing alone at the country music show with a Bud Light in hand. Maybe country music is good again?
[8]
Will Adams: Every problem in Keith Urban’s latest attempt to infuse country with pop is solved here: production and flourishes that are big and purposeful, space for your featured female artist to really belt, and a sense of danger rather than one of complacent calm.
[7]
Thomas Inskeep: Who could’ve imagined, 30 years ago, that we’d someday have mainstream country hits rooted in early ’80s new wave and mid-’80s AOR? “Craving You” is less George Strait and more, I kid you not, Mr. Mister. Morris is barely here, just adding in a few backing vocals; this is Rhett’s show, and he takes it to the top. Just think what some gated drums would’ve done to this.
[5]
Edward Okulicz: Thomas Rhett has done a pretty good job of pastiching the 50s (on “Crash and Burn”) and the 70s on “You Make Me Wanna”) so it’s not really a surprise that this slick, loud 80s radio pop goliath is so well-executed. Rhett is a bit of a square, so Morris does the hair-metal hair waving for both of them with her harmonies. Are we sure that Bryan Adams didn’t write this under an assumed name?
[8]
Alfred Soto: This example of bubblepop electric needs a peppier singer than Thomas Rhett, who sounds like the engineer’s handsome son given a shot at the mic. Jason Derulo, step right up.
[6]
Anthony Easton: Both Morris and Rhett have some of the more distinctive voices in country music, and this could have been a blistering duet. Morris is buried by Rhett, which seems a symptom for the current gender woes of Nashville. As well, the lyrics are a string of cliches, and I am not convinced of the erotic longing they are supposed to convey. That said, the drums are monstrous and the synth beat is pure formal gorgeousness. All the points for the percussion.
[6]