Excitement mounts for Brent Cobb’s Ain’t Rocked in a While, slated for release on July 11 via Ol’ Buddy Records/Thirty Tigers. Recorded live to tape at The Black Palace in Springfield, Missouri, with his band The Fixin’s—Len Clark (drums), Matt McDaniel (guitars), and Josh Williams (bass)—this album channels the electric energy of Cobb’s live performances while preserving his signature Southern storytelling.
“Cobb’s Ain’t Rocked in a While fuses gospel soul with rock—2025’s genre-bending gem!”
Spanning 10 tracks, it’s a bold sonic journey blending classic rock influences with heartfelt lyrics, offering a fresh evolution from his country roots.
A Sonic Journey with Personal Flair
The album opens with “Beyond Measure (Piano),” a 90-second prelude where Cobb’s gospel-preaching vocals deliver a moving intro of gratitude for life and love, setting a spiritual tone that resonates deeply. This track returns as a full-band reprisal to close, bookending the experience. “Bad Feelin’” evokes the image of cruising in a Cadillac on a hot, sunny day, its soulful rocker vibe pulsing with a laid-back yet powerful energy that begs for an open road. “Do It All the Time” stands as timeless Southern rock, its AC/DC-inspired swampy groove rolling with gritty riffs and a foot-stomping rhythm that feels both nostalgic and fresh. “In Our Hands” shines with beautiful acoustic guitar work, offering a tender, introspective moment amidst the rock ‘n’ roll romp. Other highlights like the title track “Ain’t Rocked in a While,” the driving “Take Yer Meds,” and the reflective “Even If It’s Broke” tackle themes of loneliness, mortality, and resilience, weaving a narrative that’s as emotionally rich as it is sonically diverse.
Strengths, Surprises, and Context
Cobb’s choice to record live to tape with The Fixin’s lends an authentic, unpolished edge, echoing his early rock-leaning influences while honoring his Georgia heritage. On “Do It All the Time”’s Southern rock pedigree aligns with Cobb’s nod to icons like Black Sabbath and Metallica, and “In Our Hands”’ acoustic beauty adds a layer of intimacy that balances the album’s bolder tracks. Critics might argue this shift from Southern Star’s (2023) country intimacy could alienate some fans, but the blend of rock riffs with Southern soul feels like a natural progression. The production at The Black Palace, known for its vintage sound, enhances this raw energy, making every note feel alive and unfiltered.
Following Southern Star’s acclaim, which featured hits like “Where You Are” and earned Cobb a spot on American Songwriter’s 2023 year-end list, Ain’t Rocked in a While pushes boundaries. His past collaborations with artists like Chris Stapleton and his family’s musical legacy—brother Devin Cobb’s work with The Georgia Satellites—add depth to this release. The album’s variety, from the swampy grooves to the acoustic interludes, showcases Cobb’s versatility, though purists might miss the stripped-down country of his earlier work like Providence Canyon (2018).
AIN’T ROCKED IN A WHILE TRACK LIST
1. Beyond Measure
2. Ain’t Rocked in a While
3. Bad Feelin’
4. Do It All the Time
5. Even If It’s Broke
6. In Our Hands
7. Power Man
8. Take Yer Meds
9. Til Dawn
10. Beyond Measure (Fixin’s)
Brent Cobb’s Ain’t Rocked in a While Review: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival Worth the Wait @RockNews
