Jimmie Allen - Tulip Drive (2022) [Hi-Res]

2021 was a big year for Jimmie Allen, who took home new artist awards from both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, making him only the second black performer to do so at the CMAs (following Darius Rucker's win in 2009) and the first at the ACMs. There are, obviously, big expectations for his third album, Tulip Drive—the title of which, like Mercury Lane (bearing the name of the street he grew up on) and Bettie James Gold Edition (combining the names of his late grandmother and father), holds personal significance: It's the street where his grandma lived. Family and home are big influences for Allen, who tends to weave meaningful touches into his songs. "you won't be alone," a reassurance for his kids that he will always be there for them, starts with a sweet spoken message from his young son. Earworm first single "down home" finds him talking to his own father, who passed away in 2019, about how he wishes his dad could see Allen's new daughter and house, but "I know you're up there looking down home." It feels affectingly sincere, as does "settle on back," a celebration of home—for sure, a country music trope—that's personalized with the mention of Sussex County, Delaware. Even though it's not the South, Allen proves that the country way of life isn't limited to a region: "I settle on back with my boys at the pier/ Drink a few beers and watch the sun disappear/ Chasing that young, never gonna grow up, never reach the bottom of a Solo cup" feeling. The song structure is formulaic, right down to the hot-lick guitar on the bridge, but it's radio ready. And if there's a criticism to be made of Allen, it's that he plays it safe much of the time. He is an extremely capable singer and songwriter, but there are virtually no surprises among the 17 songs here. One exception: Bottom-heavy good-time tune "pesos," a South of the border-inflected party track that loops in T-Pain and his signature AutoTune as well as a rapid-fire, reggae-influenced verse from CeeLo Green. Another: Piano ballad "habits & hearts" flips the country drinking song on its head, focusing on the pain of relapse rather than drowning your sorrows. Otherwise, there are perfectly pleasant tracks reminiscent of Thomas Rhett or pop star Jason Mraz's laidback ease ("be alright" and the smooth, soulful country pop of "what i'm talkin' bout"). "kissin you" is catchy if personality-less. The more playful "get you a girl" is breezy and slick, and "undo" is a traditional country breakup ballad. "love in the living room"—"We didn't make it to the hallway/ We didn't make it to our room"—is romantic, silky R&B with a distinct country flavor. A duet with Jennifer Lopez, "on my way" (a countrified take on a song from Lopez's Marry Me soundtrack) is fine, but the Lady A-like "broken hearted," with newcomer Katie Ohh, is better. © Shelly Ridenour/Qobuz