“Forever After All” – 5/5 

A tear-jerker about the true meaning of committing to love someone for the rest of your life, “Forever After All” perfectly encapsulates the elements of a country love song. The song has a powerful guitar element throughout and the lyrics start with comparisons involving trucks and beer, making a point to say how all these objects will eventually be gone. Combs uses this as a segway into the chorus, in which he discusses how the love shared between the two people in the song will last forever. After the first chorus, Combs gives more examples of the temporary things in life, such as blue jeans and strings on a guitar. These comparisons lead to another chorus verse. Although the whole song is sweet and sentimental, especially to those who have experienced such a love, it is the ending that is sure to make people cry. Combs circles back to his chorus and adds the idea of staying with your loved ones, even in death. He claims God will make sure to quickly unite those in love in Heaven, for all of eternity, proving his point about having a love that lasts “Forever After All.” 

“The Other Guy” – 4/5

With a simple melody to lead into the lyrics, “The Other Guy” contrasts the physical appearance of a man with how he mentality feels after a breakup. Although this man presents himself as better off since the breakup, he makes it clear that underneath this tough-guy persona, he is a wreck. The build-up to the chorus is insignificant, which benefits the song, for it allows the power of the song to be revealed through the chorus. In a sense, “The Other Guy,” has elements within it that would make any English teacher smile. There is something quite poetic about the “mask” a person presents to the real world versus the person struggling underneath. “The Other Guy” is perhaps the most relatable song out of the five that Combs released as most people have, at some point in their lives, put on a brave face to hide their true feelings from others. 

“Cold As You” – 3/5

“Cold As You” is yet another breakup song, with much more of an anthem to it than “The Other Guy,” as it depicts how men going through breakups drown their feelings with alcohol at trashy bars. The phrase “Cold As You” comes during the chorus, when discussing how the beer consumed by broken-hearted men is as “cold” as the women who broke up with them. Even though it sounds the most like a country-rock song out of all five reviewed, it falls short in content as most of the lyrics are repetitive or rephrase earlier points. In fact, one has to wonder about the amount of alcohol consumed by these broken-hearted men, as it is the singular focus of the song. 

“Without You” – 4/5

Perhaps the best “thank you” present ever given to a set of parents, “Without You” depicts all that Combs’ mom and dad did to provide for him. Not only a sentimental song but one that many people can find relatable. Throughout the song, Combs states all that his folks did for him and how those actions benefited him. With the chorus, Combs talks about him being a singer, performing for hundreds of thousands of people, and yet only seeing his parents in the audience. For he knows that he is only able to do what he loves because of them. Overall, this song allows listeners to reflect on the sacrifices made by their parents and develop a new-found appreciation for them as well. This song is yet another tear-jerker as it can be applied to significant moments in anyone’s life. The “stage” mentioned by Combs could be the one at graduation, on the soccer field or an actual stage. At any of these places, people may realize that they would not be where they are without the unconditional love and selfless support from their family.

“My Kinda Folk” – 3/5

A country song about country people, “My Kinda Folk” depicts all the men and women who make up Combs’ “people.” He mentions how it does not matter the occupation a person has, as Combs’ “folks” are all those who drink beer, hunt and go to church. By far the most “hillbilly-like” song of the five, as well as the one most similar to other country songs, think singer Luke Bryan’s “What Makes You Country.” Its saving grace comes at the end where there is nearly a minute long instrumental part composed of electric guitar and drums. Overall, it is a simple song, which some may argue is what all country songs should be. However, it has no power to it like “The Other Guy” or sentimental messages like “Forever After All.”  So, compared to the other four songs he released, “My Kinda Folk” is middle of the road and earns a three out of five rating.