With each new release, Colby Acuff continues to separate himself from the pack of Nashville up-and-comers, and his latest record might just lead to the breakthrough he’s been waiting for.
A prolific writer and releaser of country music, Acuff’s brand new, highly anticipated project American Son marks his fifth album since 2020, and with 16 new tracks that run the gamut both sonically and content-wise, this one is his most cohesive and complete yet.
Starting with the release of lead single “Scared of the Dark,” Acuff began rolling this album out back in May, and with each single release over the next several months, the anticipation surrounding the album release grew steadily. Aided by a heavy touring schedule in which Acuff has opened for the likes of Luke Combs, Flatland Cavalry, 49 Winchester, and others amidst headlining gigs and festival slots, the Idaho native and Nashville-based artist has experienced rapid growth in popularity and shows no signs of slowing down with all of the new music now out for all to hear.
From captivating stories through songs like “Plastic Horses” and “High Noon,” introspective tracks like “How Do I feel Alive” and “Bruised,” and encouraging ballads such as “Better Days” and “Scared of the Dark,” American Son is an eclectic collection of songs that are all tied together through the common thread of acknowledging mental health and the notion that it’s okay to not be okay, because there are always better.
The most vulnerable we have seen Acuff become thus far in his career, it’s obvious the words he sings are heartfelt and that they mean as much to him as they will to fans who can relate to the lyrics and latch on to each song like they are their own. Opening up through social media about his own struggles over the past year or so in which Acuff has experienced the loss of his father and persevered through feelings of loneliness and inadequacy, American Son is a powerful project that gives the listeners a glimpse into Acuff’s mental health journey and proves that he is a songwriter with a killer band and infinite potential.
Acuff took to Instagram upon the album’s release to thank his fans and provide some valuable insight into the inspiration behind the album.
“‘American Son’ is OUT NOW. I’m so thankful for my fans and everyone who has supported me along the way. Go listen wherever you listen to music. Also, surprise! I’ll be making my Nashville headline debut November 2nd at the EXIT/IN. Tickets are on sale NOW!
Dear ‘American Son,’
When I started this project I felt alone, angry, and scared. Scared that no one would understand what I was trying to say, or that all these emotions would be for nothing. I wanted to make a record for people feeling the same way I did. I wanted to make a record for you! These songs came from loss, love, sadness, and anger. I hope that anyone going through these similar feelings can find solace in this record. I hope these songs find you when you need them most.”
So without further ado, here’s a few favorites from the American Son tracklist:
“Nightmare”
“Better Days”
Setting out to introspectively reflect on his own mental battles while also empathetically contemplate the struggles of those around him, in hopes that his music and the dialogue surrounding it become a beacon of hope for whoever needs it most, Acuff’s whole American Son album falls within this realm of mental health, and “Better Days” is no exception.
“Well, we’re dying to dream while alive in a nightmare”
“Me”
“Heavy Hearted Man”
“American Son”
If you want to hear these songs live, there are plenty of opportunities to do so this fall.