Entertainment
Andrew’s Judgmental Album Reviews: Luke Combs – Growin’ Up (2022)
Got a little Country in the JAR this week! Luke came into the scene like a hurricane! Does his Growin’ Up help him out or hurt him?

This is another case of keeping the genres as a nice eclectic mix in the JAR. Yes Avi Kaplan’s album was definitely more of a Folk/Country vibe; but the a capella background and it beings his first solo album was what spurred that along. So since we’ve hit a lot, let’s official dive into a Country album.
Now Luke Combs came to most people’s attention a few years ago with songs like One Number Away or Hurricane, and even though he is a more melodic modern day Country, there’s something a little unique to his approach. The songs are a bit catchy while also usually being relatable beyond the stereotypes of “fishing holes, trucks and women leaving”; though the topics are of course applied when necessary. I enjoyed his initial offerings more than a lot of modern Country artists, and here’s to hoping his third album rings as true.
- Artist: Luke Combs
- Album: Growin’ Up
- Label: River House Artists
- Total Track Time: 41:28
Doin This opens up really soft and somber as the first few lines explain the concept of the song being “what would you be doin, if you weren’t doin this”. So he goes through a possible life which turns out that he’d still be making music on the smaller stage trying to break through. It’s an interestingly resilient song which brings things down to a relatable range of going to a dive bar with a few buddies and still trying to get his music out there. So it takes a very pragmatic approach to what drives him instead of some “looking from on high” since he’s currently successful. Any Given Friday Night changes the tone and we go into the bonfire hangout song. This follows most of the formula that modern Country applies with small town, simple, Dukes of Hazard imagery, for a fun hangout with your country friends. It’s not a bad song, but if you heard one you’ve heard em all. The Kind of Love We Make, while the song isn’t breaking any kind of ground, its at least a little cute/clever. Personally I get a lot of Chris LeDoux vibes from the arrangement, on top of the song just being about slowing down in life, canceling hectic plans and just spend a night being with one another. It’s catchy, cute and relatable post-quarantine when life speeds back up to the normal grind.
On the Other Line definitely doesn’t take the direction many people might’ve thought from the title. Here’s the chorus: “Well, I’ll have to call you back, baby, These fish are biting like crazy, They’re knockin’ the paint off this crankbait every time, Feels like I’m reelin’ in an old bulldozer, Sorry, honey, but I got to click over, I got a six pound large mouth on the other line”, this has that same tongue in cheek fun that a lot of 90s Country had. The fact that he’s expressing he’ll make things up to her, whatever he has to do, but he’s got to reel in this fish…is quality entertainment. Outrunnin’ Your Memory feat Miranda Lambert this definitely has potential just off the feature, since Miranda Lambert is quite the powerhouse name in Country currently. The song continues to personally give me those old Garth Brooks vibes where the instrumentation keeps things obviously country, but very melodic and swinging. It’s sung well and I love the first few lines of the chorus: “Outrunnin’ your memory is like, Outrunnin’ the wind, I can’t get where I’m goin’ if I can’t leave where you’ve been”, however it’s not a breakup, it’s more like Colder Weather where there’s the distinct desire to get back together, it’s just life on the road forcing them to be apart. Lyrically it touches on how people will say they found a great little spot the other would enjoy, and just generally looking forward to seeing each other again. It’s cute and poignant, all while containing just enough realism that IF something happened it would ruin it all, but it’s impossible to out run a memory.
Used to Wish I Was is a damn good song about looking back on what you wanted to be versus what you are. Reflects on his old idols/heroes that made him want to be something. Chipper Jones gets a mention, Dale Earnhardt and Bill Dance. Songs like this are cute because it’s easy to put yourself in the perspective of the singer. We all wanted to be something as kids, and very few of us managed to aspire to that. Difference is, Luke is glad he’s not what he used to wish he was. How many of us can say that? Better Back When another song reminiscing, so I’m starting to grow tired of all of the looking back. I get that the album is called Growin’ Up, but I wasn’t expecting such a heavy theme on “those were the days” style of songs. Tomorrow Me okay so it’s not a reflection song, it’s a different side of an off and on, potentially toxic relationship. No toxic masculinity in this song, it discusses not wanting to continue the song and dance with someone, because he has to live with Tomorrow Me; ” In morning light, I’ll be the guy, Starin’ down “I told ya so” for the hundredth time, And you’ll be okay, you always are, And I’ll be picking up the pieces if we go that far”. It’s cute and not something you get often out of country with a sensitive male perspective about something like this.
Ain’t Far From It now this picks up the tempo and we get the fun surfer song vibe, perfect for the Honky Tonk. There haven’t been a ton of these, and I appreciate this feels like 90s fun country, and not the modern stuff. Reminds me a bit more of a combination of Garth Brooks Mr. Right and Tim McGraw Indian Outlaw. Call Me has a little more of a joking tone, which is always something I appreciate in Country music. The whole premise is a woman that basically makes excuses that he was a one time thing, he’s no good, not her type…whatever she can come up with, but when push comes to shove, she’ll still be calling him for company; “You’re gonna call me crazy, A low-down, no account fool, And you’re gonna say you hate me, Girl, do what you gotta do, But when you’re 2AM buzzin’, late night needin’ loving, And it’s lookin’ like you’re leavin’ lonely, Baby, we both know you’re gonna call me”.Â
Middle of Somewhere puts things into the point of view of small town country people. Sure there’s only one coffee type at the shop, a small selection of beer at a gas station and a lot of Jesus Saves rhetoric. So for people from out of town may consider it “nowhere” but for the local folk, it’s the middle of somewhere. Going, Going, Gone while the lost love song is stereotypical in this genre, as well as we’ve had a few on the album, this is still well done. The chorus uses some nice imagery, the instrumentation is light and just present enough. While I’d usually complain about topic fatigue, the arrangement and way Luke sings it is great, plus again, I really like the imagery in the chorus; “Like a runaway Southbound train, Like an Arizona desert rain, Like lightning in the sky, Like fireworks in July, Like a left field home run ball
Like a whiskey shot at last call, It’s like she was made for moving on, That girl is going, going, gone”.
This definitely beat a few stereotypes over your head, but nothing was done poorly. Luke has a tendency to use wording that relates beyond the scope of “rednecks”. Simple concepts of not wanting to mess around with your ex again because you can’t live with yourself after, trying to stay positive when work takes you away from your partner, take time to just enjoy life with your significant other instead of always needing to do something, and of course the reminiscing applies to everyone; maybe not his examples exactly, but I’m fairly sure we all stop and think what could’ve/would’ve happened if childhood dreams lead you down that path.
I personally need to take a few points off for redundancy on some topics, but that’s just because I’ve done it for other albums, if I don’t do it here…just because I “like the song”, that’s a little dumb. It’s still a damn good album, and honestly, if you aren’t a huge fan of modern Country but have some love for Garth, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Chris LeDoux, those types; this is probably more up your alley.
Final Judgment: 7.95/10
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Bandwagon Nerds
Bandwagon Nerds #288: Disney In The Desert
Disney makes a controversial decision about where it is building its 7th theme park. Plus, loads of trailers, Thunderbolts* news, DCU updates, and more!

Patrick returns to the show this week and leads the guys through a stacked Trailer Park, including the most recent previews of Old Guard 2, The Long Walk, Peacemaker Season 2, and Stick. Patrick also shares his thoughts with Dave and Tunney about Thunderbolts* and addresses some interesting rumors about what didn’t make it into the film. Meanwhile, Disney makes a very divisive decision about a 7th theme park, and President Trump’s trade war targets the film industry. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. If you are curious, we have answers, so make sure you tune in!
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About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
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Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
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Prepare for the most electrifying even of the HPW calendar!
While the stage is set for Blood & Thunder 4 and the HPW World Trios Championships, HPW must also address the return of KAGE!
Thundra Plateau is ready.
Wrestling is Life, but life has its stormy weather. The rain is going to be hot in June, but will the reign continue through the Summer? The Dark Forces may have failed to take the Undisputed Triforce World Championship from Zelda, but they still have the World Trios Championships. Harlequin, Lupay & Glutko will step inside the double ring, double cage to defend their gold. On one side, Arrow Club’s special combination of Fin Balure, Torbevito & Bad Croc Scaly. On the other, a new combination of its own in Cia, Lana & Midna.
Speaking of Cia, Lana & Midna…
The three of them are together, dressed in workout attire, in what appears to be a dance studio. This is a collaboration stream for Midna and Lana as they’re both big presences on the internet, aka “influencers.” Lana and Midna wave and say hi, and they give introductions, including Cia, who is reluctant to be standing there. Cia doesn’t know why they need to do this. Lana says they have to improve their teamwork. They may have won against Los Taros Locos, but it was really sketchy there for a second. Midna adds that doing a dance routine together is great for their timing and coordination.
Cia says she didn’t mean that, she meant having to stream it! Oh, well obviously, combining Midna’s viewing audience with Lana’s, and HPW’s overall, this makes huge numbers! So? And huge money…! Cia raises her eyebrow and says, “Oh really?” The trio sets up, and Lana says obviously they first have to learn the steps. Midna brings up, “Wait, what song are we dancing to?” Oh, good point. Lana was thinking something from Lulu. Cia asks, “Lulu? From the Indigo-Go’s?” Midna says Lulu’s got a great solo album. Lana agrees! That’s so great that they like the same music. Cia isn’t as familiar with her solo stuff, so she’ll rely on them for this.
Lana suggests they go with Energetic Me. For one, it has the most energy, duh. And it still has a dance vibe, which is the whole point. Midna says she might’ve gone with Royal Discotheque or Ten Outta Ten, but she sees Lana’s point. Lana shows them the dance moves she has in mind. Left arm up, bent at the elbow, and the hand up against the side of the chest. Then they switch so the right arm goes up to mirror that position while the left hand goes back to the hip. Maybe add a little hip pop as that happens. Do that a couple times, and then turn to the right. This puts the left hand on the back of the hip, right hand on the back of the neck for a sexy pose.
Then you turn to flip it the other way, then do a 360 with a big neck whipping, hair flipping move. Then finish with feet apart and double V’s up by the eyes, maybe with a wink. Cia says, “Yeah, okay…” while Midna says, “I like it!” Midna says she’ll set up in the middle. Cia asks why Midna is in the middle, and Midna says it’s symmetry. She’s the tallest, Cia and Lana are about the same, it makes sense. Yeah, but it also means Midna is the center of attention. Well, that’s just coincidental. Lana says it doesn’t matter, the point is them doing it all in synch. Cia sighs and says, “Fine.” Midna is in the middle, Cia is on her right, and the music plays.
Left arm, right arm, left arm, right arm, pose to the right, pose to the left, 360 spin and neck whip, then double V. Midna nailed it, but Cia was lagging. Cia defends she was not, but Lana says it’s alright, they’ll just keep trying. They run through it a couple more times, they do tighten it up, and all three feel really good about how that went.
The Dark Forces are watching.
They aren’t impressed by the “little dance party.” Harlequin says the Faces of Evil are way better anyway. Especially with the classics like the Thriller dance and Macarena. Zant says, “The Macarena? Pfft, and people think I’m a dork…” Harlequin says, “Don’t you dare mock the Macarena!” Harlequin changes tabs on the computer and starts playing the song! After the introduction, he lifts his right arm up flat, then his left. Then he turns the right hand up, the left hand up, puts his right hand on his left shoulder, left hand on right shoulder, then moves right hand up behind his head, and then his left.
Now his arms crisscross, right hand on left hip and left hand on right hip, to then switch so right hand on right hip and left hand on left hip. And of course, he swivels his hips in one big circle to go with “HEY~ Macarena! AIGHT!” Zant rolls his eyes while Harlequin keeps going, jumping 90 degrees to his left. Ganon walks in, Ghirahim following behind, and he tells Harlequin to “turn that crap off.” Harlequin pouts but he does as told. Ganon seethes as he takes a seat in his big arm chair. “Needless to say… Wrestling is Life didn’t go how I’d hoped. What was Kage even doing there?! Did either of you have any idea he was going to betray us?!”
Zant and Ghirahim are a bit flustered. Zant isn’t even sure Kage was part of The Dark Forces at the time Ganon took ownership. He’d kinda gone rogue at some point, didn’t he? Ghirahim agrees, it didn’t seem like he was even aligned with Cia and the others. All the more reason for Kage to keep his nose out of Ganon’s business! If Kage cared about the Dark Forces, then he would’ve helped them fight back at HyruleMania, or any time since. Kage clearly just wants the title, same as Ganon, so he’s a dead man walking. Speaking of that… Where’s Kevin? He came back in April, why isn’t he here?
Somewhere dark and spooky…
Heavy footsteps can be heard echoing as Kevin Gibdo moves down the hallway. He speaks with a low, airy voice, “Majora… Your madness… spread like wildfire… You thought by setting me ablaze… I would crumble into ash… You were wrong! Instead, I have been purified…! Purged of flaws and weaknesses… I now come forth… as gold!” There’s a light at the end of the hall, and Kevin enters a grand hall, with treasure gleaming in the light. At the center is the sarcophagus. Kevin walks up to it, opens it, and then his burnt and tattered bandages fall away before he steps inside. The sarcophagus closes, then the eyes on it begin to glow… Then the entire thing glows!
The glowing becomes a shining light, and that shining becomes so bright that nothing can be seen. It is clear things between Kevin and Majora are not over. Will the Masked Monster even stand a chance once the Gibdo of All Gibdos is restored to full strength?
Back to the Dark Forces…
Shabonne says, “I’m sure Kevin is just fine doing whatever Gibdos do on their time off.” Tali says, “What matters is what I’m about to do to that tiny little weasel with the Goddess Championship. If The Dark Forces is gonna have all the gold, then I need to squash her like a bug and take that title off of whatever’s left!” Ganon nods and says he likes the initiative. Tali will start on her own Triple Crown as the Dark Forces will make Hyrule Pro-Wrestling their kingdom! The group cheers while raising a toast! And then Harlequin gets Glutko and Lupay to join in on the Macarena, to which Ganon groans and facepalms.
And so, the ThunderStruck card is set!
The double ring, double cage will rattle with Blood & Thunder as the HPW World Trios Championships are on the line! The Gerudo Ace looks to settle a grudge with the Hero’s Shadow! And now, the Million Rupee Championship and HPW Goddess Championships will also be on the line! Will the Dark Forces absolutely dominate the Summer? Be ready to endure the heat on Friday, June 20th!
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
 MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)Â
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)
SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports PodcastÂ
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!
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Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!