Cody Johnson and Brooks & Dunn Re-Tool ‘Red Dirt Road’ [Listen]
Cody Johnson's collaboration with Brooks & Dunn on the new Reboot album is the one most different from the original versions of their hits. The mellow, almost acoustic remix softens the sonic impact and puts emphasis on lyrics and vocals.
Johnson, a Texas newcomer and 2019 Taste of Country RISERS star, doesn't have the vocal resume of Ronnie Dunn, but he has no trouble trading lines with the Hall of Famer. It's a more emotional, less radio-ready performance than the one found on B&D's Red Dirt Road album, released in 2003. That song reached No. 1 and is widely considered among their all-time best.
"It's where I drank my first beer / It's where I found Jesus / Where I wrecked my first car, I tore it all to pieces," Johnson sings during the final chorus as acoustic and steel guitars support the arrangement. It does swell as as the song closes, but overall this is an even more nostalgic performance than the one fans grew to love.
For his part, Johnson is a longtime fan of Brooks & Dunn. During his Taste of Country RISERS shoot he chose "Husbands and Wives" as his cover song, delivering a stirring acoustic rendition of a song made famous by Roger Miller:
Reboot was released on April 5, featuring Brooks & Dunn collaborations with Kacey Musgraves, Thomas Rhett, Jon Pardi and more.
Johnson dropped his Ain't Nothin' to It album in January.
Watch Cody Johnson Sing "On My Way to You"