THE CADILLAC THREE - Love Like War - Big Machine Records

Since the release of their self-titled debut album in 2012, The Cadillac Three has become known and loved for their genre-breaking sound, unrelenting guitar riffs and intuitive songwriting.  The ability of this incredibly-talented trio to consistently take a personal topic and make it relatable to everyone is a trait that is difficult to encompass and has been one of the more respectable elements of their musical catalogue.

The band’s latest release, out via Big Machine Records, examines the ramifications of an unrelenting love between two people and the thoughts and feelings involved when a mutual emotion is felt so strongly.  “Love Like War” is available now digitally and on all streaming platforms.

As is the case with all of their material, this tune was directly inspired by real life after an argument that frontman Jaren Johnston had with his wife. 

“We’d had too much to drink and she was like, ‘I hate you,’ and I said, ‘I love you.’ And that’s how we left it,” Johnston shared.  “I went downstairs and wrote that song and created the demo.  I played it for her the next morning and she was crying.  She loved it, because it’s about something real.”

A beautiful intro and slow drowning guitar accompanied by a somber tone of Johnston’s trademark raspy powerful vocals set the stage for an emotional four and a half minutes.  Staying with the same beat, vibe, and intensity through the two verses, the song picks up steam as the second chorus concludes and opens up into a musical outburst of emotion for the final minute.

The lyrics are poetic, and deserve their recognition and admiration, while the musical arrangement takes the song’s impact to another level.

“I hate you, I love you

I never wanna see you again

Baby hang on, let me hold you

And we’re back in the sheets again

Making love like war is over

And nobody won”

“Love Like War” puts itself in rare company, by paying homage to the sentimental, personal tone of its songwriter as well as the subject matter without retreating from the band’s trademark collective musicianship.  The ability to explore new musical realms without abandoning who you are as an artist is a difficult challenge for many, which is exactly why The Cadillac Three is truly one of the more impressive acts we have, not just in country music, but across all genres.

Due October 27^th, ‘The Years Go Fast’, the sixth studio album from the ACM-nominated group, is one of the most anticipated releases of the fall.  Fans pining to hear the new tunes live will have plenty of time to do so from now through the end of the year, as TCT has dates stacked through December. 

(Review Written By: Chad Carlson/Artwork c/o Big Machine Records)

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