Perhaps one of my favorite things about this job is finding the lesser-known, independent artists who haven't yet broken out into the mainstream. One such artist is Matt Gary, who has been working with a couple names you might have heard of — including hit songwriters Gary Baker, Frank J. Myers ("I Swear") and Billy Montana ("Suds in the Bucket"), the writers of his latest single, "I'm Just Sayin'."
The song takes a look at a failing relationship from an outsider's point of view. Here, the narrator uses gentle persuasion to try and convince the woman that she's better off with him. Most of the lyrics are direct and conversational, suggesting without insisting: "It's your choice so you decide / I'm just sayin' you can walk away / Don't have to wear that ball and chain / Love's not supposed to make you hurt." Although there are a couple cliché phrases scattered about ("holding onto something that's already gone"), the songwriting is otherwise rather tight. Even with a fairly standard rock-leaning production, Gary's solid voice and the three writers' knack for strong melodies are readily apparent.
Every now and then, some independent act manages to squeeze his or her way onto the tight playlists of modern-day country radio, and usually they do so by finding that right balance of radio-friendliness and artistry. "I'm Just Sayin'" strikes that right balance and, with enough promotion (and maybe a little luck), it could be yet another dark horse hit in a decade that's had plenty of them. I'm just sayin'.
Take a listen to his single by clicking here.
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