Luke Combs is set to conquer country radio once again with his upcoming single, “Where the Wild Things Are,” officially impacting airwaves on October 16th. This captivating track, a quintessential example of Combs’ storytelling prowess, has an intriguing backstory – it was once on hold for and nearly recorded by none other than Eric Church.
Before the song’s official radio debut, Luke Combs gathered with his trusted collaborators – Dan Isbell, Jonathan Singleton, Ray Fulcher, Chip Matthews, and Rob Williford – to delve into the journey of how “Where the Wild Things Are” ultimately found its way into his capable hands.
The Genesis of “Where the Wild Things Are”
“Where the Wild Things Are” is the brainchild of songwriters Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull. For several years, this compelling narrative lingered within the Nashville music scene, patiently awaiting the right artist to embrace and bring it to life. While Luke Combs readily admits feeling an immediate and profound connection to the song’s story, he wasn’t alone in his admiration. Jonathan Singleton and Dan Isbell revealed that Eric Church, too, had recognized the potent allure of this heroic tale and considered recording it himself.
“He almost cut it…I couldn’t believe that song couldn’t land somewhere,” Isbell remarked, highlighting the song’s somewhat lengthy journey through the industry before finally landing with Combs.
Combs himself offered context, stating, “At the time, nobody was cutting story songs at all, really. I mean, outside of Eric Church, probably.” This underscores the unique position Church held in mainstream country at the time, often being one of the few artists willing to embrace narrative-driven songs.
Luke Combs and Eric Church: A Tale of Two North Carolinians
The shared musical sensibilities between Luke Combs and Eric Church come as little surprise when considering their parallel backgrounds. Both artists proudly hail from North Carolina and are alumni of Appalachian State University. Furthermore, Combs has consistently voiced his deep respect and admiration for Church, considering him a significant musical influence.
Luke Combs, Eric Church; Photos by Andrew Wendowski
During an appearance on Stone Cold Steve Austin’s USA Network series, Straight Up Steve Austin, Combs candidly confessed that his college years saw him temporarily stray from country music, gravitating towards the more pop-infused sounds popular among his peers at the time.
“I think the reason that myself and my parents stopped listening to country music is it wasn’t, at that moment in time, as relatable. A lot of guys got heavy into The Beach, it was getting more poppy sounding at that time,” Combs explained. He clarified, “And not to say I’m Merle Haggard, because I’m not, I’m not claiming to be that either, but that was the big shift.” This honest reflection highlights a period where mainstream country’s direction shifted, causing some listeners, including a younger Combs, to look elsewhere for musical connection.
“Does To Me”: A Collaboration Forged in Mutual Respect
It was Eric Church’s distinctive brand of country music that ultimately rekindled Luke Combs’ passion for the genre. Church’s music not only reignited Combs’ love for country but also served as the catalyst for his own burgeoning career.
“When I got to Appalachian State, a guy that lived on my floor brought in an Eric Church CD and said, ‘Hey this guy went to college here, you should check him out,’” Combs recounted. “Once I heard Eric, I was like, ‘This is something I can relate to, and if he can do that and he’s from here, and I’m from here, I can do that.’ And that’s kind of where the fire caught spark for lack of a better term.” Church’s success became a tangible example for Combs, proving that authentic, relatable country music could resonate with audiences.
Since that pivotal moment, Combs and Church have transitioned from admirer and admired to peers and friends, even collaborating professionally. In 2019, they joined forces in the studio to record the powerful duet “Does To Me,” featured on Combs’ chart-dominating sophomore album, What You See Is What You Get.
Penned by Combs with Ray Fulcher and Tyler Reeve, “Does To Me” resonated deeply with both artists’ fan bases and became another feather in Combs’ cap, securing his eighth consecutive No. 1 single. This collaboration underscores the mutual respect and shared musical ground between these two prominent figures in contemporary country music.
Decoding “Where the Wild Things Are”: A Song of Brotherhood and Freedom
“Where The Wild Things Are” is the newest single from Combs’ acclaimed album, Gettin’ Old. Showcasing Combs’ exceptional storytelling ability, the song adopts the perspective of an individual paying heartfelt tribute to his brother’s untamed spirit. The narrator recounts tales received from his sibling about adventures in the West, “where the wild things are.” Combs’ commanding vocals immediately seize attention, immersing the listener in the character’s world amidst a backdrop of impactful drum beats and an emotionally charged narrative.
“My big brother rode an Indian Scout / It was black like his jacket / American Spirit hangin’ outta his mouth / Just like our daddy / He kicked started that bike one night and broke mama’s heart / He pointed that headlight west / Out where the wild things are,” Combs sings in the song’s evocative opening verse. These lyrics paint a vivid picture of a rebellious, free-spirited individual.
As the song progresses, a poignant revelation emerges: the brother, characterized as “wild as the devil,” tragically perishes in a motorcycle accident. However, Combs delivers a message of acceptance and celebrates a life lived authentically, concluding that the brother is laid to rest in the very landscape that fueled his stories and experiences.
“They said he hit that guardrail at half past three / Lit up those streets that never sleep when the sky goes dark / We buried him out in the wind ‘neath the West Coast stars / Out where the wild things are,” Combs powerfully concludes in the final verse. The song becomes a bittersweet ode to a life lived on one’s own terms, even in the face of tragedy.
The Vocal Challenges of a Powerful Ballad
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Much like Combs’ chart-topping hit, “The Kind of Love We Make,” the North Carolina native recognized that “Where the Wild Things Are” presented significant vocal challenges, particularly in a live performance setting.
“I would argue that it’s a really tough song to sing and figure out how you would do you live,” he admitted candidly. “I mean, we struggle with it even in studio. But I mean that’s one of those ones that I haven’t even run with the band yet. And I’m like…what does that look like live?” Combs acknowledges the raw vocal power and control demanded by the song.
In both instances, Combs understood that these vocally demanding tracks would elevate his album to a new level of artistic depth. His producer, Scott Moffatt, played a crucial role in reinforcing the value of embracing such challenges.
“I remember somebody telling me, I think it was when me and Moffitt were still doing stuff and I was telling him, ‘well, we can’t do this, because I’m not going to be able to sing this thing live like this.’ And he was like, ‘dude, we can’t dumb down the record. You’ll figure it out, like, we got to make it as good as we can and you’re gonna figure it out. I promise.’ So I always remembered that.” This anecdote reveals the collaborative process and the encouragement Combs received to push his vocal boundaries.
He further emphasized his belief in the song, stating, “I don’t know how that song never get cut, because it’s an awesome, awesome song.” This sentiment reinforces the quality of “Where the Wild Things Are” and the fortunate circumstance that led it to Luke Combs.
Luke Combs’ Global Reach and Tour Dates
Luke Combs is currently captivating audiences across the globe throughout October, performing in Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Scotland, and England as part of his extensive 2023 world tour. His popularity extends far beyond US borders, cementing his status as a global country music superstar.
The country icon has also recently announced his return to the road for the 2024 Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour, set to commence on April 12th in Milwaukee, WI. Fans worldwide will have further opportunities to experience his music live.
For comprehensive details on Luke Combs’ upcoming tour dates and ticket information, please visit his official website HERE. Don’t miss the chance to witness Luke Combs perform “Where the Wild Things Are” and other hits live.
In conclusion, “Where the Wild Things Are” is more than just another Luke Combs single; it’s a testament to compelling songwriting, near-miss collaborations, and the enduring appeal of story-driven country music. From its almost-cut fate with Eric Church to its vocal demands and powerful narrative, this song is poised to become a significant addition to Luke Combs’ already impressive catalog. Be sure to request “Where the Wild Things Are” at your local country radio station starting October 16th.
