Luke Bryan remains a significant force in country music, consistently delivering hits despite a perceived dip in momentum. While he aimed to capitalize on the success of “What She Wants Tonight,” the pandemic disrupted album plans, leading to “One Margarita” as the third single from Born Here, Live Here, Die Here. This new track dives into familiar beach party themes, echoing Bryan’s Spring Break series, advocating for carefree escapism through drinking. Although reminiscent of similar songs, “One Margarita” distinguishes itself with subtle nuances, making it arguably more palatable than tracks like Chris Janson’s “Fix A Drink” or “Good Vibes.” Given the current global climate and past criticisms of Bryan’s music, it’s worth exploring what “One Margarita” achieves effectively as a margarita song.
One of the most notable aspects of “One Margarita” is its production. Many party anthems in the genre often lean heavily on electric instruments, aiming for an intense, loud sound to convey relaxation – a somewhat contradictory approach. These songs, including some of Janson’s work, can feel more suited to a raucous fraternity party than a laid-back beach setting. In contrast, “One Margarita” prioritizes acoustic instruments, with an acoustic guitar driving the melody. Electric guitars and drums are present, particularly in the bridge solo, but they are mixed more subtly, creating a lighter, airier atmosphere. The organ-like keyboard stabs further enhance this breezy feel. This production choice results in a mix that’s significantly easier to listen to, offering a momentary lift without being sonically overwhelming. While it remains a light sonic treat, this approach sets it apart from more aggressive party tracks within the margarita song category.
Bryan’s performance also contributes to the song’s appeal. While Kenny Chesney is often considered the king of beach-themed country, Bryan’s extensive Spring Break experience equips him well for this territory. “One Margarita” isn’t vocally demanding, but Bryan adeptly portrays the narrator as a relatable and likeable character. His consistently positive delivery shifts focus away from negativity, emphasizing a lighthearted, party-centric persona. He avoids coming across as overly macho or slick, navigating potentially problematic lyrics with ease. Bryan embodies the role of someone simply seeking fun and drinks, sidestepping deeper issues in favor of immediate enjoyment. While it might not be a career-defining performance, it marks an improvement over some of his more forced and less convincing attempts at party anthems. This ability to sell the carefree vibe is crucial for a successful margarita song, and Bryan delivers adequately.
Lyrically, “One Margarita” treads familiar ground. With a hook centered around “one margarita, two margarita, three margarita” and lines about “tiki bars tiki’n,” lyrical depth isn’t the primary goal. The song incorporates almost every beach party cliché imaginable: tiki bars, bikinis, señoritas, margaritas, and even a Jimmy Buffett reference – practically a genre requirement. However, what’s notable is the lyrical restraint. Instead of dwelling on the troubles driving the narrator to drink, hints of hardship are fleeting and vague (“Don’t worry ’bout tomorrow, leave all your sorrow”). Similarly, the objectification that sometimes plagues Bryan’s songs is dialed back, though the “two-pieces shakin’” line still raises an eyebrow. The lyrics prioritize the fun and enjoyment of the moment, even amidst hangovers, downplaying the nihilism and misogyny sometimes prevalent in similar party songs of the 2010s. While hardly profound, this focus on simple fun, rather than darker themes, makes “One Margarita” a more palatable margarita song experience.
Ultimately, “One Margarita” is unlikely to become a timeless classic, and it probably ranks below songs like Thomas Rhett and Jon Pardi’s “Beer Can’t Fix” in the realm of drinking songs. However, it serves as a light, breezy distraction that doesn’t force listeners to ignore reality, unlike some of its genre counterparts. The production is well-crafted, Luke Bryan convincingly embodies a cheerful persona, and the lyrics, while generic, are mostly harmless. It’s an easy-listening track suited for passing time during less-than-ideal circumstances, offering a temporary escape. In that context, “One Margarita” functions effectively as a margarita song for the moment.
Rating: 5/10. Not a must-listen, but not irritating if it plays.
