Jan 14, 2022

Conner Smith ‘Didn’t Go Too Far’ EP Review

Conner Smith released his debut EP Didn’t Go Too Far on Friday. January 14th. The rising star who released the viral hit “I Hate Alabama” is ready to show his fans exactly who he is. “These past 6 months have been a wild ride and started off my career in a way I could only have dreamed of. Didn’t Go Too Far is the next step for me. This group of songs really gives listeners a look into my world and my roots,” said Smith.

Smith may just be just breaking into his early 20s, but one thing he does carry is experience. After watching his mom interview musicians in Nashville, Smith began learning to write songs at only six years old. By age nine he signed a contract with BMI. The singer-songwriter has since worked with writing talents like Zach Crowell and Ashley Gorley. In 2021, Smith toured with Thomas Rhett and is currently gearing up to go on the road with Ryan Hurd on the ‘Pelago Tour.’

It is rare in a debut EP that every track could be a hit on the radio, but Smith manages to do just that. The opening song “College Town” is entirely written by Smith and gives listeners an energetic introduction to the project. Smith sings about his own story of not going to college to pursue his music career, but that doesn’t mean he can’t enjoy the atmosphere college provides. “Ain’t nobody party like they do in a college town, Monday to Friday, Friday to Sunday, sun-up to sun-down.”

“Learn From It” and “I Hate Alabama” are currently circulating radio stations across the country. The first is about acknowledging how past mistakes can shape who you become. It is filled with catchy hooks and lyrics that are becoming his signature. The latter became a viral sensation as football teams everywhere also wanted to yell “I Hate Alabama.” When hearing the lyrics, it isn’t simply about hating the crimson tide, rather associating that place and team to getting your heartbroken. “Might’ve lost by 22, but I hate Alabama, cause that’s where I lost you.”

Every song goes back to the same idea about appreciating where you came from. “Somewhere In A Small Town” is a quintessential country track with a fresh flare about young love. “Somewhere, in a small town, there’s a boy and a girl just falling in love, and the sunset is going down, while they’re sitting on the back of his daddy’s old truck.”

On theme with young love, the title track “Didn’t Go Too Far” is about what happens when it ends, but you’ll always be seeing them around town. Smith brings vulnerability through his lyrics with a country-rock sound that will appeal to the masses.

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