Dan Smalley, If I’m Being Honest Review

Country music singer and songwriter Dan Smalley was born in Alaska and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana. His songs have been recorded by Ashley McBryde and Dillon Carmichael. With a focus on lyrics that are personal and confessional, Smalley brings musical elements of both modern and traditional country together. Smalley has been working with producer Keith Stegall, known for his award-winning work with the likes of Alan Jackson and Zac Brown Band. If I’m Being Honest is Smalley’s debut EP out via Big Machine Records. If I’m Being Honest is four songs that are a candid reflection on Smalley’s life story. The topics tell stories of persistence, devotion, and liberation. With a top-shelf band, Smalley is off to a great start with his warm country-tinged vocal style.

Positives: Smalley has a solid country vocal sound, his songwriting style is based on authentic emotions, and he is gaining fans at every turn.

Bottom Line: Smalley is solid, writing about hard-lived experiences and removing any filters throughout his debut If I’m Being Honest. “Lucky,” tells a story: “I shoulda never walked away from the smoke and flames of that Chevrolet on that rainy day when I took out those crosses.” The title track deals with the demon of his past and turning his life around. “When I put down alcohol, it’s like the universe said, ‘Finally, thank you for that, that’s what we were waiting for.” “Till Country Comes Back” has a familiar country beat and a delightful blend of acoustic and electric instruments. Smalley’s sings in a style that mixes old and new country. If I’m Being Honest is a solid EP from start to finish, we indeed will be hearing more of Smalley in the future, and that is a good thing. That’s the short of it!