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Song

Hillbilly

Artist

The Cadillac Three

The Cadillac Three backstory

Rushonrock-approved country rock crew The Cadillac Three don’t do down time.

In fact, since forming in 2011, the Nashville-based trio have been busying themselves with creating some of the coolest new cuts around.

And fresh from last year’s triumphant UK headline tour, Jaren Johnston and co. are back at it.

A rammed release schedule of five albums in eight years culminated in 2020’s double drop of Country Fuzz and the lockdown surprise Tabasco And Sweet Tea.

And Hillibilly hints at a sixth long player dropping later this year.

It can’t come soon enough for long-time fans of Johnston, Kelby Ray and Neil Mason.

Previously in American Bang before briefly rebranding themselves as The Cadillac Black, the talented trio fuse country, Southern rock and Americana to joyous effect.

And Johnston’s rep as one of Nashville’s most trusted hitmakers means The Cadillac Three are never short of star-studded support.

2013 debut single The South featured guest vocals from Florida Georgia Line, Dierks Bentley and Mike Eli.

A year later the three-piece played their breakout hit on an episode of drama Nashville and the band’s never stopped since.

Bury Me In My Boots (2016) followed 2012’s self-titled debut before Legacy (2017) gave Johnston and co. their first Top 20 UK album.

From 2021 The Cadillac Three have hosted Planet Rock show Garage Radio — featuring favourite songs and stories from the road.

In frontman Jaren Johnston’s own words

“On the surface, Hillbilly is a party anthem.

“But it hits differently than many of our songs because we’re encouraging some introspection with this one.

“We’ve been known to have a good time most of the time.

“So it’s certainly not us trying to tell anyone how to live their life.

“But it’s a song about knowing where the line is and when you’ve gone too far. 

“Sometimes you can live on the edge a little too long and you need to come back down from the high.”

The verdict on Hillbilly

First off let’s celebrate the fact that this foot-tapper of a fireside anthem features the frankly fantastic Elvie Shane!

The My Boy singer is a perfect fit for The Cadillac Three’s lazy, hazy Hillbilly vibe.

And this all-consuming co-write came from Shane’s weekend-long writing session on the road with Johnston and co.

But that’s not all.

Fans of Old Crow Medicine Show will recognise Ketch Secor’s virtuoso fiddling.

He adds a touch of trad country class to a typically rocky affair.

And Secor slots in seamlessly alongside Shane and the rest.

Listen carefully and Hillbilly’s repetitive riff isn’t too far removed from classic Led Zeppelin.

Isolate Mason’s devilish drums and the track’s driving rhythm is like listening to John Bonham jamming with Tammy Wynette.

Almost.

The Cadillac Three’s first new music in two years is an absolute triumph.

Watch Hillbilly climb the charts at pace.

What’s next for The Cadillac Three

You guessed it…the band’s already out on the road headlining the brilliant Bandana Tour.

And when they get a break they’re jumping on board as Koe Wetzel’s support.

But after Hillbilly’s drop all eyes will be on a brand new album — slated for releases later this year.