The Band Perry- Pioneer

Pioneer is the second album for The Band Perry. Their first self-titled album, released back in 2010, was a huge hit. Five of the singles were in the Top 20. They are best known for the heart wrenching tune "If I Die Young".

Pioneer is a combination of country goodness mixed with rock edge. It's bold and brave, packed full of darn good music.

1. You Better Dig Two- This song was released a while ago as a single and did quite well. For good reason. It's uptempo and contemporary. The message of the song itself may be a bit morbid but hey, I like it, and I'll take it. I really "dig" the use of a banjo in the song.

If the ties that bond ever do come loose/if "forever" ever ends for you/if that ring gets a little too tight/you might as well read me my last rites

2. Done.- I'll be honest, this song was my motivation for purchasing this album. I was sitting on my couch watching American Idol and the Target commercial for Pioneer came on TV- they were promoting this song. I was intrigued. Probably my favorite song off the album, this next single is sure to be a big hit. It's fun, fiesty and angsty. As someone who just had her heart broken, I can totally relate to this song. And sing it. Loudly. It's a super catchy tune, so play it loudly and get ready to tap your toes. Plus, there's a wicked cool guitar solo.

you're one bridge I'd like to burn/bottle up the ashes and smash the urn

3. Don't Let Me Be Lonely- This tune has a bit of a Sugarland vibe to it. That's a good thing- Sugarland knows how to make those hits, and I think Don't Let Me Be Lonely will be a hit for The Band Perry. It's a catchy, sweet ballad. I think most people can relate to the lyrics here, wanting someone to save us from that lonely feeling. It's a little bit of desperation, but not in a bad way- in that sweet, yearning way.

well there's nothing to hide and nothing to prove/give me all that you are/you've got nothing to lose/just don't let me be lonely

4. Pioneer-The song starts off sweet, soft and with a bluegrass twist. Like a classic country song, with beautiful harmonies and instruments. It picks up toward the end, becoming a little bit more uptempo and Kimberly's vocals get a little more intense. I like the change, it makes the song more powerful. I get goosebumps every time I listen to this one. I don't know a lot about The Band Perry, but I like to think that this song is an ode to their fans.


I won't hush, no you can't make me
Send the dark but it won't break me
You can try but you can't change me
Take my life, they will replace me
I won't hush, no you can't make me
I won't hush, no we will sing


5. Forever Mine, Nevermind- The arrangement of this song has a definite rock edge to it, heavy on instruments and rhythm. The vocals are unique, going in and out with the beat of the music. I can just picture fans singing wholeheartedly along to the "na na na" parts of this one. I love the lyrics in this one, telling the story of a heartbreak.


Oh I'll forget the day
I saw your face
I lost my way
I trusted you, I trusted
All your lovely words
They were a curse
You piece of dirt
I trusted you, I trusted you, I trusted you


6. Nights Gone Wasted- Picture yourself at a bonfire with country music blasting, everyone has a beer in their hand and dancing. This song will be playing. I promise. It's super catchy, a bit of an anthem, and the PERFECT song for summer. The use of drums and electric guitar is pretty genius here. It's just a fun song about going out and having fun. Who doesn't love that?

let's do our best to get out of hand

7. I Saw A Light- This beautiful ballad describes that feeling you get when you meet "the one". I've never had that feeling, but I imagine this is exactly what it feels like. Beautiful harmonies on this track! The bridge is catchy and almost suspenseful. You can picture the "meeting" happening right then and there.


Maybe it was just the way the wind blew
Maybe it was God and his Son too
But in that moment I know that I knew
That I, I found you


8. Mother Like Mine- This song is a sweet sentiment to the band's mother. It's a pretty song. Reminds me quite a bit of the Kristy Lee Cook tune "Like My Mother Does", but that could just be because they both have similar titles and are country. Regardless, sweet song with adorable lyrics.


She's the sky that holds the clouds
She's the lady of our house
We all need her
But no one more than me


9. Chainsaw-This song will do well at summer concerts, especially with women scorned. It's sassy and fiesty much like "Done". Catchy and very much country, it's a great song...although I admit, not one of my favorites.


 remember what you said that night
That you would love me for the rest of your life
We wrote forever with a pocketknife
But forever's goin' down tonight


10. I'm A Keeper- This one could be a radio hit. I love the message behind the lyrics- basically singing about  being strong, even without a lover, we're still gonna do our thing and darn it, if you don't like it, too bad! This one definatley has that 80's rock vibe.


But with or without you
My only plan is to be free
With or without you
I'm still me


11. Back To Me Without You- I love this song so much. I love how it starts off with the piano. One of my favorites tunes, and it's the best ballad on the album. While Kimberly talks about what happened, her brothers echo in the background with "get back to what you know, get back to what you do", as if they are pumping her with advice. This song PERFECTLY describes the intense loss and grief you feel after breaking up with someone. It's a bit haunting and intense, very emotional. My favorite lyric of the entire album is on this song:

I added rain to your ocean / What did it do? / I meant nothing to you / You made grief my chief emotion / Why’d you have to do what you thought you had to do?

12. End Of Time- This ballad finishes the album in a perfect way. It's a good ole country ballad, dropping references to Alabama and Sweet Tea. Vocally perfect.

pick up your phone/I need an answer/ Come back home, call off disaster/Cause I fear tonight our Cotton Land might fall/I'm cracking like the plaster on the wall

Target Bonus Tracks
I am so happy I purchased the Target deluxe version of this album. There's some extra amazing tunes that you'll miss out on if you don't get it!

Once Upon A Time- Holy. Freaking. Moly. I wish this song had made the cut for the original album. It's fantastic. It nearly caused me to get in a car accident, because it nearly perfectly describes the situation I am currently in. This song is very jazzy and bluesy, showing off Kimberly's chops in a major way.

Why didn't you show me? Why didn't you let me know? Why didn't you hold me? Why can't you let me go?

Lucky Ones- Very much a country tune, catchy uptempo and fun to sing along with. Kimberly's vocals are sassy and gritty in this tune.

Why do we believe in every little thing that rips us at the seams?

Peaches and Caroline- A sweet little love song. Makes me wonder if "sweet caroline" has anything to do with the story in this song, considering the words you're so sweet, the troubles of the day fade away to peaches and Caroline. But my favorite lyrics from this one are the simple words

you are my safe and sound

Gonna Be OK-A favorite of mine, Kimberly's voice sounds a bit like Kelly Clarkson in this inspiring tune. It's uplifting and encouraging without being boring. All of us hit a low point, and all of us need songs like Gonna Be OK to pull us through.

hey, everything is gonna be ok. May God kiss your weary face. Everything is gonna be alright, let peace be yours tonight.