Score: 3/5
Spring break for college students is all about the sun, the sand and the fun.
Luke Bryan seems to understand this train of thought, evidenced by holding annual spring break concerts since 2009. With the concert, he releases compilation albums all centered around spring break.
The most recent release, “Spring Break… Checkin’ Out” is Bryan’s seventh and final album in the series. The record doesn’t disappoint, but it doesn’t amaze either. Simply put, it’s a wrap-up to the previous six albums full of more fun, country tunes.
That being said, some tracks are worth adding to your spring and summer playlists while others should just be ignored.
“She Get Me High” starts with a similar melody to Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’” and then fades into a more guitar-focused crossover-country sound.
This song is the epitome of a day spent from sunrise to sunset on the beach. It fits perfectly with other songs Bryan has released about being in love with a girl and spending a carefree day with her.
“Spring Breakdown” is a slower, more thoughtful song.
Bryan sings about saying goodbye to the numerous spring breaks he’s had and all the good memories he’s taken from them. It’s odd that this song lands in the middle of the record, but it also works to remind the listener that this is the last time he or she will get to reminisce on the annual week-long vacation with a newly-released Bryan album.
“You and the Beach” is another typical Bryan-themed song — the one that got away.
The track looks back on a love from spring break who is long gone, but is still on Bryan’s mind. This, like the classic love song, is a usual country music tactic and is a fitting listen for a rainy beach day or a late night drive.
As for songs that should be skipped, “Checkin’ Out” and “My Ol’ Bronco” are cheesy country songs that have no depth or purpose. They’re good background noise, but other than that, they’re easily forgettable.
Bryan created what he has six times before — an album whose purpose is for a carefree, beach vacation.