Stereotype Broken

Cole Swindell’s fourth studio album, 2022’s <i>Stereotype</i>, introduced a new era for the country singer-songwriter, one that included greater introspection, a more adventurous style of production and, of course, the hit Jo Dee Messina tribute “She Had Me at Heads Carolina”. That release gets the deluxe treatment with <i>Stereotype Broken</i>, which features three new tracks and an additional remix from the Georgia-born artist. Those new songs open the record, with the playfully named “Sad Ass Country Song” kicking things off. “I’m bluer than that neon up on the wall,” Swindell sings, his voice sounding especially pained over the track’s gently soulful production. Next is “Broken”, a midtempo love song with a breezy, cascading chorus melody that would fit well on summer country radio. Rounding out the new tunes is the deliciously ’90s-influenced single “Drinkaby”, a foot-stomping ode to the kind of fellas—Jack Daniel and Jim Beam among them—who can take the edge off even the worst heartbreak. Also included is a remix of “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” that’s sure to inspire some toe-tapping and two-stepping.