Hunter Hayes's Storyline

In this follow-up to his 2011 self-titled debut, Hunter Hayes proves that he’s more than just another one-hit wonder. Storyline consists of fourteen tracks, and though the young country artist stays true to his roots, the album also showcases the budding evolution of Hunter Hayes as a musician.

Tracks such as “Tattoo,” “Wildcard,” and the album’s titular track “Storyline” are very much reminiscent of Hayes’s previous album and represent the upbeat, happy-go-lucky love songs that have made him famous. For fans, these tracks definitely won’t disappoint and serve as the perfect catchy tunes to sing along with in the car. Although “Secret Love” covers a similar subject manner, young love, musically, the track is more blues-driven and Hayes’s vocals echo this shift in style by drifting away from his typically soulful crooning to something that’s much more feisty and punchy. “…Like I Was Saying”, a brief interlude, also features a distinctively blues vibe.

One of the strongest aspects of Storyline is the variety of subject matter covered. Tracks like “You Think You Know Somebody” and “If It’s Just Me” deal with the aftermath of a failed relationship, while “Still Fallin’” describes the head-over-heels feeling of a romance that has really gone the distance. The thing that stood out to me the most about this album as a whole was how even though most of the songs deal with overcoming some sort of hardship, this topic is portrayed in a refreshingly optimistic manner. For example, “Flashlight” is about having hope and faith in the most difficult of times, and “Love Too Much” conveys a message of being compassionate and open-hearted towards your fellow man.

Storyline’s first single, “Invisible,” has already rocketed through the charts and has been featured in a few commercials due to its inspirational message of inner strength and staying true to oneself. While anti-bullying anthems have been done before, the compassion and authenticity that shines through Hunter Hayes’s vocals sets this song apart.

Despite the variety of topics and emotions portrayed throughout this album, Storyline still maintains that essential cohesive sound that keeps it from becoming too all over the place. Hunter Hayes’s trademark heartfelt vocals are as strong as ever, and fans of his debut single “Wanted” are sure to adore tracks “Still Fallin’” and “When Did You Stop Loving Me.”

Suggested listening: “Wildcard,” “Still Fallin’,” “Secret Love,” “Nothing Like Starting Over.”