It’s clear all three men singing on Brantley Gilbert’s new single ‘Small Town Throwdown’ know what they’re talking about. The ‘Bottoms Up’ singer tapped labelmates Thomas Rhett and Justin Moore for this country-rocker, the second from the ‘Just As I Am’ album.

‘Small Town Throwdown’ begins with a rock-guitar lick that fuels the party like a keg of Red Bull. Between verses Gilbert, Rhett and Moore keep it loose, improvising when appropriate. It’s their exchanges and chemistry that makes this song special. One imagines an open bar off to the side as they recorded individual parts.

Gilbert begins the song but is generous with lines for his two partners. The result is a true collaboration, a la the Highwaymen, instead of one guy singing while two other dudes chip in like paid henchmen.

There’s a party back in the wood tonight / Heard it through the redneck grapevine / Got a keg of beer and a bunch of girls / Sure ‘nough gonna be a good time,” Rhett sings after Gilbert’s opening three lines. Moore — the best pure vocalist of the three — comes in after the chorus. He doesn’t break from his traditional country stylings to pair with the hip-hop leaning Gilbert, yet it works.

Now we got a feel for Daisy Dukes / ‘Round here we know how to grow ‘em / Rockin’ little body and long tan legs / Sure ain’t scared to show ‘em.”

A powerful chorus provides the song’s climatic moments however. All three men come together to sing: “It’s a small town throwdown / It’s time to tall boy up / Let them tailgates down.

The song — penned by Gilbert and the Peach Pickers — is built to be performed live. Raw energy will make it a hit, as the four aren't breaking new ground lyrically. For all the talk of a more sentimental album after one or two high-profile news events in Gilbert’s life, the first two singles seem to introduce a very loud, rebellious record. That’s likely a relief to fans who save money all year to see him take the stage.

Why Fans Will Love It: 'Small Town Throwdown' captures the energy of Gilbert's live show as good as any song he's released to radio to date.

Key Lyrics: “It’s a small town throwdown / It’s time to tall boy up / Let them tailgates down"

Did You Know?: Since most of the songs on 'Halfway to Heaven' were released prior to Gilbert signing with the Valory Music Co., it's been over four years since he's put out an entirely new album!

Listen to Brantley Gilbert, ‘Small Town Throwdown’

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