Brothers Osborne, ‘Rum’ – ToC Critic’s Pick [Listen]

Brothers Osborne mix sunshine, easy love and rum with blues, rock and Nashville twang to create ‘Rum.’ The duo’s laid-back groove is why fans will love this song.

‘Rum’ has a garage rock quality to it. Sparse percussion backs John Osborne’s guitar lick before brother T.J. begins his story. “Starin’ at the prettiest part of this powder keg world / Sittin’ with the finest example of a beautiful girl,” he sings to begin ‘Rum,’ the second single from a to-be-released album.

As the song works toward the chorus, it barely fills out, but T.J.’s thick voice -- there’s really no better word to describe it -- is as good a room full of players turned to 10.

“Dippin’ our toes in the water / I don't care if it gets any hotter / It's you and me rememberin’ how to have fun,” he sings before “Let's put our hearts together / Two parts love and a pinch of good weather / And top it all off with the sun / And mix it with rum, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm” The "mmms" make one's head feel a little fuzzy.

‘Rum’ was named one of Taste of Country’s Hot Summer Singles for 2014, and as it builds, piano and other instruments join the party. It feels a bit like what happens when you start mixing sun with rum. Things get looser, and more and more people join in on the fun. Credit the Brothers Osborne and Barry Dean for penning a great summer slow-down jam.

Key Lyrics: "Let's put our hearts together / Two parts love and a pinch of good weather / And top it all off with the sun / And mix it with rum, mmm, mmm, mmm, mmm"

Did You Know?: T.J. and John were once in a band with their father called Deuce & a Quarter.

Listen to Brothers Osborne, ‘Rum’

Best of Country Music 2014 (So Far)