Joe Nichols Is Proud That ‘Never Gets Old’ Is Real Country

Joe Nichols says his new song "Never Gets Old" isn't just a throwback for country music, it's a throwback for him. While always viewed as a traditionalist, Nichols admits this new song hits his rewind button, and he kind of likes it.

"Never Gets Old" is the new single from the upcoming Never Gets Old album, set to drop on July 28. Nichols' smooth country voice doesn't allow him to cross very far into other genres, but previous efforts ("Yeah," "Sunny and 75") have been more polished. The new project has some of that (as you'll soon see), but he made sure to recall a few legends.

"I tried to round this album out with what my first album is like," Nichols told Taste of Country prior to his set at the Taste of Country Music Festival earlier this month. "I'm really proud of how country the label allowed me to be and at the end of the day I'm really excited to see what the fans think of the country album."

Traditional country is what got Nichols started, and he said it's what he's passionate about to this day. Indeed the song does recall a forgotten sound, but it doesn't sound old. That's a key distinction. The 40-year-old singer is acutely aware of the need to remain relevant. That's not why he decided to cut a Sir Mix-a-Lot song, however.

It's true, "Baby Got Back" will make the Never Gets Old album. Imagine more of a shuffle than a hip-hop remake. So, who's ready for another classic CMA Awards mashup? Sir Mix, you in?

"It would go against everything I believe musically," Nichols says, laughing. "But at the same time, it goes with everything I believe musically."

Can we call that a "maybe"?

See Photos of Joe Nichols + More at Taste of Country Festival