Billy Currington’s ‘Details’ Is New Territory [Listen]
Billy Currington's new song "Details" separates itself from from the singer's vast catalog in being intentionally inventive. This isn't to say the veteran hitmaker hasn't blazed a trail for others to follow across six albums and 16 years — in fact, his consistent ability to marry country and R&B for consumable radio airplay is woefully understated. Sonically you don't get hits like Thomas Rhett's "Die a Happy Man" without Currington's "Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right."
This progression has always felt like more of a byproduct than than the design, however.
With "Details" he's betting on how a woman will appreciate knowing her lover is paying very close attention to her every move, gesture, response and pheromone. "I've been paying close attention to your details," Currington sings again and again. Is the new thing people are saying? Will it be soon?
"Hey Girl," a 2013 mid-tempo steamer that finds Currington in conversation with a striking young woman, is the best lyrical comparison across the singer's singles discography, but that phrase was turned a million times prior to the recording. The "Good Directions" hitmaker has made a career of clever word play and familiar phrasing. "God is great, beer is good and people are crazy" sounded like something your best friend said when it became a hit in 2009. Same thing for "Pretty Good at Drinkin' Beer," his 2010 chart-topper. "We Are Tonight" breaks this mold, but it does so with the benefit of a brilliant, anthemic pop-rock arrangement that overcomes you when you're in his live audience.
"Details" is a lyrical showcase. Mark Trussell, Nicolle Galyon and Stephen Lee Olsen wrote the song, but Currington's familiar, spontaneous naïveté brands it. In one year if people are talking about their lover's details, this group will be collecting fat royalty paychecks.
Did You Know?: Per Billboard, Currington has 11 No. 1 hits out of 22 songs released to radio.
Billy Currington Is an Essential 2000s Artist:
Billy Currington, "Details" Lyrics:
I couldn’t tell ya what I did today / Or the day before / I couldn’t tell ya what song just played / Or the guys name that lives next door / Hundred dollar bills could be falling from the sky / I wouldn’t even notice / But baby, I’m in tune with everything you do / I’m completely focused on every.
Chorus:
Five, seven, three-eighths inches of you baby / How the salt in the air makes your hair kinda wavy / How you’re tongue-tied when you mix wine / With the Gemini, baby I memorized / Every brown sugar freckle that the Lord put on ya / How you lean to left, 45 degrees, right before / You’re gonna kiss me / If you can’t tell / I’ve been paying close attention to your details / Details / I’ve been paying close attention to your.
Iced mocha latte, one shot espresso / That you stir with your left hand / Sleep with two pillows, DVR Kimmel / ‘Cause your eyes get heavy and / Start talking in your sleep / Fighting with somebody / You don’t think you do / But trust me girl, I’ve studied every.
Repeat Chorus
Hundred dollar bills could be falling from the sky / I wouldn’t even notice / But baby, I’m in tune with everything you do / I’m completely focused on every.