Luke Combs is set to captivate country radio once again with his new single, “Where The Wild Things Are,” officially impacting airwaves on October 16th. This track, a quintessential Luke Combs narrative, almost found its home with another country icon, Eric Church. Let’s delve into the fascinating story behind this compelling song and explore why it’s poised to be another hit for Combs.
Before “Where The Wild Things Are” graces radio stations nationwide, Luke Combs, alongside his trusted collaborators Dan Isbell, Jonathan Singleton, Ray Fulcher, Chip Matthews, and Rob Williford, shared the journey of how this song landed in his capable hands.
The Serendipitous Path of “Where The Wild Things Are”
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Penned by the talented Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull, “Where The Wild Things Are” had been circulating within the Nashville music scene for several years, patiently awaiting the right artist to bring its story to life. Luke Combs immediately felt a strong connection to the song’s narrative, but he wasn’t alone in recognizing its potential. Jonathan Singleton and Dan Isbell revealed that Eric Church, known for his own powerful storytelling songs, also had a keen interest in recording it.
“He almost cut it…I couldn’t believe that song couldn’t land somewhere,” Isbell remarked, highlighting the surprise that such a strong song remained unrecorded for so long. He pointed out the changing landscape of country music at the time, where story-driven songs were becoming less common on mainstream radio, with the exception of artists like Eric Church.
Combs himself echoed this sentiment, adding, “At the time, nobody was cutting story songs at all, really. I mean, outside of Eric Church, probably.” This context underscores the unique appeal and timeless quality of “Where The Wild Things Are” that resonated with both Combs and Church.
Luke Combs and Eric Church: Parallel Paths in Country Music
It’s not surprising that Luke Combs and Eric Church share similar musical sensibilities. Their backgrounds reveal some interesting parallels. Both artists hail from North Carolina and are alumni of Appalachian State University. Furthermore, Combs has openly acknowledged Eric Church as a significant musical influence and one of his long-time heroes.
During an appearance on Stone Cold Steve Austin’s show, Straight Up Steve Austin, Luke Combs confessed that during his college years, his interest in country music waned as he gravitated towards the more popular music among his peers.
“I think the reason that myself and my parents stopped listening to country music is it wasn’t, at that moment in time, as relatable. A lot of guys got heavy into The Beach, it was getting more poppy sounding at that time,” Combs explained. He clarified that his sound isn’t necessarily like traditional country icons, but emphasized the shift he perceived in the genre towards a more pop-infused style.
Eric Church: Igniting a Country Music Fire in Luke Combs
Luke Combs further elaborated that it was Eric Church’s music that reignited his passion for country music and ultimately inspired him to pursue his own career in the genre. Church’s authentic sound and relatable storytelling resonated deeply with Combs, showing him a path within country music that felt genuine and attainable.
“When I got to Appalachian State, a guy that lived on my floor brought in an Eric Church CD and said, ‘Hey this guy went to college here, you should check him out,’” Combs recounted. “Once I heard Eric, I was like, ‘This is something I can relate to, and if he can do that and he’s from here, and I’m from here, I can do that.’ And that’s kind of where the fire caught spark for lack of a better term.”
This pivotal moment led to a friendship and even musical collaborations between the two artists. In 2019, Combs and Church joined forces in the studio to record their duet, “Does To Me,” featured on Combs’ successful album What You See Is What You Get.
“Does To Me”: A Hit Collaboration
Penned by Luke Combs with Ray Fulcher and Tyler Reeve, “Does To Me” quickly became a fan favorite, blending the signature styles of both artists. The song’s success further solidified the connection between Combs and Church and earned Combs his eighth consecutive No. 1 single, demonstrating their combined star power in country music.
Luke Combs and Eric Church – Does To Me (Official Audio) on YouTube; showcasing their successful duet
“Where The Wild Things Are” is the newest single from Luke Combs’ latest album, Gettin’ Old. The song showcases Combs’ exceptional storytelling ability, presenting a poignant narrative from the perspective of someone reflecting on their brother’s adventurous spirit. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a free-spirited sibling who sought experiences “out West, where the wild things are.” Combs’ powerful vocals immediately draw the listener into the story, enhanced by the song’s driving drumbeat and emotionally charged narrative.
The opening verse sets the scene: “My big brother rode an Indian Scout / It was black like his jacket / American Spirit hangin’ outta his mouth / Just like our daddy / He kicked started that bike one night and broke mama’s heart / He pointed that headlight west / Out where the wild things are.”
As the song progresses, the story takes a somber turn, revealing the brother, described as “wild as the devil,” tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident. However, Combs delivers a powerful message of acceptance and honoring a life lived authentically, even in the face of tragedy. The brother is laid to rest in the very place that symbolized his freedom and adventurous spirit.
“They said he hit that guardrail at half past three / Lit up those streets that never sleep when the sky goes dark / We buried him out in the wind ‘neath the West Coast stars / Out where the wild things are,” Combs sings in the emotionally resonant final verse.
Experiencing “Where The Wild Things Are”
Luke Combs – Where the Wild Things Are (Audio) on YouTube; listen to Luke Combs' new single
Similar to his chart-topping hit, “The Kind of Love We Make,” Combs acknowledged that “Where The Wild Things Are” presents a significant vocal challenge for live performances.
A Test of Vocal Prowess
“I would argue that it’s a really tough song to sing and figure out how you would do you live,” he admitted. “I mean, we struggle with it even in studio. But I mean that’s one of those ones that I haven’t even run with the band yet. And I’m like…what does that look like live?”
Despite the vocal demands, Combs recognized the artistic merit of these powerful songs and their importance in elevating his album. His producer, Scott Moffatt, encouraged him to embrace the challenge and prioritize the quality of the music, trusting that Combs would find a way to bring it to life on stage.
“I remember somebody telling me, I think it was when me and Moffitt were still doing stuff and I was telling him, ‘well, we can’t do this, because I’m not going to be able to sing this thing live like this.’ And he was like, ‘dude, we can’t dumb down the record. You’ll figure it out, like, we got to make it as good as we can and you’re gonna figure it out. I promise.’ So I always remembered that.”
Combs concluded by expressing his admiration for the song itself, stating, “I don’t know how that song never get cut, because it’s an awesome, awesome song.”
Currently, Luke Combs is on a global tour throughout October, performing across Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, Scotland, and England as part of his massive 2023 world tour.
The country music superstar has also announced his 2024 Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour, kicking off on April 12th in Milwaukee, WI, promising fans more opportunities to experience his music live.
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For complete details on Luke Combs’ tour dates and ticket information, visit his official website HERE. “Where The Wild Things Are” is a testament to Luke Combs’ growth as a storyteller and his commitment to delivering authentic and emotionally resonant country music. It’s a song that is sure to connect with listeners and further solidify his place as a leading voice in contemporary country.
