Album Review: Jason Cassidy '717'

Well known in the Texas music scene, Jason Cassidy has had two #1’s and four top 10’s as well as two Billboard charting singles. This past May, he released his third album, 717. The album consists of ten tracks including his first single, “Cowboy Girl” and a cover of “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” Co-produced with Greg Hunt, 717 has a satisfying mix of traditional country songs as well as those with a modern feel, all united by strong storytelling and Cassidy’s appealing, authentic vocals, which especially shine on the ballads. 

The collection opens with the clever lyrics and outlaw feel of “Something Waylon Wouldn’t Say.” That’s followed by the mid-tempo swoon-worthy “How Good Love Feels,” in which he offer himself as a caring partner and best friend, rather than just a lover. “Beers To You” is an ode to the fans that is sure to be a crowd pleaser live as is “Country Girls Do It Better” and ode to ladies everywhere that singles out the reasons why country girls are the ones for him. The country rocker “Baby Come On,” about that perfect night, is romantic without being sappy or sexual. “We can fade away into a big dust cloud.” The highly relatable (and catchy) “I Got It Good” reminds us that even though we might not have much, we probably “have it pretty good.”

The touching and tender “Dancing With Jesus” reflects on and celebrates the life of someone who has passed. “Honky tonk heaven never shuts down/She’s on a clouded dance floor up in heaven/Dancing with Jesus now.” While “Rest of Forever” is an endearing fiddle filled ballad about finding the one you want to spend forever with. “What are you doing for the rest of forever, please tell me that you’ve got the time, cause if you’re not busy for the rest of forever/I’d sure like to make you mine.”

With its traditional ballads, honky tonk tunes and country rockers about love and real life, 717 makes for a solid listen from start to finish.

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