Review Text
Wishful Drinkin', the third album from the Drew Fish Band, was recorded and produced by five-time Grammy award winner, Adam Odor (known for his work with the Dixie Chicks, Pat Green and the Randy Rogers Band). Fish co-wrote all of the songs on the new record and found his way leaning toward a more traditional honky-tonk sound. The singer/songwriter co-wrote many of the tunes with hit songwriters, Tommy Connors, Roger Brown and Nashville Songwriters' Hall of Fame member Byron Hill. "I wanted to expand the music I had been doing, and I think this new record shows growth. I wanted songs that sounded like me but not for all of them to sound alike," he explained. "I think we came up with some incredible songs, some great honky-tonk tunes, and I'm very excited for everyone to hear the album." Fish has continued to grow throughout his career as a singer, entertainer and songwriter. He put many hours into pre-production before he, Odor and the musicians went into the studio. "Lone Star Saturday Night" is a great example of what Fish considers to be true country. It's a honky-tonk tune with a driving rhythm that gets everyone in the mood to party. "Better Place" was the first single released to radio and Fish's second to go to number one on the Texas Regional Radio Report. He and Byron wrote it in 30 minutes and immediately thought it should come out first because it is such a positive message song, something they thought people would appreciate hearing in this time of turmoil. Fish is especially proud of "Every Damn Time," the first waltz he has ever recorded. It is a duet with Pam Tillis, which he still can't believe happened! He said, "It was incredible getting to work with her." the songs go from the heartbreak of "Another You" to "High Rollin' Home," a song inspired by Willie Nelson and "On The Road Again." Listen carefully and you will hear references to Honeysuckle Rose and guitar riffs that sound much like those you might hear from Nelson himself. Another song close to home is the final cut, "Waitin' For The Sun," a song written at one of Fish's Writer's Retreats. It is about surviving Hurricane Harvey that hit Houston in August of 2017... "All you can ask for is to see a new sunrise, breathe another breath, sleep another night... waiting for the sun after the rain..." It's a positive song about a disaster that simply says, if you are healthy and alive then you can turn this all around.
