Adam James Watson – “I’ve Had It With You”

Adam James Watson – “I’ve Had It With You” – Single Review

Pffffff.  Maybe we’ve had it with YOU too Adam James Watson – did you ever think about that?

Oh I kid, I kid.  Is there another way I can write reviews without being so feisty?  I’ve got serious doubts.

I’ll tell ya this up front, as a non-Country Music lovin’ type-dude (generally speaking, of course) – I actually enjoy it when I find something in this genre that I DO end up digging, and this new single is that.  I mean, if you’ve been reading these pages for a while now as Country shifted into becoming the all-encompassing hybrid style of music that it is today, then you know it’s somewhat reasonable to expect even those of us outside of the genre are likely to find at least a little of something they love in the mix of twangin’ crossover sound somewhere, right?  When I pushed play on “I’ve Had It With You” and Adam’s song immediately reminded me of Dog’s Eye View, a band I’ve loved for years that never put out nearly enough music in their time, I had to tip my hat right away – dude’s rockin’ with real quality sound.

Is it TRUE Country Music?  Does that actually even matter anymore in today’s world?  I really don’t know about that.  I think we’re entering this strange and unique point in music’s history where everything under the sun has a fair shot at being listened to if it’s good enough, and people aren’t nearly as walled off to genres they might not normally listen to as they were when I was busy growing up Grunge in the 90s.  Our doors have always been wide open here at sleepingbagstudios to all kinds of music, so believe me when I tell ya firsthand that good music is exactly that…it doesn’t matter what kind it is.  I highly suspect that that’s probably always been the truth – I’m just older & wiser now, and willing to admit it.

No joke though folks, I’d listen to this.  “I’ve Had It With You” pretty much has it all, and I’m not hearing anything that would need to be altered or changed.  The standout elements are many – Adam’s got a great voice, the guitar on this tune absolutely freakin’ jams, the backing vocals are fantastic, and the rhythm section is as reliable as you could ever hope to hear.  Add in a bit of the ol’ organ magic into the mix as tastefully as he’s done here, and voila, you’ve got all the right ingredients to make a hit song.  Of course, there’s more to it than that…you’ve got all the nitty gritty details & technical stuff like the stellar production, the solid lyricism, the dynamic song structure that cleverly builds & breaks down beautifully by the end…like…again, if there’s something that Adam could have done better here, I’m not sure I know what that could possibly be.  The hooks of the chorus are a definite win, the verses are both sincere and engaging to listen to, the musicianship on all fronts is outstanding and professional…what else could you need in what you’re listening to?  Ahhhh yes – a remarkable guitar solo!  Well guess what?  He’s got one of those in here for you too.  If you’re hesitating on pushing play, I do not know why that would be y’all.

Detailing the push/pull of relationships in the theme of his new song, if I were a betting man, I’d tell ya that Watson’s definitely drawing from at least a little bit of personal experience, if not a heck of a lot more than a little.  Ain’t it relatable though?  We’ve all been there in some way, shape, or form when it comes to life & love, haven’t we?  Maybe you’re ready to take things to the next level or settle down once and for all, but the person you’re with is dragging their ass, unsure of what they want – that’s a very common occurrence out there, ain’t it?  I’ve been happily married for the past twenty-one years, so I thankfully don’t have to deal with that kinda BS anymore, but as far as I can tell, the scene is still the same as it has ever been when it comes to the trials and tribulations of love.  “Each morning when the sun comes alive I feel like saying goodnight before I’ve opened my eyes” is an excellent way to describe the mounting frustration and how it takes root.  I’ve got no advice for the man other than to say that if this is how he’s feeling, or you’re feeling, about anyone or anything if your life, that’s not your cue to dig in further, that’s your cue to end whatever’s troubling you once and for all.  Head towards sunnier skies folks, because I promise you they’re out there.  Not once in twenty-one years have I ever felt like I’ve had it with my wife.  True story, we’ve probably had about two arguments in all of that time, because if the two people involved in a relationship have genuine respect for each other, that shit just don’t come up.  Now I get to sit way up on my mountaintop and dole out the wisdom to the rest of you down in the valley below – ain’t that great?  Hear me loud and clear y’all – you do not need to reach the point that Adam finds himself at – but IF you somehow do, take a page outta his playbook and write a song about it…it’s an excellent form of catharsis, and it’s even better when it comes out as listenable as this tune is.

You’ll find no complaints from me about anything I’ve heard here today.  Truth be told, I don’t think that I have had it with Adam James Watson at all!  In fact, I think I’d happily listen to many more of his songs in the future, and if this is the high standard of quality he’s putting into his music, you can bet that I will.

Find out more about Adam James Watson from his official page at Instagram here:  https://www.instagram.com/watsonadam507

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