Country music’s new ace, Tucker Wetmore, isn’t going anywhere as he gives his latest emotional single, “Casino,” the last taste leading up to his debut album “What Not To.” With his first-ever ACM nomination for New Male Artist of the Year, hot on the heels of a massive run for the artist, Wetmore is undoubtedly on a winning streak, and this track is a testament to hitting your mark.
Penned by the powerhouse pairing of Josh Jenkins, Alex Palmer, John Pierce, and Michael Tyler, “Casino” is a smoky, late-night anthem that feels at home at the heart of Vegas heartbreak. It spins the story of a love that’s always exciting but doomed, where every kiss feels like a coin flip and every farewell like losing the jackpot. Wetmore sings it in that gravel-kissed voice of his, a mixture of vulnerability and defiance, and he paints a picture of a man who is aware he is losing but cannot resist one last bet.
The production leans toward skillful modern country, with only the right splash of neon, slick guitar riffs, and pulsing rhythms that resonate with the glitter and chaos of the gambling floor. It’s a metaphor that comes off not as forced but lived-in. You can almost see the dim lights, hear the clink of empty glasses, and feel the pull of someone you know is terrible for you, but you’re already too deep.
“Casino” is catchy and magnetic. The sort of chorus that catches hold and doesn’t let go, like the memory of a love you should’ve given up on but never did. If “What Not To” is anything like “Casino,” Tucker Wetmore’s debut album promises to be a high-stakes emotional trip through the dos and especially don’ts of love and life.
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