CMT Blog: Archive

In a city filled with songwriters, Nashville-based Griffin House has continued to stand out. He doesn't use a dozen words to convey what just a handful can say, so you don't end up wondering what the heck he's writing about. In other words, he's quick to get his point across and his steady, emotive vocals always give his songs an extra weight. His newest album, The Learner, kicks off with the wise "If You Want To," which offers some straight-shooter advice on how to let yourself be loved. It's a common theme here -- figuring it all out -- so the album title fits pretty well. Although the production comes across with rock influences like Tom Petty and Bruce Springsteen, I feel like his concise writing is ripe for Nashville's country artists. Plus, he possesses that rare gift of singing what guys want to say and what women want to hear, especially on tunes like "Just Another Guy" (uptempo and driving) and "Native" (perhaps the most tender song I've heard all year). Apparently he's a forward-thinker when it comes to his work ethic, but here's hoping that adventurous music fans will find the time to learn about The Learner.