On the Rocks
Midland · 2017
45 min · 13 tracks · country music
A modern blend of traditional country sounds infused with heartfelt storytelling and polished production.
Top tracks — play these first
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Drinkin’ Problem — This track served as the lead single, showcasing Midland's signature sound and clever lyricism while addressing themes of heartbreak through a playful lens.
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Make a Little — The upbeat tempo and catchy chorus highlight the band's knack for blending traditional country with modern sensibilities, making it a standout party anthem.
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Burn Out — With its reflective lyrics about life’s pressures, this song encapsulates the emotional depth of the album while maintaining a classic country feel.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Midland's debut blends traditional and modern country elements with storytelling, creating a solid but familiar sound.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album maintains a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks feature prominent steel guitar and fiddle, grounding the sound in traditional country while incorporating modern production techniques.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady mid-tempo sing-alongs
- nostalgic tales of heartache
- for evening gatherings
- easy listening with friends
- relaxed vibe for road trips
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy anthems
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- On the Rocks is Midland's debut studio album, released after their breakout success with the single Drinkin' Problem. It marked a significant moment in their career as they transitioned from an independent act to major label artists, capturing widespread attention in the country music scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Parker McCollum· Jon Pardi· Brothers Osborne
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Burn Out
The narrative shifts from a carefree attitude to a realistic acknowledgment of life's burdens.
This transition deepens the emotional impact, contrasting earlier lightheartedness with a more serious reflection on personal struggles.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lonely for You Only 3:51
- 2 Make a Little 3:02
- 3 Drinkin’ Problem 3:41
- 4 At Least You Cried 2:39
- 5 Burn Out 3:09
- 6 Out of Sight 4:23
- 7 More Than a Fever 3:43
- 8 Check Cashin’ Country 3:50
- 9 Nothin’ New Under the Neon 3:47
- 10 This Old Heart 3:14
- 11 Altitude Adjustment 3:27
- 12 Electric Rodeo 3:20
- 13 Somewhere on the Wind 3:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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