This is the Zac Brown Band’s best single to date (their last five singles have all been great) and THIS embodies the kind of songwriting I’m hoping to see from the band with subsequent efforts, as my primary criticism towards “You Get What You Give” was its over-reliance on hackneyed topics and themes; which is ironic in an unfortunate way given how musically bold and diverse the band is in contrast. Feel-good inspirational Hallmark card/bumper sticker posturing? (“Let It Go”, “Quiet Your Mind”). Check! Parrothead crowd pleasers? (“Knee Deep”, “Settle Me Down”). Check! Lauding laziness and leisure? (“No Hurry”). Check! Add pinches of God, whiskey and Southern livin’ and you have an album that is impossible not to please as many mainstream listeners as possible due to its direct appeal to target audiences………..which leaves just a little more to be desired from them lyrically, as refreshing as the production, harmonies and musicianship is.

“Colder Weather” is one of a few moments on the record, though, where the band transcends that thematic rut. I wouldn’t be surprised if co-writer Levi Lowrey was actually the principle driving force to the lyrics, but even so multiple band members made significant contributions to the songwriting and it highlights their greater potential for future releases. If this single is any indication to the direction their songwriting will take them on their third major label release and beyond, they will undoubtedly top this era critically (and “You Get What You Give” is indeed, overall, quite an impressive effort).

I do agree with the slight criticism that some well-timed steel guitar overlays would have accentuated the devastation in these lyrics even better. but as also been already said, I can easily see this being patented just as eloquently as a mean arena-ready power ballad of any rock and roll genre than as a country tear-in-your-beer ballad. I won’t be surprised to see this get covered at least three times in the next five years alone.

My favorite part of this song is the imagery in the songwriting. It’s not that he is leaving her, its that “she is answered by the taillights, shining through the window pane.” You can really feel the emotions in this song.

I’d give it an A, with really the only thing keeping it from higher is the bombastic vocal crescendo at the end. I’d also like to hear a little steel guitar (but then again, that’s usually the case these days with mainstream releases).

I just love the simplicity of the melody. That and Zac’s excellent delivery override everything else for me. I could do without the back-up vocals at the end, though.

I don’t know if I see the crossover appeal, though. This is country music at its emotional best. I actually give this song an A. I was surprised it only got a B+ on here.

I also cannot wait to see the video on this one. I’m expecting something really well done. The song deserves it.

This is the first real contender for Song Of The Year, in my opinion. Let the race begin.