Single Review: Zac Brown Band, “Roots”

“Roots”
Zac Brown Band

Written by Coy Boyles, Zac Brown, Niko Moon, and Ben Simonetti

Nostalgia about the early days of being a musician tends to be a winning theme.

Zac Brown Band give that theme a shot with “Roots,” and it mostly works. The details in the verses paint a unique picture of those days paying dues, and the instrumental breaks remind that Zac Brown Band are more than just a good lead singer.

But there’s a problem here that I consider a deal breaker, and that’s the hook. The decision to sing roots as “Rooo-ewts” is remarkably irritating, and it makes the chorus something to dread rather than something to anticipate.

Lyrically, the song is fine, but goodness, that chorus is something I never want to hear again.

Grade: C

4 Comments

  1. I have to agree about the “Rooo-ewts” hook. My disappointment with ZBB’s music began with the “Grohl Sessions” and this song doesn’t change anything. I’m still disappointed. I didn’t buy J&H or Welcome Home.

  2. Hmm, I actually like this one, and it’s been a while since I’ve cared much about these guys. But I guess the hook is a little annoying on repeated listens.

  3. I quite like this one. Probably my favorite Zac Brown Band single since the Uncaged era. I’m not at all bothered by the enunciation on the chorus, and I honestly didn’t even think it was anything out of the ordinary. On the contrary, the chorus is easily my favorite part of the song…

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