Despite breakout country success, a new wedding ring, and his growing reputation as a mainstream Texas outlaw, Parker McCollum has a secret: It’s not enough.
It wasn’t enough to rise through the Lone Star state’s storied Red Dirt scene as The Limestone Kid. It wasn’t enough to come to Nashville and defy convention, protecting his hard-won creative control. If he’s honest, it wasn’t even enough to score an against-the-grain Platinum Number One with the self-critical “Pretty Heart.” Or to follow up with the Gold-certified chart-topper, “To Be Loved By You,” shining light into the darker corners of the romantic universe.
With that in mind, it’s no surprise McCollum is still feeling unsatisfied — even with the May 12 release of his fourth studio album, Never Enough. But that might be the best thing fans could hope to hear.
“I’ve just never felt like I really hit the nail on the head, but I think that’s just me,” the forthright singer-songwriter explains. “You want to realize that it’s never going to be enough. But at the same time, you don’t want to lose that mindset; the craving and reaching [for perfection].”
With Never Enough, McCollum is definitely still reaching. Now 30 years old and married to his longtime love, Hallie Ray, 15 fresh songs find the self-assured talent growing as a person and trying out some new ideas. Never Enough is McCollum’s first record that doesn’t include a solo writing credit, which is a big deal for the self-proclaimed creative “control freak.” With new collaborators to work with, McCollum’s usual by-the-seat-of-his-Levi’s approach feels a little more focused and a little more intentional. His rootsy sound is also evolving toward the heartland rock side of Texas twang. But what hasn’t changed at all is his bristling vocals, which cut through the crowded field of competition like neon lights in a smoky bar. And with help from quality-minded tunesmiths like Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Jon Randall, and more, McCollum’s innate feel for the unexpected is more potent than ever.
His lead single “Handle On You” is a prime example. Rising up the charts like his previous hits “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You,” it’s an easy-grooving midtempo with a chorus that pours on the clever lyricism. But while that’s common enough in country tradition, there’s a brilliant turn of phrase in a post-chorus that should grab the attention of longtime listeners.
“I tell myself that I should quit, but I don’t listen to drunks.” It’s so quick it could be missed, yet so strong it distills months of romantic agony into just a few words. McCollum often toys with these non-typical structures, like Easter Eggs for listeners to hunt out.
“I like to make the listener kind of work a little bit to figure out what I’m talking about,” he admits. “I like songs that make me feel that away, and when I’m writing, I just freestyle.”
Meanwhile, the rising star’s real life is reflected in tracks like the hammer-down “Speed,” an up-tempo anthem about growing up on the road (and trying to outrun the clock). And with the comforting “I Ain’t Going Nowhere,” all that running comes to an end, at least for his heart, with a swaying tribute to his wife of one year. Tracks like the jangling “Hurricane” chase those girls who move like a force of nature, with the forecast pointing toward another potential radio hit. On the flip side, tunes like the patient “Lessons From an Old Man” pass down front-porch wisdom without care for commercial appeal.
Elsewhere, “Things I Never Told You” fits in with the self-criticizing reflection he’s done in the past, but it’s actually the first song McCollum has ever recorded that he didn’t have a hand in writing. While “Burn It Down” infuses modern sonic flavor with smoky vocal effects and a buzzy acoustic guitar as its ignition point. All of that makes Never Enough refreshing above all else. And although McCollum may never be creatively satisfied, at least he’s free to pursue it.
“I don’t try to fit any kind of mold or formula. I really believe in writing songs from the right place, almost to the point where sometimes I wish it wasn’t that way,” he says. “I’m not chasing Number Ones, I’m just chasing a great career and respect as a songwriter. So, I am genuinely grateful for the opportunity to chase that dream and be in control. I just hope I don’t screw it up.”