Unveiling the Masterpieces: Rediscovering Chris Stapleton’s “Your Man” (2005) and the Art of Timeless Songwriting
For those of us who’ve followed the arc of country music, the name Chris Stapleton resonates with a depth and authenticity that’s become increasingly rare. It’s easy to be captivated by his gravelly vocals and soul-stirring performances, especially after his explosive 2015 CMA appearance. However, the story of Stapleton’s rise is far richer and more nuanced than a single, albeit spectacular, moment. Before he held Grammy and CMA trophies aloft, he was a craftsman, a wordsmith quietly shaping the landscape of Nashville with his remarkable songwriting. Let’s delve into the early days, specifically exploring the genesis of Josh Turner’s “Your Man” released in 2005, and appreciate the intricate tapestry of Stapleton’s contributions.
In 2005, when Josh Turner released “Your Man,” it wasn’t just another hit; it was a cultural touchstone. The song’s smooth, almost seductive baritone melody, coupled with its deeply romantic lyrics, struck a chord with audiences. It soared to the top of the charts, marking a pivotal moment in Turner’s career. But behind this success stood Chris Stapleton, a writer whose talent was already leaving an indelible mark. This song, “Your Man,” became a testament to his ability to distill complex emotions into simple, yet powerful, narratives. It wasn’t just about crafting a catchy tune; it was about capturing the essence of devotion and unwavering commitment.
What makes “Your Man” particularly significant is its timeless quality. Even today, it remains a staple on country radio, a testament to its enduring appeal. Stapleton’s songwriting here is characterized by a maturity and sophistication that belies his relative youth at the time. He understood how to create a song that resonated with a broad audience, while still maintaining a sense of genuine intimacy. This ability to connect on a deeply personal level is a hallmark of his work, and it’s something that has continued to define his career.
Beyond its commercial success, “Your Man” also earned Stapleton critical acclaim, including awards from ASCAP and BMI. These accolades were early indicators of the respect he would command within the music industry. They recognized his ability to write songs that were not only popular but also artistically significant. In a landscape often dominated by fleeting trends, Stapleton’s work stood out for its depth and authenticity.
The success of “Your Man” also highlights the collaborative nature of songwriting. It’s a reminder that even the most talented artists rely on the contributions of others to bring their visions to life. Stapleton’s ability to work with artists like Josh Turner, understanding their unique strengths and tailoring his writing to fit their style, is a crucial part of his legacy. He wasn’t just writing songs for himself; he was writing songs that would become part of the fabric of other artists’ careers.
Looking back, “Your Man” serves as a fascinating glimpse into the early stages of Chris Stapleton’s songwriting journey. It’s a reminder that even before he became a household name, he was already a force to be reckoned with. His ability to craft songs that are both commercially successful and artistically significant is a testament to his exceptional talent. The song showcases his lyrical prowess, his melodic sensibility, and his deep understanding of the country music tradition. The song’s enduring popularity and critical acclaim solidify its place as a classic in the genre. In essence, “Your Man” is a masterclass in songwriting, a hidden gem that reveals the roots of Chris Stapleton’s remarkable career.
Check out the list below to find out what songs he’s written for other artists. Some might surprise you!
1. “Your Man” by Josh Turner
Josh Turner released this song in August 2005 and it went straight to number one, becoming the first chart-topper of his career. It was the lead-off single of his album of the same name. Since its release, “Your Man” has sold over 1.3 million copies and it certified Platinum.
It won Chris Stapleton an American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) award and a Broadcast Music Incorporated (BMI) Award.
2. “Never Wanted Nothing More” by Kenny Chesney
Kenny Chesney recorded “Never Wanted Nothing More” for his 2007 album Just Who I Am: Poets & Pirates. It is his fastest-climbing number-one single, reaching the top spot in its eighth week on the charts. It debuted at number 37 and climbed the charts rapidly due to airplay before its official release—twenty spots just in the first week!
3. “Come Back Song” by Darius Rucker
Darius Rucker and Stapleton teamed up to write this song together with fellow songwriter Casey Beathard in 2010. It was featured on Rucker’s second country music album, Charleston, SC 1966, which was released in April 2010.
Despite mixed reviews by music critics, “Come Back Song” took the number one spot on the Billboard Country charts on November 6, 2010.
4. “If It Hadn’t Been For Love” by Adele
Chris Stapleton originally recorded “If It Hadn’t Been For Love” with his bluegrass band, The SteelDrivers. Adele heard the song and fell in love with it, so she recorded it as a bonus track for her sophomore album, 21. When introducing the song, Adele always explains why she loves it so much: because the singer talks about killing their ex!
5. “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” by George Strait
Stapleton wrote this song for George Strait’s 2011 album Here For A Good Time. It was released as the second single and garnered rave reviews from music critics. It debuted at number 57 on the Billboard Country charts and climbed its way to number three
Fans loved the smooth fiddling and steel picking, which sent them back to Strait’s 1990s style with his hits like “Check Yes or No” and “Write This Down.”
6. “Something To Do With My Hands” by Thomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett teamed up with Stapleton to write his very first single off his debut album, It Goes Like This.
“Something To Do With My Hands” debuted at number 58 on the Billboard Country Charts and reached the 15th spot. This isn’t the last time Stapleton and Rhett teamed up! He makes another appearance on this list! Unfortunately, there is no video footage of Stapleton ever performing this song.
7. “Talk Is Cheap” by Alan Jackson
Alan Jackson included this Stapleton-penned song on his 17th studio album, Thirty Miles West, which was released in 2012.
The song was never released as a single, but remains a favorite by Jackson fans. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and number two on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.
8. “Drink A Beer” by Luke Bryan
In 2013, Luke Bryan released “Drink A Beer” as his third single from his album Crash My Party, and it quickly became his seventh number one song on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
Bryan has previously described the song as “the coolest sad song ever” and connects to the lyrics, having lost both his brother and sister.
Chris Stapleton wrote “Drink A Beer” as a unique approach to the theme of loss and used a title that might suggest a party, and critics and fans loved it. Stapleton is actually singing backup for Bryan in the performance above.
9. “Crash And Burn” by Thomas Rhett
Rhett and Stapleton partnered up again, this time for Rhett’s second album, Tangled Up.
“Crash And Burn” was Rhett’s lead single and debuted at number 38 on the country charts on April 25, 2015. The song reached number one on the Country Airplay chart and number two on the Hot Country Songs chart.
It has been certified Platinum and served as an amazing lead-off single for the album, which has reached number two on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and produced five singles, four of which hit number on the Country Airplay chart.
10. “Lonely Girl” by Charles Kelley
Charles Kelley released his first solo album in late 2015. Most fans were used to seeing him perform with his band, Lady Antebellum, but Kelley was ready to try out a different style and release a solo record.
Chris Stapleton helped him develop his solo sound with the song “Lonely Girl ” from his album The Driver. Kelley performed the song at the ACMs, on his debut solo tour, and on The Ellen Show!