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CodyJohnson’s new release,Leather Deluxe, isn’t just an album—it’s a journey through raw emotion, personal reflection, and artistic evolution. Known for his genuine connection to traditional country music, Johnson delivers a record that spans diverse musical influences, from rock to gospel, yet stays rooted in the authentic sound that fans love.
With each track,Leather Deluxecaptures the spirit of resilience, capturing moments of joy, heartbreak, and triumph. Johnson’s commitment to creating a deeply personal and emotionally rich project is evident throughout, from stirring anthems to reflective ballads.
His powerful duet withCarrie Underwoodand his standout track, “The Fall,” reveal the depth of emotion Johnson brings to every song. The album ultimately reflects the values and stories that have defined his life.
In this blog, I’ll talk about Cody Johnson’sLeather Deluxealbum, exploring its emotional depth, musical influences, powerful collaborations, and how it reflects Johnson’s authenticity and commitment to both country music and his Western roots.
Let’s get started!
The Vision BehindLeather Deluxe
Cody Johnson approachedLeather Deluxewith a clear vision: to craft an album that not only stood out in the current country landscape but also reflected his growth as an artist. He set his sights on creating a cohesive work that felt like two distinct projects—the originalLeatheralbum and the deluxe tracks—while still flowing seamlessly as a single piece.
Inspired by his deep respect for the country’s storytelling tradition, Johnson wantedLeatherto be an album worthy of critical recognition, with a distinct focus on high-caliber songwriting and production.
With the deluxe edition, Johnson aimed to broaden his musical palette, incorporating elements from various genres like rock, ’90s country, bluegrass, and blues. He didn’t shy away from exploring new sounds, wanting to showcase different facets of his artistry without losing the essence of who he is as a musician.
This commitment to authenticity has been central to Johnson’s work from the start. His journey began on his own CoJo label, where he released a series of independent projects before breaking into the mainstream.
The songs onLeather Deluxereflect this journey, blending traditional country with modern influences to create a sound that feels fresh yet familiar, and distinctly Cody Johnson.
Among the tracks onLeather Deluxe, one song stands out for its profound emotional impact: “The Fall.” Johnson describes this song as a cinematic narrative that captures an arc of triumph over adversity, and it struck a deeply personal chord for him.
With its stirring lyrics and haunting melody, “The Fall” is more than just a song; it’s a story of resilience and the human spirit’s ability to rise above setbacks. Johnson’s emotional connection to the song is clear—when he first heard the demo, he was moved to tears, recalling his own experiences of overcoming hardship and facing life’s challenges.
The lyrics capture a universal theme, detailing the ups and downs of life in lines like “The ride was worth the fall, the fall was worth the smiles, the smiles are worth the tears, and the tears are worth the miles.” It’s a message that resonates with listeners, who find echoes of their own lives in the words.
Johnson’s ability to tap into these raw emotions sets him apart as a storyteller, and “The Fall” serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and rewards that define the journey of life.
One of the album’s most anticipated tracks is Johnson’s duet with Carrie Underwood, “I’m Gonna Love You.” The heartfelt blend of country and gospel almost didn’t make it into Johnson’s hands. It was initially pitched to Underwood eight years prior but left unrecorded.
When Johnson discovered the song, he immediately knew it was special and reached out to Underwood, who was surprised to see it resurface. Theircollaborationbrings out the best in both artists, blending their voices in a natural and harmonious way.
What makes this duet stand out is the mutual respect between Johnson and Underwood. Rather than competing to out-sing each other, they worked together to let the song’s message shine.
Johnson notes that their voices complemented each other without overshadowing, which allowed for a seamless blend of powerful harmonies and emotional depth.
The song also posed a challenge for Johnson’s live performances, as he typically avoids using backing tracks. However, he acknowledges that playing the duet live might require a video wall and Underwood’s recorded vocals—a compromise he feels is justified to preserve the song’s integrity.
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Evolution as a Mainstream Artist & Staying True to Roots
Cody Johnson’s journey from independent artist to mainstream success is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and authenticity. Starting with independent releases on his CoJo label, Johnson gradually built a loyal fanbase with his unique blend of traditional country music and modern storytelling.
He broke into mainstream country radio with his 2018 hit “On My Way to You,” which became a top 5 hit on the Country Airplay chart, followed by his first No. 1 hit, “’ Til You Can’t,” in 2021. This track even earned him a Grammy for Best Country Song, solidifying his reputation as a formidable artist in the country music scene.
Throughout this journey, Johnson has remained committed to his roots, championing traditional country sounds and values.Leather Deluxeis a natural extension of this commitment, blending contemporary influences with the heart and soul of classic country.
Johnson’s dedication to authenticity has made him a respected figure among fans and peers alike, and his collaborations with top Nashville songwriters have helped him create songs that resonate deeply with listeners. By balancing mainstream success with his love for traditional country, Johnson has positioned himself as a torchbearer for the genre.
“The Fall” – An emotional song that moved Johnson to tears
Key Collaboration
Carrie Underwood – Duet on “I’m Gonna Love You”
Genre Influence
Traditional Country with Rock, Gospel, Blues, and ’90s Country
Tour Highlights
Leather DeluxeTour (U.S., Australia, New Zealand)
Authentic Performance
Live shows without backing tracks; focus on raw, genuine sound
Western Community Involvement
CoJo Open Team Roping event in Texas, supporting local and charitable causes
Acting Aspirations
Potential collaborations withYellowstonecreator Taylor Sheridan
Core Themes
Resilience, Authenticity, Family Values, and Love for the Cowboy Lifestyle
The key elements of the Leather Deluxe album and Cody Johnson’s values and aspirations
Conclusion
Leather Deluxeis more than just a collection of songs—it’s a testament to Cody Johnson’s journey as an artist and a reflection of his unwavering dedication to his craft.
Through his music, Johnson continues to honor the traditions of the country while pushing the genre forward, creating songs that resonate with listeners on a personal level.
His blend of traditional and contemporary influences, coupled with his commitment to authenticity, has earned him a place among country music’s most respected voices.
For fans,Leather Deluxeis a powerful reminder of Johnson’s resilience and passion, qualities that define not only his music but also his life.
As he embarks on his next tour and explores new creative avenues, Johnson remains grounded in the values that have guided him from the beginning.Leather Deluxeis more than an album; it’s a piece of Johnson’s legacy.
Last Updated: November 2, 2024
