Single Review: “Real Gone” by Billy Ray Cyrus

I thought I’d heard this song before. In addition to Rascal Flatt’s version of “Life Is A Highway”, Sheryl Crow shared a new song that became the secondary theme song to the film CARS. That song was “Real Gone” which has become a speed and racing based anthem in its own right. Billy has decided to have his take at the song and release it as the first single off of his upcoming project. With one of the catchiest guitar riffs in the genre this year I actually prefer Billy’s version to Sheryl’s. Lyrically the song depicts the constant pressures of change put on small town life through the use of car metaphors and serves as a sentiment to small town and southern pride and the American willingness to speak out and stand up for every aspect of one’s lifestyle. Overall it’s actually quite an impressive performance from Cyrus, all things considered.

Grade: B