Memory Lane (Sony Music Nashville, 2023)

There are two ways to listen to Old Dominion's music. You can simply enjoy it for the feel, the lyrics, the beat...or you can study it as a master class in contemporary country songwriting and record production. Either way you're in for a treat, especially on this eight-song EP "Memory Lane." Hooks, harmonies, rhythms and feel-good images are everywhere here.

Old Dominion (name chosen because four band members are from Virginia) originally formed to highlight songs that the various band members had written for artists such as Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Tyler Farr, Kenny Chesney and others. In the years since, their music has propelled them to CMA Vocal Group of the year, ACM Group of the Year and other heights, so it should come as no surprise that these guys really know their way around songs and studios.

Co-produced by the band and Shane McAnally, "Memory Lane" features a title track that is classic Old Dominion: a toe tapper with a catchy lyric, an instantly appealing melody and happy images like "sunsets that bled into jean-jacket nights." "Ain't Got a Worry" is in a similar vein, as the singer tells us "it ain't fair to be feeling this good." There are more upbeat tunes, including "Love Drunk and Happy," "How Good Is That," and "Freedom Like You," where it's all about good times, happy rhymes and living on the edge without a care in the world.

The band - Old Dominion is Mathew Ramsey (lead singer/guitar), Trevor Rosen (guitar/keyboard/accordian/vocals), Brad Tursi (guitar/vocals), Geoff Sprung (bass/vocals) and White Sellers (drums) - explores more somber themes in "I Should Have Married You," which is about the one who got away; "Some Horses" (can never be tamed), a bittersweet, minor key ballad; and "Easier Said with Rum," where the singer regrets what he said after a few drinks.

A number of these tracks were released earlier this year on a sampler EP and a single. A few new tracks were added to round out this highly appealing EP.