Dusted Off A "What Makes You Country" Review

The debate and question of what defines a genre is rather transcendant of any, and no artist is safe from the debate of whether they even "belong" in their presumed genre, media. Traditional country Bryan is not, not even close, and this is not the audible clarification of What Makes You Country that I initially assumed it was at first glance, but a question. listening to the title track, it was clear that it was not in the plan to list all of the factors that make you a country artist, but a song that may urge introspection, and inquires people to be proud of who they are, and if interested, what "gives 'em the right to wear a pair of beat up boots." In a cowboy boot, or out of one, a song of self acceptance that scores the first point.
Does that mean its country? It has a nice message, as well as a few others that utilize some country boy charm. I agree with sentiments in "Most People Are Good," and that it does remind me of a earlier tune from Bryan, but it doesn't assist in the point. "Like You Say You Do" follows through with a simple yet elegant truth, that actions speak louder than words, and that one can only accrue so much belief in "I Love You" before they need a confirmation by action. The song is a gentler way of calling out, and even challenging the suitor to the woman of his dreams; to side with truth may not be appear to be the easiest, but it is the better of choices.
The message? I was able to "Pick It Up." I love that the song is illustrating one of the ways you can not only be a good parent, but a good person. 
There are parents that aim to live and succeed vicariously through their children, because they had failed or would simply like to continue the tradition, and those children are lead to believe that the talents their parents may or may not exploit, are their only avenue to a better future.  Here, Bryan hypothetically and indirectly shares some of his interests with his progeny and then gives them the chance to decide what they would like to do; it may be in the blood, but if there is no passion, then I'll leave it up to you. Being someone to look up to can be one way of reinforcing the best elements in a person, and inspire them to be the best person they can be, which is also illustrated.
People often have a dual nature, and I am not calling it a dark side, no, but while a role model has certain standards to uphold (general sense) they can still party, and it wouldn't be the same if there weren't songs about the less reserved aspects of Bryan's persona. A feel good sing along  about "Drinking Again?" I'll toast to that, but no alcohol. It may sound excessive when it lists all of the scenarios that instigate the act, but it can be a year long time frame.
Songs about relationships are ubiquitous. There are a few here that I don't mind listening to, and while "Hungover in a Hotel Room" is subtle duet, not nearly as catchy as hit duet on Kill The Lights with Karen Fairchild, it is a good one. There is that ode to the hot mess, yes, but "Nowhere Girl" sounds like a hit; the delivery outside the chorus fishes for association words like 'samba' and 'flamenco.' It is a good song to countrock out to, and nearly as smooth as a precedent hit from KTL. I cannot really mention songs concerning relationships, without mentioning the most well known of these newbies, "Light It Up."
At the end, this album did not set guidelines or give instructions on how to "be country," or even tips on how to be the next country star. However, it did give us soundbites found on  Bryan's expanding audible playbook on how to "Win Life."