Uncaged is the signature Zac Brown Band sound with even more musical maturity. It’s fun, it’s dynamic. It’s exactly what you want coming through the speakers on your drive to the beach this summer. As they tell us in a video about the making of the album, the band really is uncaged on this record.

Like all the reviews are noting, the album has several pieces that are a bit reminiscent of Jimmy Buffet and Kenny Chesney’s islander ambiance.  The album kicks off with “Jump Right In,” which calls listeners to Lose yourself again/ As the Southern wind sings again another Lullaby. Still, “Island Song” is the most reggae influenced tune, and it’s filled with calls to the bottle for those who love a good tune for partying by the water. In “Uncaged,” there is mention of the ocean, but the song is more of a celebration of being free.

“Goodbye In Her Eyes” and “Sweet Annie” continue with Zac Brown’s tradition of heartfelt songs of complicated or lost love—like “Highway 20 Ride” and “Colder Weather.” While “Goodbye In Her Eyes” is has more of a pop influenced sound, “Sweet Annie” is especially rich with vocal harmonies, giving it a heavy bluegrass feel. The song is an apology to a lover for all the time the speaker spends away from home. Sweet Annie/Can I stay with you a while/Cause this road’s been putting miles on my heart/Sweetheart I been livin’ in a fantasy

The band shows its affinity for genre blending in two different tracks. Zac Brown joins up with Trombone Shorty to create a sexy jam with “Overnight.” The band demonstrates its versatility here, as it shows a knack for the groovy, trumpet accented tune. The other guest track, “Day That I Die,” features Amos Lee. The song is an expression of feeling born to play and being uncompromising in that dream. And while I live out my days until the very end/ You can find me in my home with my guitar in my hands

“Lance’s Song” asks listeners to live while they can and to live right,  because “we’re all here a-waiting for our silver invitation to the big band in the sky.”

The album will not disappoint. It’s that signature Zac Brown style that found instant success with a little more maturity. It’s inspirational at times, it’s a little sad at times and it gets sexy too. There’s no way you won’t find something you like here.

Here’s a video the band made about the making of the album!!

Uncaged Track Listing

1. Jump Right In
2. Uncaged
3. Goodbye In Her Eyes
4. The Wind
5. Island Song
6. Sweet Annie
7. Natural Disaster
8. Overnight (Feat. Trombone Shorty)
9. Lance’s Song
10. Day That I Die (Feat. Amos Lee)
11. Last But Not Least