“Going To Stick Out On Country Radio Like A Sore Thumb” – Parker McCollum Says New Single “What Kinda Man” Isn’t Your Typical Radio Hit

Parker McCollum took a swing on his new song "What Kinda Man." If you ask were to ask me, I'd say that swing was successful. To the casual fan, "What Kinda Man" doesn't necessarily sound like a typical song from Parker over the past couple of years, but for the OGs, the sound of that harmonica is very familiar. McCollum himself confessed to Billboard that the new song has him somewhat worked up. Bringing back the harmonica and unique slide guitar featured in the track, he predicts that it's going to turn some heads on radio and streaming: "I’m a little nervous about this song. I think it’s going to stick out on country radio like a sore thumb." Lyric wise, one could argue that it's some of Parker's best work. The song tells the story of a man who appreciates his freedom and ability to be "wild," that is until he meets a woman that makes him want to give up everything in order to be whatever type of man she needs him to be: “There ain’t no woman who could settle me down Wilder than a bat out of hell Off the rails and blazing through town Then you walk in, floating on air And you look across the room at me Forget the man I am What kind of man do you need?” Not only is McCollum a little apprehensive about his new song, he's also showing some concern about his recording career. The "Burn It Down" singer has set out to make his third studio album sound unique, and I'd say "What Kinda Man" is a good indication that he's off to a good start: "I’ve only got two records left on my first-ever record deal, and I just didn’t want to go put out a record that sounded like the last two. I always wanted to be John Mayer and George Strait, you know, and their records are sonically perfect. And I kind of came to the realization over the last year... maybe that’s just not me." Personally, I think McCollum should show some pride in this new song of his. It's scary to be different, but it's never a bad thing. And according to his "north star" of writing music, Parker is happy with how his new track turned out: "The only thing I ever think about when I write songs is, you know, would Rodney Crowell think this is good? Would Steve Earle think this is good? Would James McMurtry or Robert Earl Keen think this is good for country music? And I think they would think this song was good for country music." You can take a listen to "What Kinda Man" at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q23-D-V9V8c