Scotty McCreery's “Southern Belle” breaks expectations. The first taste of his third studio is a wild deviation from what he’s previously released. It’s anything but predictable.

His performance evolves through the three minutes. Like a man wearing pink for the first time, McCreery’s confidence builds with time. Frank Rogers has built a cyclone of sound for the North Carolinian to work within. Anyone expecting a simpler, more organic sound is about to have her bonnet blown off.

“You can go around the block, ‘round the town, ‘round the world / But there’s nothin’ like a down-home girl,” McCreery sings beneath heavy effects to introduce the chorus of “Southern Belle.”

“Ain’t nothin’ ring like a Southern Belle / Those angels singin’ down in the Bible Belt / Well brother, if lovin’ those sweet tea, blue jean dreams is wrong / Well, I can’t help it / Ain’t nothin’ ring like a Southern Belle.”

A dirty, blasting bass vibrates through the left channel through much of the song. Banjo and guitar swirl behind McCreery like leaves would behind a car racing down a country road. Lyrically the song remains very PG — red lipstick and Sunday’s honey biscuits are as hot as he gets.

Saturday night with the red lipstick / Just like Scarlet, she’s gone with the wind / Sunday mornin’ with the honey biscuits, have mercy / You can go around the block, ‘round the town, ‘round the world / But there’s nothin’ like a down-home girl.”

Mixed with this attitude is a more dynamic vocal performance. McCreery has shown range during songs from each of his first two albums, but not in the same way he does when he jumps to hit the “high” of the bridge.

“My baby swingin’ low is makin’ me high / Wanna catch your heart like a firefly / Hold on to you for the rest of my life,” he sings. The moment is going to make his fans go crazy, but the new sound attempts to change the perception of who he is, as well. It’s a smart strategy, as McCreery is still in search of that big hit radio single.

Why Fans Will Love It: Fans losing interest in this American Idol winner will find a sudden resurgence of energy.

Key Lyrics: "Baby swing low, makin’ me high / Wanna catch your heart like firefly / Hold on to you for the rest of my life / Have mercy."

Did You Know?: Many will speculate this song is about a special woman in McCreery's life, but he didn't write it. Jason Saenz and Sean McConnell penned "Southern Belle."

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