PREMIERE – Ben Chase – “Saltwater Cowboy” (Single Review)

Jenna Melanson·July 27, 2023

Ben Chase Shares New Single, “Saltwater Cowboy” Via Exclusive First Listen

Canadian country music artist, Ben Chase is set to release his next single, “Saltwater Cowboy” via all digital streaming platforms on July 28, but today, Canadian Beats readers get an exclusive first listen!

A loud and proud semi-autobiographical anthem – complete with an East Coast fiddle – “Saltwater Cowboy” touches on various anecdotes of Chase’s own journey, including island life, fishing, and – of course – country music. Written by Chase, Drew Gregory, and Lawrence Maxwell, and produced by Grady Saxman, it’s the artist’s fourth single of 2023, and the last single to arrive before his debut album, That Was Then, This Is Now, which arrives in late September.

Chase says,

“After playing one of the best shows of the year at the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Red Deer, Alberta, a real true Alberta cowboy came up and asked me how I know so much good country music. I told him point blank, ‘I’m a Saltwater Cowboy’. When I returned to Nashville, I connected with Drew and Lawrence, and proudly wrote that story into this song. It also captures the authenticity and vibe I’m going for with the rest of the album.”

Review

The moment I caught the opening notes of “Saltwater Cowboy,” I instantly recognized Ben as an East Coast musician. The incorporation of lyrics centered around fishing and saltwater made it a dead giveaway with no doubt in my mind.

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person who may not fit the stereotypical cowboy mold but possesses a deep-rooted connection to his coastal origins. The song beautifully blends classic country themes with the rich imagery of the sea, crafting a compelling and unique storyline.

The chorus states “A hard workin man I was raised by the sea, There’s whole lot of boys back home like me, Early mornings, red sky warnings, we ain’t got no choice, We rope them traps to bring em back in,” powerfully capturing the central message of the song while celebrating the industrious spirit, coastal heritage, and the tough, sea-faring lifestyle.

In conclusion, “Saltwater Cowboy” is a well-crafted country song with vivid storytelling. As someone with a coastal background like mine, I find it resonates deeply and has all the makings of a hit that will strike a chord with many others who share similar roots.