Brent Cobb has always had this laid-back, down-home charm that makes his music feel like sitting on a front porch with a cold drink in hand while the sun goes down. He’s made a name for himself writing honest, thoughtful country music with just enough grit to keep it interesting. But with his latest project, Ain’t Rocked in a While, he’s cranked up the volume and let loose with his new band, Brent Cobb & The Fixin’s.
This album is exactly what the title suggests. It’s loud, loose, fun, and full of swagger. Instead of the usual dusty acoustic ballads Cobb’s known for, he leans hard into Southern rock territory—think greasy guitar licks, big choruses, and songs that feel like they were built to be played live in a smoke-filled bar with the amps turned way up.
Ain’t Rocked in a While really leans into that classic blues and soulful sound. There’s an authenticity to it. You can tell Cobb grew up on this kind of music, and now he’s finally giving himself the space to make a record that honors that side of his musical roots.
Tracks like “Beyond Measure (Fixin’s)” and “Bad Feelin’” really show off the band’s chemistry. It’s raw and groovy, but still sharp. Cobb’s voice, which usually has this sleepy southern drawl, sounds energized here—more animated but still grounded in storytelling. And the band behind him? They are really tight.
One of my favorite cuts is “Even If It’s Broke.” It’s playful, nostalgic, and driven by this swampy rhythm that makes it hard not to nod along. There’s a looseness to the whole record that feels intentional. It’s not overproduced, not too polished, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. It sounds like a band having a good time, and that energy is contagious.
That said, I’ve got to be real—this isn’t exactly my usual go-to kind of album. I tend to prefer a different sound to my country rock. So this record didn’t hit me the way it might hit others. But here’s the thing: just because it didn’t fully click for me doesn’t mean it’s not a great record. It absolutely is. I’m just aiming for a different vibe.
If you’re someone who grew up loving Lynyrd Skynyrd, Tom Petty, or even the more rootsy side of The Black Crowes, you’re probably going to love this. It’s gritty without being grimy, nostalgic without feeling stuck in the past, and full of heart. Cobb doesn’t reinvent the wheel here, but he doesn’t need to. He’s having fun, he’s playing loud, and that energy comes through loud and clear.
So no, Ain’t Rocked in a While might not be my favorite, but it’s a really good one. And if you’re in the mood for something with soul, swagger, and just enough Southern dirt under its nails, it’s definitely worth a listen.
