Trucking Music Review: ‘Eastbound and Down’
Welcome to the third installment of the Trucking Music Review, where I review truck driving country music that I’ve never heard before.
In this one, we’ll be listening to “Eastbound and Down” by Jerry Reed. This song was used in the classic film Smokey and the Bandit and spent 16 weeks on the U.S. country music charts, where it peaked at #2.
The song is something of a classic country jam and is renowned for being great to listen to while on the road, which is why we’ll be reviewing it today.
One of the first things you notice when listening to this track is the speed. Reed’s singing is quick and has a catchy rhythm to it, etching the song into your brain instantly.
The cheerful lyrics also help establish a sense of excitement, which should be a given considering it was used for a classic film like Smokey and the Bandit.
Honestly, I’m not too sure why this song is considered a truck-driving country tune, though. It doesn’t directly mention anything about trucking, besides saying that “You’ve gotta keep that diesel truckin.”
On the other hand, I do see why it can be interpreted as a trucking song, as it heavily features lyrics that suggest Reed is out on the open road. I guess we can assume he’s loaded with beer and he’s planning to haul it from Atlanta, Georgia to Texarkana, Texas? Who knows.
Nonetheless, the song’s label doesn’t matter much. “Eastbound and Down” has one of the catchiest hooks I’ve ever heard, and along with the pace and rhythm Reed provides, it’s easily one of the most fun songs I’ve reviewed thus far.
Additionally, it also has an incredible guitar and banjo solo. It’s one of those that really makes you want to strut out the ol’ air guitar and start jamming out.
Overall, this song is fun, playful, and amusing. As far as truck-driving country music goes, this song sets the standard pretty high. I’ll go ahead and give it a 9/10.
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