Single Review: Tim McGraw – Better Than I Used To Be

by Steel Hanf

Only hours after Tim McGraw emerged victorious in his lawsuit with Curb Records, a new single was released from his upcoming "Emotional Traffic" album called "Better Than I Used to Be," written by Ashley Gorley and Brian Simpson.

Going a completely different direction from his last #1 hit, "Felt Good On My Lips," the listener will instantly be able to ascertain McGraw's feeling of intimate remorse as the first verse begins: I know how to hold a grudge / I can send a bridge up in smoke / And I can't count the people I've let down, the hearts I've broke / You ain't gotta dig too deep / If you wanna find some dirt on me. As the verse continues, Tim sets up the chorus by revealing his new understanding of how to regard the mistakes of his past, singing: But I'm learning who you've been / Ain't who you've gotta be.

The chorus reveals McGraw's strong modesty by admitting his imperfections, but also displays his positive attitude to where he currently is in his life and his future as the man he wants to be: I ain't no angel / I still got a still few more dances with the devil / I'm cleanin up my act, little by little / I'm getting there / I can finally stand the man in the mirror I see / I ain't as good as I'm gonna get / But I'm better than I used to be.

Layered with a very clean and tasteful country production, the burdens of life that Tim McGraw unveils is reminiscent of his older work that we haven't heard in quite a few years from the country legend. While his previous single "Felt Good On My Lips" was a solid hit for McGraw, it's noticeable use of pop production influences left some fans wondering where their old Tim went. Well not to fear, as classic Tim McGraw has delivered his fans a gem that many can easily relate and sing along to.

"Better Than I Used to Be" is currently making an immediate impact at country radio, reaching #34 in only its second week. The song officially goes for adds on radio January 3rd. This is the second single released from his upcoming album "Emotional Traffic," scheduled to be released January 17th, 2012. Posted on his website, Tim shares his excitement for the new album saying, "I fought very hard for the release of 'Emotional Traffic,' it's an album full of music of which I am very proud."

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