"Ahead of Our Time" is a song recorded by Canadian country music group James Barker Band. The band's frontman James Barker wrote the song with Jake Rose, while it was produced by Todd Clark.[1] The song is the title track and third single off the band's 2023 extended play Ahead of Our Time.[2]
| "Ahead of Our Time" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by James Barker Band | ||||
| from the EP Ahead of Our Time | ||||
| Released | November 6, 2023 | |||
| Genre | Country | |||
| Length | 3:07 | |||
| Label | Records Nashville | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) | Todd Clark | |||
| James Barker Band singles chronology | ||||
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| Visualizer | ||||
| "Ahead of Our Time" on YouTube | ||||
Background
editJames Barker stated that he had the title "Ahead of Our Time" planned for a song for "a long time" but he felt he "had to find the right person to write it with who had a good vibe". He described the song as a "big idea conceptually", and that he and co-writer Jake Rose wanted the song feel "honest and true".[3] Barker added that the "point of the song is not to be clever, it’s to sing your heart out".[4]
Critical reception
editNicole Piering of Country Swag called the song a "quintessential what-could’ve-been ballad that everyone can relate to", which "offers a poignant moment of both reflection and introspection".[5] Chad Carlson of Today's Country Magazine favourably reviewed the track, stating that it "combines elements of traditional and modern country music", while noting that the "melody is smooth and inviting, while Barker’s vocals are as strong, confident, and clear as always".[6] An uncredited review from All Country News stated that the song sonically "shows off how dynamic the band can be".[3] Laura Cooney of Entertainment Focus noted that the track has a "stripped-back feel that allow the vocals and storyline to take centre stage", while opining that Barker's "emphasizes the emotion in his delivery" that reminded her of a "young Luke Bryan.[7]
Live performance
editOn November 17, 2023, James Barker Band performed "Ahead of Our Time" during an appearance on American television channel RFD-TV.[8]
Charts
edit| Chart (2023–2024) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Canada Country (Billboard)[9] | 9 |
References
edit- ^ "Ahead of Our Time - Song by James Barker Band". Spotify. October 20, 2023. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
- ^ "James Barker Band Unveils Cutting Edge Label Debut EP, Ahead of Our Time". Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc. October 20, 2023. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
- ^ a b "Unveiling James Barker Band's High-Energy New EP: A Knockout Musical Experience". All Country News. 20 October 2023. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
- ^ "INTERVIEW: James Barker Band on New EP". Off the Record. October 19, 2023. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
- ^ Piering, Nicole (October 20, 2023). "James Barker Band: 'Ahead Of Our Time' – Debut EP Review". Country Swag. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
- ^ Carlson, Chad. "Single Review: James Barker Band - Ahead of Our Time - RECORDS Nashville". Today's Country Magazine. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
- ^ Cooney, Laura (October 20, 2023). "James Barker Band – 'Ahead Of Our Time' EP review". Entertainment Focus. Retrieved December 23, 2023.
- ^ McCullough, Currey (November 17, 2023). "Canadian music group, James Barker Band, discusses debut EP, "Ahead Of Our Time"". RFD-TV. Retrieved December 24, 2023.
- ^ "Canada Country chart for March 2, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved February 27, 2024.