Williams Riley's Derek George and Bryan White showcase impeccable songwriting on this standout track from the band’s debut independent self-titled release (on Golden Music). In a refreshing take on the universal subject of aging, Williams Riley gives voice to a character rarely heard from in popular country music—an elderly man who “Don’t cut a rug like he used to—just shuffles around on those old knees.” The song creates a poignant image of a man who knows he may not be the man he used to be, but can still say “I’m still me.” Derek George and Bryan White expertly evoke emotion and sympathy, without ever succumbing to the overwrought treacle that so often plagues well-meaning but gag-inducing “message” songs.
In fact, the song is so well-written that it could easily hold its own with a more stripped-down production. The choir of background vocals often overpowers the lead vocal, distracting from the melody as well as excellent lyrical content. And while the arrangement carries a nice momentum and creates an upbeat, feel-good mood perfect for summer, the youthful sound seems at odds with a nostalgic story of an old man looking back on his life. Of course, the character still feels like a young man at heart, and maybe that’s what Williams Riley is trying to convey. Though over-production may unfortunately have caused them to miss that mark, “I’m Still Me” is nonetheless a strong single from this promising new band.
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