The lyrics of the Dirt Drifters’ “Something Better” don’t exactly jump off the page at you, especially not when compared to classics like “Take This Job and Shove It.” In general, the song seems to follow a simple paint-by-number format, with generic descriptions of breaking one’s back, getting the lip from the boss, among various other woes. He keeps holding out, waiting for “something better” to come along, like a rainbow or a pot of gold or something. Fortunately, in the hands of the Dirt Drifters, the song is anything but forgettable.
The real kicker here is the high-octane musical arrangement, in which a catchy guitar hook meets some crazy steel guitar licks, though there are a few moments in which the drumbeats are a bit over-the-top. Lead singer Matt Fleener totally sells the lyrics with a gritty and expressive lead vocal that earns high marks. Even though the song itself is not inherently great, this is still a great performance. From start to finish, the track is brimming with spunk and personality. That characteristic elevates the song’s lyrics, and keeps the overall product from carrying the stink of pandering.
“Something Better” might not be a contender for the Working Man’s Anthem Hall of Fame, but the sum of its parts is enough to make it a keeper. It won’t unseat “Take This Job and Shove It” as the quintessential tune for the blue collar worker, but it will satisfy your need for something upbeat to blare out of your truck while you speed off to what may be your own crappy job.
Listen (low-fi version)
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Ben Foster is a contributing writer to Roughstock and can be found at his own country music blog The 1-to-10 Country Review.
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