“20 Number Ones” - Thomas Rhett Album Review

In less than 10 years, 33-year-old country star Thomas Rhett has released no less than 20 No. 1 singles.

His album “20 Number Ones” is no ordinary album. This album is a compilation of all of his biggest hits during his career.

Country music has always been popular below the Mason-Dixon line, but in recent years it seems people all over the country are taking to the genre as well. From bars to arenas, country music is growing in popularity.

Being a country artist, Rhett’s album obviously has a country theme. While all of his songs have the trademark southern twang, the lyrics contain more than just girls, beer and tractors.

The album opens with his first No. 1 hit, “It Goes Like This.”

“It Goes Like This” is the title song on his “It Goes Like This” album and was released in 2013. This mid-tempo song starts slow and builds momentum as the piece progresses. Considering Rhett was only 22 at the time of his first No. 1 hit, it is clear his talent has spanned the decades.

One major theme in his music is his family.

Rhett has been with his wife, Lauren, since high school, and they now have four daughters together. Listeners can tell just how much he adores his wife and kids through songs like “Die A Happy Man,” “Star Of The Show,” “Life Changes” and “Remember You Young.”

This album also touches on Rhett’s religion. He is a Christian, and one of his songs, “Be A Light,” features prominent Christian artists such as Chris Tomlin, Reba McEntire and Hillary Scott.

While not every song off this album was produced solely by him, 17 of the 20 songs have Rhett as the only artist. Not only is this an impressive feat, but it also shows how much fans value his music.

Rhett is a unique country artist in that some of his songs tend to sound a bit more pop than country. Songs like “T-Shirt” and “Craving You” have country roots but explore beyond the genre with the use of some techno elements and heavier drums.

On the other hand, Rhett started to return to his country roots with “Country Again.” The lyrics, “I spent way less time in Nashville, more time in L.A…. Man, it feels good to be country again,” show how much he values his country upbringing.

This song is from his 2021 album titled “Country Again.” The entire album seems to have a much stronger country vibe.

Since then, he has only released one album but three of the songs made it to the No. 1 spot.

The release date of “20 Number Ones” is interesting but genius on the part of his marketing team. Rhett just finished his Home Team Tour on Sept. 23rd and the album dropped on Sept. 28th.

The album caught fans who were still on a high from the concert experience and craving more Thomas Rhett tunes.

While none of the music on this album is new, “20 Number Ones” reminds listeners of some of Rhett’s songs from the past while incorporating his more recent releases.

Regardless of where one falls on the spectrum of liking country music, none can deny that Rhett’s music truly is “Unforgettable.”

Rating: 9/10

Reviewer’s Favorite Songs: “Die A Happy Man,” “Life Changes,” “Be A Light” and “Half Of Me”

Reviewer’s Least Favorite Songs: “Slow Down Summer” and “Get Me Some Of That”

Ainsley Spitz is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism and criminology. To contact her, email aes6441@psu.edu.