In 2021, multi-platinum country artist & entertainer Chase Rice released his single, “If I Were Rock & Roll”. An updated version of the single is featured on his latest album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell– This time produced by Oscar Charles of Broken Bow Records. Below, I discuss the song as a whole as well as compare the two versions.
“If I Were Rock & Roll” is true to the storytelling that the country genre has garnered fame for, which is a huge accomplishment given this is his first release as a solo songwriter. As Rice shares in a release,
“The night I wrote this song, I decided to take a break from social media, so instead of aimlessly scrolling like most nights, I put Bruce Springsteen’s Letter to You documentary on my living room TV. His song ‘If I Was the Priest’ stood out to me and got me thinking about my own relationship with Jesus and all of the things I love in life; Country music, NASCAR, my friends and family,” reflects Rice. “I picked up a guitar and wrote ‘If I Were Rock & Roll’ alone in that moment. No track and no cowriters meant I had no choice to focus on the lyrics and lean into what is real to me” (Chase Rice, PR team).
Within the all-American track, Rice also reflects on the journey until now– the right & wrong turns, past encounters and a failed relationship.
"If I Were Rock & Roll"-Single Version (3:14)
In the single version, you can hear influences of classic country and roots/rock. This is made evident in the instrumental arrangement, which features a bright-toned guitar. The single version is also more stripped down than the album version, which gives Rice’s voice centre stage. Overall, the track sounds more raw and natural– exactly what you’d expect from a more traditional-inspired country song.
"If I Were Rock & Roll (Album Version)" (3:20)
In the album version, the first notable difference is the instrumental opener–which sets a different tone for an already lyrically strong song. This version has a dirtier/grunge sound that leans more into the rock genre, which is evident by the heavy presence of bass drums and the guitar riff. There are some notable differences in Rice’s vocal performance, which is softer and smoother. Moreover, his voice blends more seamlessly with the instrumental backing. The production and instrumental changes also align more with the rest of the album.
Additionally, the track demonstrates Chase’s new artistic direction– a more vulnerable and authentic side that the artist is proudly embracing with his music. Lastly, the album version runs a couple of seconds longer than its 2021 predecessor and has some censored language (albeit to make it radio-friendly).
THE VERDICT
Out of both versions of the song, the single version would have to be my pick. It’s raw, uncensored, and leaves space for Rice’s voice to shine. I’m also partial to the overall tone, sound and production of the track, which is more aligned with the country music I grew up listening to. That being said, both versions of the song are catchy, cheeky & fun and have their strengths. Depending on your personal musical tastes, you can’t go wrong with either version.
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*This article is a release “From the Vault”, and was originally from 2021. A new intro & updated information has been included in order to introduce a fresh & relevant perspective.
Listen to Single Version of "If I Were Rock & Roll" Now:
Stay up to Date with Chase Rice:
Chase Rice. “ If I Were Rock & Roll (Album Version).” Spotify, Dack Janiels Records under exclusive license to This Is Hit d/b/a Broken Bow Records. 2023.<https://open.spotify.com/track/7dZVGd9AVDQPpvY6UIWfSz?si=ffa2d78875bd4cea>.
Chase Rice. “ If I Were Rock & Roll.” Spotify, Dack Janiels Records under exclusive license to This Is Hit d/b/a Broken Bow Records. 2021.<https://open.spotify.com/album/5th0dWTiQ0WkGINantPzEC?si=LMCy529aQpyou71l1AXVgQ>.
PR team.“Chase Rice’s Songwriting Roots On Full Display On New Single “If I Were Rock & Roll”. Oct 8 2021. Press Release.
Unknown. “Featured: Multi-platinum country artist, Chase Rice. Courtesy of PR Team. Accessed Oct 8 2021.
Unknown. “Featured: Official cover art for Chase Rice’s single, “If I Were Rock & Roll”. Courtesy of PR Team. Accessed Oct 8 2021.
