Famous Back Home

Russell Dickerson has never shied away from playful humor, so it’s fitting that the country hitmaker would poke a little fun at himself with the title of his fourth studio album. Accordingly, *Famous Back Home* is a fun and energetic listen, once again setting Dickerson apart from the current trend of down-and-out heartbreakers popularized by artists like Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen. That said, Dickerson does open the album on a more serious note, lending his smooth croon to a wistful narrative about lost romance on “Dust.” “Happen to Me” is driving and melodic, with a sweet nod to the Cyndi Lauper classic “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” at its chorus. The title track, which closes out the LP, is an emotional high point, as Dickerson celebrates the home life he’s built with his family over the trappings of fame and commercial success. The album also includes the first two outside cuts he has recorded: the heartfelt anthem “Sippin’ on Top of the World” and the tender, reflective Vince Gill collaboration “Never Leave.”