I'm What You Get

Zach John King is far from the only rising country star to find inspiration in rock music, but the Georgia-born singer-songwriter looks to a broader spectrum of influences than many of his peers. On this debut album, radio-ready country gets an infusion of indie, pop and a touch of alt, with King’s strong sense of melody serving as a through line. King, who co-produced I’m What You Get with fellow Georgian Ryan Wilson (Casting Crowns, Jo Dee Messina), kicks off the record with its title track, a grungy origin story co-written with Music Row stalwarts Rhett Akins and Jimmy Robbins. “Whiskey Lying” is hooky and propulsive, as is the laidback and groovy “Get to Drinkin’”, another Akins co-write that, incidentally, could have worked as a cut for his son Thomas Rhett. Country royalty Brooks & Dunn join King on “Way to Go”, a slick, sweet account of falling in love with the wrong person. Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Brent Cobb lends his voice to “Choppin’ Wood”, a tender, grief-stricken ballad about the moments we miss most after a loved one is gone. Up-and-comer Bayker Blankenship rounds out the guest list, turning in a soulful verse on the gritty but melodic “Life Behind Bars”.