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Review: Jake O'Neill - Best Kinda Bad News
November 16th 2024
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UK Country artist, Jake O’Neill’s latest single, Best Kinda Bad News masterfully blends a laid-back 90s country melody with that age old tale of temptation, lust and heartbreak. The track captures the vibe of small-town allure and the buzz of attraction, bringing listeners into the mindset of a narrator who knowingly and willingly falls for a woman with a reputation for breaking hearts. The story unfolds in a bar, where heads turn as she walks in—a woman whose reputation precedes her. She’s not one for long-term love or promises of forever. Instead, she’s the kind of heartbreaker who shares an unforgettable night on her terms but leaves behind men wishing for more: “I bet you got every boy in a ball cap telling you they’re gonna take you back and stay in the truck bed and watch the sunset, hoping that one night’s gonna turn to life. I can tell by the drink in your hand and the way that you dance, they ain’t got a chance in hell of spinnin’ you round or taking you home tonight.”
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O’Neill’s narrator acknowledges the whispers about her ways yet finds himself inexplicably drawn to her magnetic presence regardless. The chorus delivers a punch of honesty: “You’re the best kinda bad news, knew what I was getting’ into when you walked in the room in those faded blue jeans. Yeah, you knew just what to do with those green eyes staring right back at me.”
Musically, Best Kinda Bad News leans into that sweet spot of 90s country with a relaxed groove that feels effortlessly easy and cool, not unlike the encounter at the heart of the song. Twangy guitars, a steady backbeat and O’Neill’s rich, smooth delivery invites the listener to step into the narrator’s shoes, feeling every moment of attraction and resignation all at once: “I don’t really care what other people have to say about you and your ways, the hearts you break—you’re the only thing I want right now.” It’s a confession of surrender, where desire trumps caution, even if the outcome is predictable.
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What makes the track shine is its balance of vulnerability and self-awareness. The lyrics don’t sugarcoat the situation or paint the narrator as a hopeless romantic. Instead, O’Neill embraces the complexity of living in the moment, even when it comes with an inevitable emotional fallout when the two go their separate ways.
Best Kinda Bad News doesn’t aim to rewrite the rules of country music, but it excels in telling a story that’s both familiar and deeply human. Jake O’Neill captures the bittersweet appeal of a fleeting connection with honesty and charm, backed by a melody that feels like it could play on repeat in the background of a classic honky-tonk. For fans of 90s country storytelling with a contemporary edge, this track is a must-listen.
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Best Kinda Bad News is available everywhere now.
Jake recently put together a playlist for us of some of his favourite country songs - you can check out Southbound Sounds with ... Jake O'Neill here.
Jake has a number of shows announced between now and next summer, check out his socials for details on where you can see him live.
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Hit the buttons below to link to Jake's socials.
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Jake will be performing an intimate sat Forty-Five Vinyl in York next February.
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