Ever wondered how a simple guitar riff from a Baby Taylor turns into a country anthem? Old Dominion’s “Making Good Time” is more than just a song; it’s a journey through cherished memories and the wisdom of embracing change. Dive into the story behind this uplifting track – what past moments are you making good time with?
Old Dominion’s latest track, “Making Good Time,” offers a poignant exploration of resilience and the uplifting power of nostalgic reflection. This country music anthem delves into cherishing past experiences as a cornerstone for growth, presenting a counter-narrative to the often-negative portrayal of aging.
The genesis of this resonant single began with band member Trevor Rosen, who, while casually watching television and strumming his daughter’s Baby Taylor guitar, stumbled upon an easy-going, fluttery pattern. Recognizing its potential, he discreetly recorded this initial spark on his phone, setting the stage for its future development.
This compelling guitar riff served as the foundation when Rosen later convened with bandmates Brad Tursi and Matthew Ramsey for a writing session at SMACKSongs on Nashville’s renowned Music Row. On the journey to the meeting, Rosen shared the raw audio file with SMACK writer Ross Copperman, known for his work on hits like “Dancin’ in the Country.”
By the time Rosen arrived, Copperman had already infused the guitar lick with a driving beat, captivating the entire writing team, which also included artist-writer Ross Ellis. Amidst the burgeoning musical collaboration, Rosen introduced another idea from his phone: the evocative title “Making Good Time,” which perfectly encapsulated the song’s burgeoning themes of love and travel.
Instead of anchoring the narrative in a contemporary storyline, the creative team opted for a prism of nostalgia, consciously echoing “Nowhere Fast,” a beloved track from their debut album. This earlier song similarly blended romance and automobiles, demonstrating Old Dominion’s consistent ability to craft “granular,” intimately relatable vignettes that resonate deeply with listeners.
The recording journey for “Making Good Time” commenced with its inaugural session for the new album, released on August 22nd. However, the initial tracking date with acclaimed producer Shane McAnally, celebrated for his work with artists like Sam Hunt, proved challenging for the band, particularly for frontman Matthew Ramsey, who candidly expressed uncertainty about many tracks.
Despite the early studio struggles where several songs were abandoned, “Making Good Time” stood out as a beacon of creative alignment. It was towards the end of this pivotal session that the band collectively found their rhythm, cementing their confidence in this particular composition, a testament to its intrinsic appeal.
Trevor Rosen emphasizes the song’s undeniable popularity, stating, “People love this song. We love this song.” He highlights its “classic elements of Old Dominion,” praising its fresh sound combined with a “Snapback” throwback pop chorus, affirming that positive audience feedback should never be overlooked in music.
