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49 Years Ago: George Jones Earns No. 1 Hit With ‘The Grand Tour’

Aug. 31 was a big anniversary in  George Jones ' career. It was on that day in 1974, 49 years ago, that the country music hitmaker earned his sixth No. 1 hit with his single "The Grand Tour."

"The Grand Tour," which was written by Norro Wilson, Carmol Taylor and George Richey, is the title track of Jones' 41st studio album. With lines such as  "Over there, sits the chair / Where she'd bring the paper to me / And sit down on my knee / And whisper, 'Oh, I love you' / But now she's gone forever / And this old house will never / Be the same without the love / That we once knew," the song quickly became one of Jones' signature tunes, one he performed up until his death in 2013.

In 2012, the Country Music Hall of Fame member announced  that his final tour, named after "The Grand Tour," would cover 60 cities the following year. Sadly, Jones  passed away in April of 2013, of complications from pneumonia. A tribute concert was held in Jones' honor on Nov. 22, 2013, with more than 70 artists performing, including Alan Jackson , Dierks Bentley , Travis Tritt , Tanya Tucker , Josh Turner , Blake Shelton , Miranda Lambert , Eric Church , Reba McEntire and Alabama ; during the event,  George Strait performed "The Grand Tour."

Jones included "The Grand Tour" on several of his compilations, including Anniversary -- 10 Years of Hits in 1982, Super Hits in 1987 and 2004's 50 Years of Hits .

This story was originally written by Gayle Thompson, and revised by Annie Zaleski.

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The Meaning Behind The Song: The Grand Tour by George Jones

George Jones, often referred to as the “King of Country Music,” has left an indelible mark on the genre with his heartfelt and honest songs. One of his most iconic tunes, “The Grand Tour,” tells a poignant tale of heartbreak and loss. Released in 1974, the song swiftly climbed the charts, resonating with audiences across the nation. Its timeless message and beautifully crafted lyrics continue to captivate listeners today.

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“The Grand Tour” narrates the story of a man left behind after his spouse’s departure. Jones’ powerful vocals express the raw emotions experienced by the protagonist through his heartfelt delivery, taking listeners on an emotional journey. The song’s somber melody enhances its melancholic tone, perfectly complementing the lyrics.

Frequently Asked Questions about “The Grand Tour”

1. what inspired george jones to write “the grand tour”.

The inspiration behind “The Grand Tour” stemmed from George Jones’ own tumultuous love life. He drew upon personal experiences to create a relatable narrative that deeply resonated with listeners. The pain and heartbreak he had endured in his own relationships influenced the emotions poured into this heartfelt song.

2. Did “The Grand Tour” achieve commercial success?

Yes, “The Grand Tour” was hugely successful commercially. It reached number one on the charts for several weeks, solidifying George Jones’ status as one of the icons of country music. The emotional authenticity and relatability of the song contributed to its widespread popularity.

3. Are there any covers of “The Grand Tour”?

Over the years, numerous artists have covered “The Grand Tour,” paying homage to George Jones’ incredible talent and the timeless quality of the song. Notable renditions include those by Aaron Neville, Sammy Kershaw, and David Allan Coe. Each artist brings their unique interpretation to the classic tune, keeping its legacy alive.

4. What is the significance of the title, “The Grand Tour”?

The title “The Grand Tour” refers to a journey typically taken by couples to celebrate their love and strengthen their bond. In the song, however, the grand tour is marred by the absence of one partner, emphasizing the loneliness and despair felt by the protagonist.

5. Are there any hidden meanings or symbolism in the lyrics?

While the lyrics of “The Grand Tour” are straightforward, they are layered with emotional depth. The symbolism lies in the profound sense of loss, the shattered dreams, and the emptiness left behind. The song encapsulates the universal themes of heartache and resilience, resonating with anyone who has experienced the pain of a broken relationship.

6. How did “The Grand Tour” influence George Jones’ career?

“The Grand Tour” marked a significant turning point in George Jones’ career. It propelled him further into the limelight, cementing his status as a country music legend. The song showcased his ability to evoke genuine emotions through his singing, and its success further established his artistry and influence in the genre.

7. What is the legacy of “The Grand Tour”?

“The Grand Tour” remains an enduring masterpiece in country music. Its timeless themes and unforgettable melody have secured its place among the greatest songs of all time. The track continues to resonate with listeners, who appreciate the raw emotions and vulnerability portrayed within. Its legacy is a testament to George Jones’ unparalleled artistry and the enduring power of heartfelt storytelling in music.

8. Did George Jones write “The Grand Tour” by himself?

No, George Jones did not solely write “The Grand Tour.” The song was penned by the renowned songwriting duo of George Richey, Tammy Wynette’s third husband, and Carmol Taylor. Their collaboration resulted in a masterpiece that showcased Jones’ exceptional vocal range and emotional delivery.

9. How does “The Grand Tour” compare to George Jones’ other songs?

“The Grand Tour” stands out among George Jones’ vast repertoire of hits due to its deeply emotional lyrics and Jones’ powerful vocal performance. While he was known for his ability to tap into the human experience through his music, “The Grand Tour” holds a special place in his discography as one of his most iconic and beloved songs.

10. Was there any controversy surrounding “The Grand Tour”?

No significant controversies surrounded “The Grand Tour.” It was generally well-received by both audiences and critics, with its universal themes of heartbreak and loss resonating with fans across the country. The song solidified George Jones’ reputation as a master storyteller and earned him critical acclaim for his honest and emotive delivery.

These frequently asked questions shed light on the deep meaning behind George Jones’ classic song, “The Grand Tour.” Its timeless appeal and emotional resonance continue to captivate audiences, firmly establishing it as a cherished piece in the fabric of country music history.

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5 George Jones Performances You Must Watch (Videos)

Jones' greatest, sung live, including a duet with his legendary wife, the late Tammy Wynette

George Jones, who died on Friday at the age of 81, was in many ways the quintessential country singer.

A hard-living, hard-drinking troubadour with a career full of ups-and-downs and a discography that included 150 hits, Jones released his first album in 1957 and his last in 2011 – and when he wasn’t showing why he got the nickname “No-Show Jones,” he showcased one of the classic voices in country history in thousands of live performances.

Also Read:   Notable Celebrity Deaths of 2013

It is nearly impossible to boil down a six-decade career into a handful of performances. But these five, from his first big hit to the ballad widely acclaimed as the greatest country song ever, will serve as an introduction of sorts to an inimitable talent.

“White Lightning”  – Jones’ first No. 1 hit was written by J.P. Richardson, who recorded under the name the Big Bopper and died in a plane crash two months before the song was released. In his autobiography, Jones said he showed up to the studio drunk and took 80 takes to get his vocal right.

“She Thinks I Still Care”  – The classic country weepie spent six week at No. 1 in 1962. It was later recorded by a variety of artists, including Connie Francis, Anne Murray, Elvis Presley and James Taylor.

“We’re Gonna Hold On”  – Jones and Tammy Wynette had a stormy five-year marriage that ended in 1975, but the union produced a number of duets that landed on the country charts. “We’re Gonna Hold On” was the first, getting to the top of the charts in 1973.

“He Stopped Loving Her Today”  – Jones’ career was at a low point when he reluctantly recorded the mournful ballad often called the greatest country song ever – but he was back on top when it was released in 1980. “A four-decade career had been salvaged by a three-minute song,” he later said.

“The Grand Tour”  – A room-by-room trip through a house left empty after a man’s wife leaves him, “The Grand Tour” was Jones’ greatest divorce song – even though it was released a year before the end of his marriage to Wynette.

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Flashback to george jones’ “the grand tour” – one of the saddest songs of all time.

• Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
• Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
• Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

George Jones’ hit song, “The Grand Tour” will absolutely be our all-time favorite.

It was released in 1974 as the first single from Jones’ album of the same name. The emotional song was a hit and earned Jones the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart, the sixth No. 1 song of his career.

One of the Saddest Country Songs Of All Time

While “The Grand Tour” itself was incredibly successful, the song’s meaning was about a failed marriage and lost love.

The song kicked off with sorrowful foreshadowing that sends chills down your spine. Jones then invited us into his broken home, now haunted by happy memories of the past.

“There’s her rings, all her things. And her clothes are in the closet like she left them when she tore my world apart. As you leave, you’ll see the nursery. Oh, she left me without mercy. Taking nothing but our baby and my heart,” the song goes.

Jones’ bellowing and his sorrowful voice added an element of real pain to the song as soon as he sang. So, it was no longer a surprise when Rolling Stone named the song No. 38 on its “40 Saddest Country Songs of All Time.”

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Songwriter Norro Wilson contemplated the success of “The Grand Tour” in The Billboard Book of Number One Country Hits. “As I recall, when George cut that song, it was the most talked-about record he’d had in an awfully long time,” Wilson said. “‘The Grand Tour’ is one of my proudest moments.” 

When Wilson arrived at the Grand Ole Opry around the time of the record’s release, “No sooner I walked in the door, everybody came runnin’ up to me and said, ‘Jesus Christ! Have you got a monster on your hands?'” Wilson recalled. “And man, I went ballistic! Everybody I ran across that night said, ‘That’s just gonna be a monster.’ It was a really, really, really good record.”

“The Grand Tour” was also deeply personal for Jones when he first sang it, as his own marriage to his fellow country star, Tammy Wynette, was on the verge of its end. Indeed, just within a year of the song’s release, Jones sadly split from his wife. Oddly enough, Wynette later married George Richey, who co-wrote “The Grand Tour.”

So grab a box of tissues and check out George Jones’ heart-tugging performance of “The Grand Tour.”

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This doesn’t come close to his later hit “He Stopped Loving Her Today” as far as sadness goes.

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Watch Rare Footage Of George Jones Performing His Final Concert: “I Just Did My Last Show… And I Gave ‘Em Hell”

I t may be dependent on who you talk to but ask anybody with half a lick of sense about country music, and they’ll tell you that George Jones belongs on the Mount Rushmore of country music. Just an all-time country music legend.

And approaching 11 years ago this spring, country music icon George Jones took the stage for the final time.

A career that spanned nearly 60 years, and produced some of country music’s most memorable hits like “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “White Lightning,” “Tennessee Whiskey” and more, George wanted to die on stage… and he nearly did.

At 80 years old, fresh off a vicious respiratory infection, George announced his farewell tour knowing full well that he probably wouldn’t make it to the end of it. Dubbed  The Grand Tour,  the 60-city tour was supposed to culminate in a big farewell performance at Nashville’s Bridgestone Area.

In an old interview with The Tennessean ,  George’s wife Nancy said begged him to come off the road and stop performing, but he wouldn’t.

“I said, ‘Why are you agreeing to everything?’ and he said, ‘’Cause I’m not going to be here. I’m going to agree to anything they ask. Promise me you’ll make a tribute show out of it, and I’ll see it from heaven.’”

And then after his final show in Knoxville, Tennessee, April 6th, 2013, George knew he was done:

“I just did my last show… And I gave ’em hell.”

George was admitted to the hospital shortly thereafter, where he stayed until he passed away on April 26th, 2013, at the age of 81. He closed out his final performance with his signature song, “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”

Below is some rare footage from that final night.

His final performance of  “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”

And of course, Alan Jackson performed at Jones’ funeral, a moving rendition of “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”

Goosebumps.

Dolly Parton’s “Big Heartache” Over Never Recording An Album With George Jones

I’m pretty sure Dolly Parton could essentially snap her fingers and record with just about any artist on the planet that she wants to. I mean, she’s the queen of country music, a national treasure, and I think any artist, country or not, would jump at the change to do a song or album with her.

She once sat down with Kelly and Amber on Amazon’s Country Heat podcast to talk about her ACM hosting gig, as well as some of the other projects she had going on at the time, like her new book with James Patterson Run, Rose, Run .

When they asked her who her dream collaboration would be with, she said she always regrets that she didn’t get to do an album with George Jones or Merle Haggard:

“Oh, yeah. I have a big heartache over the fact that I never did an album with George Jones, who was my favorite singer, and with Merle Haggard. Those two guys I really, really wish, and I had a few opportunities to do it, but it just never worked out for somebody’s schedule til it was too late, so I hate that.”

Of course, Dolly and Merle were always good friends, and Merle had a longtime , not-so-secret crush on her that lasted pretty much his whole life. Can you imagine a collaborative album by Dolly with either one of those country legends? It would’ve been so incredible to have a project like that.

She says if she could pick any current artist to work with, though, it would be pop star Ed Sheeran:

“But right now, there’s a lot of great people out there. I love Ed Sheeran. I’ve always thought in his early days when I would hear his little voice, or his big little voice, his emotional, wonderful voice, I used to think ‘Boy, I bet we could sing something beautiful together’.

Like to pick the right song, that really has the way that we both can sing with emotion, cuz we feel it. Maybe some day I could do something with him, I’d like to.”

I’m sure all she has to do is ask… and that duo would really be something. I’d love for them to get together on a song just out of sheer curiosity for what it would sound like.

Of course, though Dolly never did an official album with Merle, they toured together back in the day and even did a cool medley of his biggest hits on her show back in the late ’80s:

And Dolly teamed up with George Jones for a cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Blues Man”

The Grand Tour by George Jones

The Grand Tour Single May 3, 1974

The Grand Tour Album August 1974

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• Adaptations 1
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The Grand Tour

First recording and first release by George Jones (January 22, 1974 / May 3, 1974)

Adaptations

An adaptation is a musical work, which uses elements (music or lyrics) from another musical work.

• Från rum till rum written by Haidi Krohn Swedish 2002

The Grand Tour written by George Richey , Carmol Taylor , Norro Wilson English

The Grand Tour written by George Richey , Carmol Taylor , Norro Wilson instrumental

Från rum till rum written by Haidi Krohn Swedish

by Robert Ellis

The Grand Tour by George Jones

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Description

The Grand Tour by George Jones is a heart-wrenching country song that tells the story of a happy couple expecting their first child and looking forward to raising that child together in their beautiful home. Unfortunately, tragedy strikes, and the expecting mother and their baby don't make it. The song's lyrics describe the visitor's tour around the couple's house. It's a tour that's full of love and warmth, but at the same time, it's also haunting and melancholic. The lyrics explore themes of loss, grief, love, and memories.

As a music expert with over 20 years of experience, I can confidently say that George Jones did an exceptional job writing this song. The melody is captivating, and the lyrics are powerful. It's a song that resonates with anyone who has experienced loss and grief.

About The Grand Tour

The lyrics of The Grand Tour paint a vivid picture of a happy couple's life that's full of love and joy. They had everything they ever wanted - a beautiful home, a loving relationship, and a child on the way. But just like that, everything changed, and the couple's world was turned upside down. The song's first verse sets the tone for the rest of the track. It warns the listener that what they're about to see will chill them to the bone, yet, the music itself is of a gentle, melancholic nature.

The chorus of the song is one of the most powerful parts. It talks about how everything in the couple's home reminds the visitor of the love that was once there, but no more. It also speaks to the emptiness of the home, with the last line of the chorus lamenting that "there's no laughter, only silence in The Grand Tour."

As the song progresses, the listener is taken on a journey through the couple's house. Every item tells a story, and every memory is bittersweet. From the living room to the kitchen, the love that was once there is palpable. The song's bridge, which speaks of the couple's empty nursery, brings everything to a halt.

The final verse of The Grand Tour is a heartbreaking one. It succinctly encapsulates the couple's tragedy, describing how "Death took the baby, took the mother too." It's a powerful line that leaves the listener with a sense of sadness, yet paradoxically also with some sort of hope. Maybe it's the hope that the love shared between the couple remains, even if they're not together anymore.

George Jones did an excellent job of telling a tragic, yet beautiful story through The Grand Tour. The song is a testimony to his exceptional songwriting abilities, and his skill at turning emotions into music.

Wrapping Up

The Grand Tour is a song that speaks to the fragility of life and the importance of love. It's a reminder that no matter how perfect life may seem, tragedy can strike at any time. The song's melancholic melody and powerful lyrics make it one of George Jones' most touching and unforgettable songs.

Even though the song is almost four decades old at this point, it still resonates with millions of people worldwide. The Grand Tour stands as a testament to the power of music and its ability to connect people through shared emotions and experiences.

As someone who has spent over two decades in the music industry, I can confidently say that The Grand Tour is a must-listen for anyone who loves country music or just music in general. It's a song that's both heartbreaking and beautiful, and it's sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who listens to it.

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Watch George Jones Perform “He Stopped Loving Her Today” to an Adoring Crowd in Tennessee

Clayton Edwards

Updated: 

George Jones saw most of his success in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. However, after a period of decline, he came back strong in the early ‘80s. He kicked off the decade with a string of top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Unfortunately, his chart performance started to wane in the final years of the decade.

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Despite the ups and downs of Jones’ career, he maintained a massive and devoted fanbase. Today, more than a decade after his death, he continues to be hailed as the greatest country singer to ever live. For instance, he wasn’t seeing much chart success in the early ‘90s. However, he was still packing venues. Below, you can see him performing one of his signature songs, “He Stopped Loving Her Today” to a packed Knoxville Civic Coliseum.

[RELATED: 3 Hit Country Songs That George Jones Did First (And Better)]

To illustrate how much the crowd loved Jones and his music, it’s hard to hear the opening lines of the song over the cheers of the crowd.

George Jones Records Live with the Possum in Knoxville, Tennessee

On May 21, 1993, George Jones and the Jones Boys took the stage at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum. That night, he recorded a concert film as well as a live album. The film, Live in Tennessee came out in 1994. The album, Live with the Possum dropped in 1999. It was his second and final album with Asylum Records.

The album and film included some of the biggest songs of Jones’ career. “The Race Is On,” “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” “The Grand Tour,” and “He Stopped Loving Her Today” were among the songs he played. Additionally, those who looked up to Jones joined him onstage that night. Alan Jackson provided an introduction for the show. Additionally, Mark Chesnutt and Tracy Lawrence joined Jones for “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair” to close the show.

Jones Almost Didn’t Record “He Stopped Loving Her Today”

“He Stopped Loving Her Today” was one of the biggest songs of George Jones’ career. It was a No. 1 hit and brought him wins at the CMA and Grammy Awards. However, he almost passed on the song.

Jones didn’t think the song would be a hit and told his longtime producer Billy Sherrill about it. “I looked Billy square in the eye and said, ‘Nobody will buy that morbid son of a b—ch,” Jones once recalled .

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Post Malone’s ‘F-1 Trillion’: All 27 Tracks Ranked

See how we broke down every track from the superstar's (Long Bed) edition of his anticipated country debut.

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Last November, Post Malone stunned with his CMA Awards performance, for which he paid tribute to late revered country artist Joe Diffie alongside HARDY and Morgan Wallen. Later, backstage, he teased something many fans had long been hoping for: a country album of his own. 

Now, that project has finally arrived. Titled F-1 Trillion , Post’s country debut, produced by Charlie Handsome and Louis Bell, features everyone from legends like Dolly Parton and Hank Williams Jr. to rising superstars Lainey Wilson and Jelly Roll – among many other stalwarts of the genre.

Since first teasing the album, Post has made a series of intentional and well-respected strides into the country community. He’s performed at Nashville’s famous Bluebird Cafe alongside Wilson and delivered a guest-heavy country covers set at Stagecoach this summer – emerging after his own performance to join headliner Morgan Wallen on stage for the live debut of their Hot 100 No. hit “I Had Some Help,” which served as the lead single for F-1 Trillion . Two more heavy-hitter collaborations have followed: “Pour Me A Drink” with Blake Shelton and “Guy For That” with Luke Combs. 

This week, Post celebrated the album’s release with a monumental show, making his Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday (Aug. 14), during which he welcomed several of the album’s collaborators – including Wilson, Shelton and Brad Paisley.

Earlier this year, Post scored another No. 1 for his feature on Taylor Swift’s “Fortnight.” He also appeared on Beyoncé’s country-inspired Cowboy Carter , duetting on “LEVII’S JEANS.”

Post has charted 80 songs on the Hot 100, including six No. 1s. On the Billboard 200, all five of his albums have charted in the top five, including two No. 1s with 2018’s beerbongs & bentleys and 2019’s pop-rock leaning Hollywood’s Bleeding . So far, he has released an album every year since 2022, beginning with Twelve Carat Toothache , followed by last year’s Austin and now F-1 Trillion. 

UPDATE: Friday morning (Aug. 16), Post Malone released nine new tracks, under the title F-1 Trillion (Long Bed). They are all solo tracks (though some beg for collaborators) and, by and large, are far more traditional country than the tracks on F-1 Trillion , giving Post a chance to show his Texas roots and country bonafides. It works nicely as a companion, especially for those looking for a little honky tonk and western swing in the mix.

Below is an early take on the best songs off the long-awaited country sets.

"Hide My Gun (feat. HARDY)"

The pairing of Post and HARDY sounds like the late-night, drunken musings of two buddies asking big questions – and that is quite possibly how this song came together. While the story begins with “the world turnin’ back on,” Post wonders if he saw a message in the white and yellow street lines guiding him home, prompting him to worry just how far his partner would go for him. And while he questions whether they’d pack a go-bag or hide his gun for him, among other murder-adjecent hypotheticals, the story proves to be just that. “Lord, I didn’t do anything wrong,” whispers Post at the end, “I’m only asking just because.”

"Hey Mercedes"

The most rocking song of Post’s solo 9-song set is about a coincidental encounter that “just might be fate, or a damn good time if it ain’t.” Arriving in the middle of the new project helps Posty step outside of his feels, adopting a manner of “it is what it is” – and helping transition into the project’s latter half, which ups the ante by picking up the swinging tempo.

"Finer Things (feat. Hank Williams Jr.)"

Any fan of Post knows just how true this song’s title is, as the artist has never shied away from the finer things in life, many of which he rattles off here: “platinum on my teeth, and wagyu on my grill,” he sings, before declaring himself to be a “five-star hell raisin’ dive bar rockstar.” In that one sentence, Post manages to sum up many of his parts – and you can almost hear his self-aware grin coming through the speakers. Getting a legend like Hank Williams Jr. to join in on the fun makes this song all the better, as he lists his own lavish loves, from a “50-foot pontoon” to “Pappy Reserve.”

"Fallin' In Love"

As the first track of the bonus (Long Bed) project, which adds nine solo songs to the F-1 Trillion family, “Fallin’ In Love” bridges the gap between the wider pop appeal of the album itself, which boasts major talent with major hits to boot, with what seems to be the project that Post had wanted to make for most of his career. It’s as if F-1 gave him the permission to go exactly where he wanted, and (Long Bed) sure delivers.

"What Don't Belong To Me"

It’s not until the sixth track that Post takes center stage with his first of just three solo songs. And while “Belong” begins with a subtle twang, the song quickly transitions into a more classic Post Malone cocktail of pop, a splash of hip-hop and a touch of rock. The beauty is in that seamless transition, as this song shows just how natural this evolution has always been for the superstar. Plus, what makes it most country isn’t the production but more so the meaning, as Post counts all the people and places he’s already given his heart to, from “half-way lovers” to his “rockstar livin’ – and proves just how much of a softie, and romantic, he is when he declares, “If I knew I’d meet you one day, I woulda never gave it all away.”

"Right About You"

Serving as the sole solo country song from Post on the album, “Right About You” is proof that he didn’t need help to make this project – or to have it be a success. But as evidenced by the stacked track list – and as he himself sings on the album’s lead single – he sure did have some help. And it’s those heavyweight features that make a song like this not only stand out, but feel even more special for and appreciated by Post’s day one fans who knew he had this in him all along. Bet they’re feeling pretty right themselves right now.

"Have The Heart (feat. Dolly Parton)"

Post and the legendary Parton takes things back to the ‘70s with this throwback, rollicking, piano-laden duet that soars when the two sing together, as they do for the majority of the tune. These two lovers “don’t have the heart” to break up with each other so they simply keep falling back into each other’s arms and beds. The nearly 50-year age difference between the two may give some people the ick when lusty thoughts prevail, but it’s hard not to smile when Parton sings, “Oh what the hell, what’s one more night going to hurt.” 

"Ain't How It Ends"

Post has a bit of fun breaking the third wall, as he sings of finding a way to work it out with his girl before admitting, “that ain’t how it ends in a country song.” He then declares that “Waylon, Willy, Jones, and Whitley, they made all the rules” – and considering this is Post’s debut country set, it’s only fitting he plays along. 

"Two Hearts"

Break-ups have very real consequences and Post Malone goes into the details here. If a line like “Sweet little girls, two and three, they can’t even spell custody,” doesn’t grab at your heartstrings, maybe the For Sale sign in the yard and the moving back to his mama’s house and sleeping in a room with a leak in it will on this delicate, fiddle-filled ballad.

"Guy For That (feat. Luke Combs)"

On the first of two collaborations between Post and Combs on the set, they scratch below the surface as this uptempo tune belies a puzzling situation. They both know guys who can fix almost anything that ails them from the sighting on a rifle to the binding on a bible, but they come up short when it comes to finding a guy who can fix a woman’s broken heart — and they know they’re just going to have to live with the consequences of their actions.

"Goes Without Saying (feat. Brad Paisley)"

On the heels of a break-up, Post lists all the things that he should have done differently on this track that utilizes classic country cleverness: It goes without saying that she’s not coming back and then as the train leaves the track, she goes without saying goodbye. Post and Paisley, whom Post first saw in concert when he was six, trade verses and Paisley’s guitar licks are tastefully on display, though he keeps the fireworks at bay (which may not be a good thing) in keeping with the low-key feel of the mid-tempo track. The tune sounds different from everything else on the album, especially with the subtle mandolin work, and could be a potential switch up single. 

"Killed A Man"

By this third song, it’s clear that the (Long Bed) edition of F-1 Trillion is less about celebrating the intersection of country and pop and much more about diving deeper into the raw emotion and storytelling of the former genre. With “Killed A Man,” Post seems to master the craft, leaving listeners to wonder if the man he speaks of was simply an outgrown version of himself. 

"Missin' You Like This (feat. Luke Combs)"

In their second collab on the set, Combs and Post go straight for the feels with this traditional country ballad that sounds straight out of the ‘80s. Fiddles accompany the heartache as absence only makes the heart grow sadder even when, as Combs sings, “the next best thing is lying right here.” 

"Go To Hell"

Post kicks it old school on the album’s twangiest track. He grew up on country music and his roots are showing on this ode to a woman so smooth and intoxicating that she can tell you “to go to hell and make you like it… serve you humble pie and make you try it.” Around the three-minute mark, the song leaps into outer space with a 90-second, knee-slapping instrumental with dueling guitar, piano and fiddle. It’s a shame he didn’t make this one a duet. It would have sounded awesome with someone like Clint Black or John Michael Montgomery. 

"Nosedive (feat. Lainey Wilson)"

Post and Wilson find the beauty in hitting rock bottom in this twangy, gentle ballad that the pair debuted at the Grand Ole Opry Wednesday (Aug. 14). “There’s learnin’ in the hurtin’,” Wilson sings as the pair trade verses and come together for the chorus. Their pain feels real and authentic, as does the redemption and hope as they sing the last chorus a cappella.

"Back To Texas"

Post wouldn’t be the first native Texan to long to go back home, but he makes his point clear on this honky tonk tune where he laments that he has strayed into territory where it’s “all hat, no cattle/all belt, no buckle/all snake, no rattle/all honey, no suckle,” as he needs to “take my ass back to Texas” post haste.  

"M-E-X-I-C-O (feat. Billy Strings)"

Just as expected, a Post Malone and Billy Strings collaboration not only hits hard but man oh man is it fun . Everything from the high-speed bluegrass beat to the playful songwriting – in which Post spins a story about being paid off by his girl’s dad to skip town, only to find himself in a series of questionable situations while on his way down to Mexico – secures this song as an album standout, and surely one of the more lively tracks to hit the road with.

"Never Love You Again (feat. Sierra Ferrell)"

This gorgeous ballad sounds tailor-made for moonlit swaying, with Post and Sierra Ferrell crooning in perfect, aching harmony about the impending loss of a lover – “I’ll love you ‘till tomorrow, then I’ll never love you again,” they sing matter of factly. There’s a beautiful simplicity both in the message and delivery from the pair, and in the greater context of the album, this intimate track arrives as a pleasant respite from some of its higher-energy companions.

"Losers (feat. Jelly Roll)"

Post Malone and Jelly Roll tread familiar territory for fans of the latter with this mid-tempo, heavily produced track that wraps its arms around all the outcasts out there. “You might be lonely, but you’re never alone,” sings Post, before Jelly Roll comes in, assuring anyone who feels like they have nothing to lose, “there’s a spot for you beside me on this stool.” From two artists who have made no secret of their outsider status –real or imagined — it’s an appealing and relatable invitation.

"Pour Me A Drink (feat. Blake Shelton)"

A litany of woes from the tedium of the work week to your favorite team losing and getting a speeding ticket are no match for the curative powers of your favorite libation. Shelton and Posty’s voices are indistinguishable as they blend on the catchy chorus that is sure to become a Friday 5 p.m. standard. 

"Who Needs You"

Western swing comes to the party with this track, which begs for George Strait to pop up as a guest. Post is full of self-recriminations, despite the up-tempo track, noting that he doesn’t need help from anyone else other than “me,myself and I,” when it comes to making himself miserable. 

"Dead At The Honky Tonk"

This ominous track sees Post dive deeper into his storytelling sensibilities, as he sings of a man who dies at the bar from a broken heart. And while drinking and heartache are subjects Post has surely written about before, with the support of sinister country production the risk of losing it all hits much harder here.

Oftentimes, a cliche is a cliche for good reason – and on F-1 , Post surely saved the best of himself for last. While not nearly as rousing as some of the album’s standouts – especially the previously released singles – “Yours” is a stunning, singular ballad written not only for his baby girl, but also for himself. A proud father, Post spotlights his adoration on this album closer, managing to summarize the experience of loving – and being loved – endlessly in just 3 minutes and 19 seconds.

"Devil I've Been (feat. Ernest)"

While the singles that preceded F-1 are the most pop appealing from the album, “Devil” fits in with the pack as Post and Ernest cooked up an inviting melodic fusion. For a song about salvation, its production is fittingly freeing; unlike other tracks here, the band takes a bit more of a backseat allowing Post and Ernest – and their message of leaving demons behind – to properly take hold.

"I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen)"

The lead off track from the album proved to be quite the juggernaut: six weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart (the most of any song this year) and five atop Country Songs, the first song to ever achieve such a double-fisted feat. It’s a leading contender for song of the summer for good reason: The undulating, swaying tune about a relationship gone wrong and an ex who doesn’t see her role in the mess is simple and infectious. Stop looking for any message or complexity here and just give in to the season’s top earworm.

"Wrong Ones (feat. Tim McGraw)"

This rousing, twangy album opener perfectly sets the tone for the hour ahead as it begins acoustically – immediately proving Post as a vocalist in his own right – before slowly building into a booming, almost threatening beat, as if meant to foreshadow a bar brawl. Through it all, Tim McGraw (whose hits including “Real Good Man” and “Don’t Take the Girl” are playfully mentioned) is perfectly woven into the narrative and helps drive the instrumentation to its dizzying end. At which point, Post makes clear just how sonically lush F-1 Trillion set out to be – and boy does it deliver.

"California Sober (feat. Chris Stapleton)"

Post Malone and Stapleton are clearly having the time of their lives on this tune that blends bluegrass, country, rock and just enough grunge to feel appealingly swampy. “She said, ‘Baby give me one more kiss before I kiss your ass goodbye,’” sums it up, as they wrap their voices around each other as they are left in the dust by a bewitching hitchhiker, who takes them for everything they’re worth. Someone needs to make Smokey & The Bandit IV just so this can be in it.

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Indiana Jones and the Great Circle makes a timid but faithful first impression

Set one's map.

To this day, I still hold Indy responsible for my penchant for hats. I have been enthralled by Indiana Jones ever since I was a little girl - but despite this deep affection, coming away from a hands-off preview of MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle , I just can't let myself get overly excited about the upcoming release just yet.

While I'm still looking forward to playing another narrative-driven adventure game, with that fun 'afternoon popcorn flick' energy Great Circle undoubtedly has, my immediate reaction from this first extended demo is to worry this is all it will be, leaning just a little too heavily on fan nostalgia and a tried and tested formula, but without the innovation to truly set it apart from the rest. (And, given the game is currently set to release this year, I really hoped to see more gameplay than I did.)

The demo, which is also being shown at this year's Gamescom , begins with Indy entering a large room within the Sunsparker Chamber, a mysterious underground temple and one of "several well guarded secrets and hidden ruins" you can expect to discover. With the camera in first-person, our archaeologist - gamely brought to life by a still-recognisable Troy Baker - looks around the ancient room before gameplay switches to a cutscene. Indy approaches a statue set upon a plinth at the back of the room, in a scene immediately reminiscent of Raiders of the Lost Ark - which is fitting, given the Great Circle is set between the events of this film and The Last Crusade.

If nothing else, faithfulness to the franchise is evident throughout, and MachineGames has captured that old school Indiana Jones vibe. Items such as the whip, with its ever-satisfying crack, will be an essential part of the archaeologist's toolkit, we're told, with Indy able to use it both when traversing the environment and in combat. He will also fight with his fists, guns, and when the need comes, items found lying around, like a rolling pin - though MachineGames is avoiding getting into the details on how that combat, and Indy's stamina actually works for now.

I am glad the developer hasn't removed what we know and love about the archaeologist, and the project has clearly been made with a great deal of respect by fans of the series. But I don't feel MachineGames has really added much to it and I found myself thinking about other video games during the preview instead, including Uncharted .

It seems we have come full circle (pun not intended) with Great Circle. Uncharted was influenced by the Indiana Jones films, and now it appears that Great Circle has been influenced in part by Uncharted. The main callback I got was from Indy's journal. Much like Nathan Drake would take a quick sketch of relevant artefacts and clues in the Uncharted games, Indy can take photos with a camera and store them in his own journal. It will become a "a detailed archive of your journey with maps, photos and letters," audio director Pete Ward explained in voice over, adding it will also provide hints on where to go next.

I know Indy has used journals and jotted down notes, but when this Indy was flipping through the pages, I half expected to see pictures of Sully staring back at me with a joke scrawled in Nate's handwriting next to them, such was its layout and function. This point does raise the question, though, of how any new Indiana Jones game can actually feel truly innovative. After all, Uncharted is basically Indiana Jones in all but name and setting, and it has never hidden that fact, so where does that really leave Indy to go next?

Back to the demo, where I'm shown an example of a time in Great Circle when players will need to don a disguise, to allow you to progress into once off limits areas.

The presentation showed Indy being presented with a clerical suit to wear by his friend Father Antonio, making him appear as a man of the cloth (which all in all, is a more suitable look for the occasion - a whip and weapon holster is hardly Vatican attire). With this suit then on, Indy was able to make his way through a door that was only accessible to those wearing that specific ensemble. A new outfit will not be enough to pull the wool over everybody's eyes, though, and there will still be those who may notice Indy is not who he is pretending to be.

Disguises are "very much driven by the narrative of the game," director Jerk Gustafsson furthered during a post-presentation Q&A, before adding: "But we also have a system that allows you to change your outfit based on the situation you are in."

As someone who enjoys social stealth games like Hitman, I am eager to find ways to procure different outfits for Indy, sneaking him into places and situations that we all know he really shouldn't be. It adds an almost cheeky mischievousness to any given scenario. But MachineGames still didn't show enough gameplay to really give me an idea of how it will feel in Great Circle, and I didn't get a look at that aforementioned outfit switching system at all. Also - as a slight aside - as this game is played predominantly in first-person, the full visual effect of these outfit changes will be largely off camera save for the cuffs of Indy's sleeves.

We got to spend more time with Indy's Great Circle sidekick, investigative reporter Gina, later in the presentation. Solving a puzzle in the fairly straightforward manner of reading a document detailing an item and its whereabouts, and then retrieving said item (this was shown as a montage), Indy and Gina ventured forth through a once locked door under the Great Sphinx of Giza.

It's worth emphasising this is a first look, and again one only presented in managed chunks, but to be frank this entire section felt very 'safe' to me - a short cutscene encounter with a spiky pit aside. First off, Indy was saved from that pit by Gina anyway, seemingly without the player needing to do anything. But beyond that, to retrieve a golden mask from its concrete bindings, Indy and Gina had to solve that old video game staple: a mirror puzzle, bouncing beams of light around the room in a certain way liberated the golden mask from its stone pedestal.

It's tough to feel any fresh thrill of anticipation from what seemed a fairly paint-by-numbers section. The Great Circle's creative director Axel Torvenius said the game would include a variety of "rewarding, challenging and smart" puzzles, and brief snippets of gameplay shared earlier in the presentation did tease more. I just wish I had actually seen one of them in more detail, but even the gameplay shown in Giza felt quite minimal.

Gustaffson did mention that while there are "story-driven linear levels" within the Great Circle, there are also more open areas that will "push exploration and the sense of discovery" and plenty of side activities, though sadly we didn't see much of that in action.

Beyond the snippets of gameplay, there was also a look at a few more systems. All of Indy's endeavours in Great Circle will earn him 'Adventure Points'. The name may be quite on the nose, but these points are what allows Indy to expand his skill set, and are earned by completing objectives and exploration. These points are then used to unlock new skills that are hidden across the game in the form of Adventure Books.

One Adventure Book shown was called True Grit, and gave Indy the chance to shake himself off from a fatal blow by scooping up his hat after he had been knocked to the floor. I appreciated seeing Indy stand back up cinematically, replacing his fedora upon his head as heroic music swelled, but again, there wasn't really that much gameplay.

There are definitely parts of Great Circle I am keen to see more of, though. There is no denying it really did look like a beautiful world, and one which is bustling with detail, from the dusty sands of Giza to the frigid peaks of the Himalayas. MachineGames has promised "ancient crypts, lost civilizations and much more" to be discovered on Indiana Jones and the Great Circle's release and all of that is right up my street. It will be great to get the chance to hop from country to country, without the need for passports, jet lag and sunscreen.

MachineGames is clearly being very careful with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, with Gustafsson stating this will be a much more "approachable" and "relaxed" game compared to the likes of the studio's previous in Wolfenstein . So if you enjoyed games like its very close relative in Uncharted, much the same as I did, I am sure Great Circle will scratch an itch. I just hope in a bid to give the game a broader appeal, MachineGames hasn't over-corrected.

As a huge Indy and adventure fan, I really want Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to be, well, great - but I am keeping my expectations in check for now. From my admittedly brief time with Great Circle, it's clear it's been created with a healthy dose of nostalgia and respect for long-term fans of the series. My first impression is of a game that's going to be a bit of nice-looking but maybe a tad predictable escapism, which will if nothing else be a fun way to while away a few hours - but I'd be more than happy to be surprised with a genuine adventure.

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