Chris Young released the latest track off his forthcoming record in an unplanned move on Friday (February 2). He switched gears and opted to debut it early as a “thank you” to his fans for their support after his recent arrest and dropped charges. “Double Down,” a “fast-tracked” anthem — written by Monty Criswell, Derek George and Tyler Reeve — is the latest song to release from the 18-track project, following “Right Now,” the David Bowie-inspired title track and other highlights.
“Double down on a good time/ Paint the town, talkin’ real bright/ Neon redneck, head bobbin’/ To the hell yeah, honky tonk sound/ Get a little loud, stomp your boot heels/ Talkin’ plowed like a cornfield/ Two steppin’ shuffle, thumb on your buckle/ Raisin’ up trouble/ There goes another double down/ Double down, down, down”
Young, 38, announced in a video on Instagram on Thursday (February 1): “Hey guys. So, I just wanted to say something. I’m still processing a lot through the false accusations and everything that went on the past week. But I wanted to say, first and foremost, thank you to everybody that had my back. It meant the world to me, and I had so many friends and fans reach out and just say, ‘we got you,’ ‘we don’t believe you did any of this.’ So, it’s really nice to see the charges get dismissed. Not something I wish anybody has to go through ever. But, like I said, the bright spot was seeing just all the love and support. So, what I wanted to do, as a ‘thank you’ to you guys — because this was not planned — is drop a new song from the album, so you guys will have something to listen to. So, we’re gonna put out ‘Double Down’ at midnight, and I really hope you guys enjoy this one. Crank it up, enjoy it and again, I appreciate you. I love you. Thank you.”
Young was accused of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and assault on an officer, following a run-in with Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents at a bar in Nashville, Tennessee. He was cleared of all charges days later, Nashville District Attorney Glenn Funk confirmed, after reviewing evidence in the case, including surveillance videos from the bar.
Young recently announced that his ninth full-length studio album, Young Love & Saturday Nights, will release on March 22. The following month, he kicks off his headlining “Young Love & Saturday Nights Tour 2024,” with special guest Bryan Martin.
“I’ve been living with it for so long, I’m so excited for people to actually be able to dig into it and hear all of it as a whole as opposed to one or two teaser clips,” Young said of Young Love & Saturday Nights in a previous interview with iHeartCountry, before he’d announced the album title and other details. “It’s always fun to post that stuff, but I want people to really dive into this album and enjoy the work that we’ve put into it.
“I know it’s gonna sound cliché, but this is one of my favorite projects I’ve ever made,” he continued. “If there was actually any inspiration for me being fired up and working on myself, it would probably be that the music is so good. I’m really, really proud of this project. I want people to hear it.”
Listen to “Double Down” here, and see the full album track list below.
1. Looking for You
2. All Dogs Go to Heaven
3. Young Love & Saturday Nights
4. Don't Call Me
5. What She Sees in Me
6. Country Boy's Prayer
7. Double Down
8. Call It a Day
9. Drink to Remember
10. Don't Stop Now
11. Fall Out
12. Fire
13. Gettin' Older
14. Right Now
15. Million Miles
16. Everybody Grew Up
17. Knee Deep in Neon
18. Down