Cory Threatt – Eyes Above the Skyline – Album Review

When is it time to finally release an album after working on – and in – music for years? When the time feels right, of course. Country artist Cory Threatt got his start in a cover band, but over time, began crafting his own earnest tunes. And after the dissolution of a band built specifically to express his original music, he took an extended break…but never stopped writing. With the always present urge to create and perform, Cory reemerged a proactive, determined artist, taking any and all solo gigs, and finally buckling down to record his very first album: Eyes Above the Skyline.

Ready to listen to Cory Threatt’s long-gestating collection of moving and relatable country-western music? Let’s listen, and hit the highlights.

Wait. Who does what?

Although he performs solo, Cory recruited additional and trusted talent for the album’s recording:

Cory Threatt’s cousin, Ryan Deese, tackles guitar; Karlie Weishoff belts backing vocals and pushes with graceful assuredness the piano; and producer Chris Suter provides diligent drums and percussion.

We asked Cory about the meaning behind, and/or the inspiration for Eyes Above the Skyline. He was happy to oblige.

Per Cory, “Most of the songs (6) were written specifically for this album and were true to my normal writing style of treating the songs more like an author treats a book – starting with

a central idea and running with it until something feels right. Very few of my songs are overly personal or, rather, based on personal experiences. They’ll have a few personal touches here and there but I’ve never been an autobiographical writer. I like to make it less about me so it’s (hopefully) more universally relatable to anyone who listens to it. The other 4 songs were songs that I had in my catalog from the last few years and really liked so I felt this first record would be a good home for them.”

And now….

Listening, and talking about it (i.e., hitting the highlights).

Eyes Above the Skyline begins with “Driven.” It’s assertive, urgent guitar strumming and light, space-gluing organ. What strikes me is Cory’s voice – it’s clean, strong, familiar but unique. It flows with a slight warble, like a rolling stream slapping kindly against a bundle of small stones, like sparse revelations of vulnerability mixed with Cory’s whole-throat delivery.

And the chorus? A surprising chord change that lifts the song’s emotional temerity. This is an excellent, actually quite amazing album introduction!

“I Drink Alone” is another energetic runner. And it’s a run-through of some isolationist leanings, but the chorus, another surprise and welcome chord change, seems to express a tenacious urge to be found regardless of an apparent steadfast preference.

And as quickly as it started, the song swigs a final drink, and bolts hastily from the bar with a final, no-time-for-small-talk chord.

“Runway in Reverse” seems a standard blues/country affair, but Cory’s vocal delivery and more melancholic chord choices make this one especially and uniquely emotive. And here, like the rest of the album, the recording, mixing, and production provide a perfect aural experience by balancing pristine separation with a collective, song-conscious spacial blending.

“Later On” is playful descending chords, springy, desert-glazed guitar notes, and a melodic/ vocal cadence reminding me of a lost song from George Harrison’s solo output. This is especially powerful, desperate but reined in. In pain, but perhaps always willing to belt a chuckle. Cory’s voice is especially effective and compassionate here, solidifying “Later On” as my personal favorite.

“Movie Star” is a midtempo and assertive track entering with bending, floating guitar notes. And after the verse’s muted picking, the chorus hits with dipping and rising chords; a darkness or obstacle emerges, but tenacious travels resume regardless. Cory Threatt’s choruses, a pattern I’m happy to identify and thoroughly enjoy, are emotionally potent, unexpected, relatable sing-along-inducing moments of heart-provoking genius. Yup.

“Small Town Celebrity” is a punchy little track; it’s a lighter affair, but ebbs with seriousness regarding a perhaps fallen hometown hero. Its story relatable, its drive consistent, “Small Town Celebrity” tells the tale of local winners who may never beat the wider world.

Eyes Above the Skyline concludes with “Train” – the universal, Americana-baked symbol for travel, new destinations, and perhaps tearful departures; and “Train” musically illustrates the latter. This is a slower affair carried by a spacious, small town instrumental lament. Cory’s voice plays all the feelings – the deprivation, the longing, and the nurturing of a small grain of acceptance that initially grinds and cuts, but through time and pain, forms a newly solid emotional grounding.

Subtle synth voices offer a hint of feminine, or perhaps angelic understanding; it’s a musical, unconditional cradling anchoring one against the quiet, cold rushes of indefinite sadness. So, is “Train” an effective album ender? Eeeeyep. It’s a farewell and a loss that lingers, but it clings to a subtly stitched hope securing the somewhat tenuous potential for an eventual return.

But is it good?

You asked, so I’ll answer: This is the best new country music released in 2025, hands down – because it’s not the same, overproduced, written-by-17-people, safe and predictable country music proliferating popular playlists. In the infinitely swelling and overcrowded seas of a million new and painfully formulaic artists, Cory Threatt is the real deal. Sure, the instrumentation sounds familiar, but from this recognizable foundation springs an uncommonly fresh, genuinely felt, and powerfully sung architecture — a true voice with a truly captivating voice (get it?). If you’re looking for something new — something moving, thoroughly considered, and thoughtfully made – you need to grab Cory Threatt’s latest (and first) album, Eyes Above the Skyline. Because after those first few notes, you’ll never again dismiss the urge to always look up. RECOMMENDED, 100 out of 100 stars, and one of the best darn debuts I’ve heard in quite some time. Translation: It’s absolutely worth the wait.

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BELOW: Listen to Cory Threatt and check him out on Soundcloud, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Apple Music. Please support Cory Threatt by visiting his website and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music. And, as always, thank you for supporting real music.