If I Could Go Back by Billy Yates: A Heartfelt Ride Through Country Roots
Billy Yates’ If I Could Go Back isn’t just an album—it’s a front-porch chat, a slow drive down dusty roads, and the kind of record that makes you wanna call up someone from your past. Released in 2002 under M.O.D. Record Label, this gem falls squarely into the Country genre but carries enough Folk grit to feel like home no matter where you’re from. It doesn’t try too hard; it just is. And sometimes, that’s all we need.
The tracklist hits all the right notes for anyone who loves raw storytelling with a twang. Two songs stuck with me more than the rest—like old friends I hadn’t seen in years but couldn’t forget if I tried.
First off, there’s “Daddy Had a Cardiac and Mama’s Got a Cadillac.” What a title, right? The song is pure gold because it’s so dang relatable (if you’ve ever had quirky family stories) and yet totally specific at the same time. You can picture every scene he sings about—the chaos, the laughter, maybe even the tears. It’s not flashy or overproduced, just honest lyrics wrapped around simple chords. There’s something comforting about how Billy tells these tales without sugarcoating anything. He lets life be messy, funny, sad—all of it—and somehow, it feels exactly like sitting across from him while he shares his own memories.
Then there’s “Too Country and Proud of It,” which feels like a rebel yell wrapped in steel guitar riffs. This one gets me every time because it reminds me why I fell in love with country music in the first place. It’s unapologetic, loud, proud, and real. Billy doesn’t care if you think he’s too country—he owns it. By the second chorus, you’re ready to grab a cowboy hat and stomp your boots along with him. It’s the kind of anthem that stays stuck in your head long after the needle lifts off the record.
What strikes me most about this album is its lack of pretense. Billy doesn’t come across as some polished Nashville star chasing fame. Nope, he’s just a guy telling stories, sharing truths, and letting the music speak for itself. Tracks like “As the Crow Flies” and “They Don’t Make Us Like They Used To” dig deep into nostalgia, reminding us of simpler times when people were tougher, prouder, and maybe a little less complicated.
But here’s the thing—I didn’t expect to laugh out loud while listening to this album. Not full-on belly laughs, but those quiet chuckles you get when something rings so true it catches you off guard. Billy has this way of sneaking humor into heartache, making both feel lighter somehow.
So yeah, If I Could Go Back might not change your world overnight, but it’ll settle into your soul like a good pair of worn-in jeans. In a world obsessed with trends and TikTok hits, Billy Yates reminds us what real music sounds like. Funny enough, though, halfway through writing this review, I realized my dog was wagging his tail to “Too Country and Proud of It.” Guess even pups know good country when they hear it.
