The Red and Black

Issue date: 9/27/07 Section: Out & About

Media Credit: COURTESY COREY SMITH Jefferson native Corey Smith returns to Georgia tonight for a two-show stand at The Classic Center. The Southern storyteller's newest CD, "Hard Headed Fool," was released Tuesday. [Click to enlarge]

"Every Dawg" can have its own day with Corey Smith's homecoming to Athens this weekend, as the Classic City's own pride and joy ventures back into town for two shows at The Classic Center beginning tonight.

Smith's latest album, "Hard Headed Fool," released Tuesday, will be the focus of the show. Fans can expect a more instrumental show, similar to the new album, as well as a section of acoustic favorites like "Twenty-One" and "Every Dawg."

As Smith continues to mature, his music reflects his changing lifestyle.

"The style and songwriting are the same, still very real and genuine," he said. "As I've gotten older and had kids, my music reflects this."

The new album reflects the change of pace for the University alumnus.

"The drinking and partying references are still in my songwriting, but overall the content is more mature," Smith said. "The production [on the album] is a lot bigger with more instruments because of more resources and money available."

With tour dates booked all over the Southeast, the songs tend to reflect life on the road - especially the song "I'm No Hank Williams," which Smith describes as "one of my favorites off of the new album."

"[The song] really conveys the struggles I've experienced as a full-time musician," he said.

With lyrics like "I'd skip every class/At least two days a week/I didn't need a lecture/Near as much as the sleep," it's no wonder college students across the nation can relate to Smith - even the dreaded Florida fans.

"As a football fan, I'm not a fan of Florida," Smith said while describing an unusual experience during a concert after a pep rally in Gainesville. "I didn't play my song 'Every Dawg' at the concert, for obvious reasons. But as I walked offstage, the crowd starting chanting 'Every Dawg.' I felt like the universe turned upside down on me."

Smith has learned to use college football as a common Southern connection with his fans.

"One thing I've learned since touring is that there are people like me in every town. They love their schools and their teams," Smith said.

Although he enjoys his unpredictable lifestyle, Smith admits "it feels like home" when he plays in Athens.

"Having my family, my college roommate and familiar faces in the audience is something I don't get anywhere else. It used to always be like that - knowing the whole crowd, eating at my favorite restaurants and then driving home after the show."

Smith looks forward to returning to The Classic Center, where he sold out his last appearance.

"The show at The Classic Center last year was one of my most memorable of all time, and the crowd [tonight] can expect a good time," he said. "A show at The Classic Center is one you don't want to end."

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