Brooks & Dunn’s REBOOT II: A Genre-Bending Tribute to Timeless Classics

It takes a special kind of musical legacy to hand over the keys to 18 of your most iconic songs and say, “Do whatever you want.” Yet that’s exactly what Brooks & Dunn have done with REBOOT II, the highly anticipated sequel to their 2019 collaborative album, REBOOT. This time around, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn have invited a bold and eclectic lineup of today’s genre-bending powerhouses to reimagine their classic hits, and the results are as diverse as they are exhilarating.

Credit Matthew Berinato

When the duo sat down with All Country News and other outlets, they shared the excitement and unpredictability that came with watching each artist interpret their music in wildly different ways. As Kix Brooks puts it, “The joy of making this record was in seeing how far these artists could take our songs, even to places we would never have imagined.” From the swampy, Southern grit of The Cadillac Three’s take on the deep cut ““She Likes to Get Out of Town” to Warren Zeiders’ unexpectedly grungy spin on “Brand New Man”—which Ronnie described as having “a touch of Nirvana”—each track transforms the familiar into something brand new.

Kix and Ronnie reveled in the moments that surprised them most. One standout for Brooks was Cadillac Three’s rendition of “She Likes to Get Out of Town.” “When Jaren [Johnston] and the guys cranked that one up, Ronnie and I just looked at each other like, ‘Okay, here we go,’” Brooks shared, grinning. The reimagined version dives deep into swamp rock territory, as murky and mesmerizing as it gets, offering a fresh take on a song that never reached hit status but feels reborn here.

Ronnie Dunn highlighted the unconventional charm of Hailey Whitters’ “She’s Not the Cheatin’ Kind.” Whitters transformed the honky-tonk classic into what she calls “lonely disco cowgirl,” a vibe that drips with neon-lit nostalgia and an undeniable danceability. On the other end of the spectrum, Halestorm’s version of “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” cranks up the metal energy, proving that line dancing and headbanging can, in fact, coexist. Meanwhile, HARDY’s hard-hitting rework of “Hillbilly Deluxe” is as rowdy and raucous as you’d expect from one of country’s favorite rule-breakers.

The beauty of REBOOT II lies in its fearless genre experimentation. The album is a genre chameleon, transforming classic country anthems into modern marvels that span progressive country, gritty metal, orchestral pop, and beyond. Megan Moroney brings her signature sweet, Southern charm to “Ain't Nothing Bout You,” while Mitchell Tenpenny’s heartfelt reinterpretation of “That Ain’t No Way to Go” is drenched in emotional depth. The Cadillac Three, Halestorm, Warren Zeiders, and others have boldly stepped into the ring, not just paying homage to Brooks & Dunn’s legacy but reshaping it for a new generation.

Brooks & Dunn have always been trailblazers, and REBOOT II is further proof of their enduring influence and willingness to evolve. This project feels like a masterclass in collaboration, a triumphant handoff of the torch to artists who have undoubtedly been inspired by the duo’s unparalleled impact. As Ronnie Dunn put it, “You know, it’s a cool jam. It’s just not a place we would have naturally taken it.”

In an industry that’s often hesitant to embrace change, Brooks & Dunn’s willingness to give full creative freedom to a roster of innovative musicians is not only refreshing but inspiring. It’s an all inclusive pleaser. REBOOT II stands as a celebration of musical diversity and a testament to the duo’s lasting imprint on country music. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime project that proves the magic of Music City is best when shared—and reimagined—with the world.