Corey Kent’s Black Bandana: A Personal Triumph and Rallying Cry

Corey Kent has always been the underdog’s champion, and his sophomore album, Black Bandana, is a testament to relentless determination. From his early days on a singing competition show to selling his home to chase a dream that most would abandon, Kent’s journey has been nothing short of relentless. In his latest album, he’s not just telling stories—he’s rallying those who, like him, refuse to wave the white flag.

Corey Kent Photo Credit Dayna White.

In a recent interview with All Country News, Corey Kent opened up about the inspiration behind Black Bandana and the deeply personal meaning the album holds for him. Naming the album was no small task. Kent knew the pressure of a sophomore release, and he didn’t want to simply ride the wave of his hit single “Wild As Her.” He sought a way to connect more intimately with his fans. That connection manifested in the black bandana he’s worn for a decade while riding motorcycles, an accessory that became an unexpected mantra for the album.

As Kent tells it, the idea for the title song was sparked by a conversation with his friend and co-writer Brett Tyler, who also co-wrote “Wild As Her.” “Brett said, ‘I wanna write this song called Black Bandana with you. I think it’s kind of your thing.’ We were at my ranch in Texas, just staring out the window at real life happening—my wife and kids out riding four-wheelers and horses. Then, the lightbulb went off. We asked, ‘What’s the opposite of a black bandana?’ And we realized—a white flag. That was the most pure idea we could’ve had. It became more than just a song. It’s a rally cry for those who chase their dreams relentlessly.”

Corey had to fight for this song, especially as the album had been on a different course before it. Originally titled Bixby, after his hometown, the record was completely upended by the writing of Black Bandana. “The day we finished writing Black Bandana, I looked at my co-writers and said, ‘We’ve got to reassess everything.’ This was the message that had to come next, no question. I renamed the whole record, pushed Bixby to the next one, and built everything around Black Bandana.”

A Family Favorite and a Showcase of Versatility

A father of three, Corey admits his kids’ favorite track is the second song on the album, “Damn Good Country Song.” This track combines his flawless vocal delivery with a sonic landscape that proves he’s no one-trick pony. It’s a love song with a twist, one that highlights Kent’s creativity and versatility as an artist.

Each of the ten tracks on Black Bandana feels like an entry in Kent’s personal diary, from the autobiographical “Never Ready” to the nostalgic “Nothing But Neon.” Kent’s storytelling is unmatched, finding new, innovative ways to convey the emotions and experiences of real life.

“My goal with this record was to break any preconceived ideas about what the ‘Wild As Her’ guy was going to do next,” Kent shared. “I wanted to show versatility, but the common thread that holds it all together is my voice and country storytelling. Everything else is up for grabs. I took chances, musically, to make something unique, something that stands the test of time.”

And Black Bandana does just that. Kent pours his heart into every note, crafting a collection of songs that feel timeless. His ability to weave together country, rock, and even a touch of 70s R&B creates a sound that’s fresh and familiar, daring and comforting all at once.

Ending with Authenticity

As with any great album, the order of the tracks matters, and Kent’s attention to detail shines through in the album’s closing song, “So Far.” This acoustic ballad feels like a page from the playbook of any dreamer who’s ever struggled, spun their wheels, and eventually found their stride. The song takes listeners through Corey’s journey—from setbacks to the realization of his dreams, with no illusions about the hard work involved.

“I wanted to humanize myself to the listener,” Kent explains. “I’m not just a guy singing on your radio. I’m a boy from Bixby with real stories and real struggles. And this song is me being as honest as I can about that.”

From start to finish, Black Bandana is more than just an album—it’s a deeply personal and triumphant chapter in Corey Kent’s life story. It feels as though listeners are walking alongside him, sharing in both his hardships and victories. His evolution from the “Wild As Her” breakout sensation to an artist with profound depth and storytelling prowess is palpable. This is not a collection of songs made to chase chart-topping singles or fleeting trends; it’s a body of work that reflects the man behind the music—one who’s experienced both the high of chasing dreams and the low of nearly losing them. His voice, steady and soulful, guides us through the peaks and valleys of life, reminding us that dreams aren’t achieved by waving a white flag but by pushing forward, even when the road is rough.

Black Bandana is a personal win for Corey Kent. He showcases his evolution not only as a musician but as a storyteller, a dreamer, and a father. With an unmistakable voice, undeniable talent, and an album full of heart, Kent proves that his journey is far from over. The boy from Bixby is ready for bigger stages, and this record is just the beginning.