Kolby Cooper’s Fiery New Anthem ‘I Hate You Too’ Blazes a Trail for Country Rock

Kolby Cooper’s latest single, "I Hate You Too," packs a powerful punch, showcasing his evolution from rising star to bona fide powerhouse in country rock. With its fiery beat, raw lyrics, and blistering guitar riff, Cooper has crafted a song that speaks directly to those who've experienced the tumultuous push-and-pull of a love-hate relationship. Fans of Cooper have always known him as an artist who tells it like it is, and with this track, he's dug even deeper, delivering a performance that’s both brutally honest and brilliantly crafted. Sitting down with All Country News, Kolby opened up about the will be hit!

Photo Credit: Gabriel Muniz Photography

"I Hate You Too" opens with Cooper’s gritty, yet unexpectedly polished vocals setting the stage for a hard-hitting tune that doesn’t waste a single beat. Cooper’s ability to meld the edginess of rock with the storytelling heart of country is on full display here, and it's a sound he’s clearly worked hard to perfect. “It’s just it all coming together at one point, like every influence that I’ve had growing up,” Kolby explained recently. “I feel like there’s country lyricism in it, there’s rock production, and the melodies are just, I think, a mix of both of those. Every song that we put out feels like a little brick that we’re building towards.”

The song reflects Kolby’s admiration for the classic sounds he grew up on, with its guitar riffs hinting at 80s hair metal and 90s grunge, elements that lend a rough-edged authenticity to the track. “I grew up a massive rock and roll fan, you know, like 80s hair rock and all that stuff,” Kolby said in a recent interview, “and then to 90s grunge and punk. So anytime I can add or include that influence in our music, I try to.” This deep-rooted passion for rock’s raw energy brings a refreshing twist to country music’s usual territory, setting him apart from his peers in the genre.

In "I Hate You Too," Kolby taps into universal experiences of love and frustration with a relatability that resonates. “It’s one of those crazy love songs,” he shared. Kolby went on to explain that the song captures the spirit of those relationships where emotions run high. “It’s about those push-and-pull toxic relationships, or even just the loving ones where you have a day you fight over something silly.” That energy, that mixture of love and exasperation, shines through every lyric and note, making it a cathartic anthem for anyone who’s found themselves loving someone they sometimes can’t stand.

But it’s not just Kolby’s lyrics or the music itself that have taken a step forward; "I Hate You Too" represents a turning point in his vocal style as well. Over the years, Kolby has developed a voice that is both distinct and versatile, blending grittiness with polish in a way that feels genuinely powerful. “I mean, I’m 25, and I started doing this when I was like 17,” he shared. “I think you can hear the evolution of my voice too if you listen to our very first song. Now, I’ve just figured out how to sing with my voice and how to use it in a good way.”

Cooper’s journey to find his sound has paid off, as evidenced by his passionate fanbase, who continue to turn out in droves for his shows. Known for his explosive live sets, Cooper has built a reputation as one of country rock’s most electrifying performers. His fans’ devotion, combined with his rapidly climbing streaming numbers, suggests that Cooper isn’t just making music—he’s building a legacy. His honesty, both in interviews and in his music, has forged a strong connection with his audience, and they’re more than willing to follow him wherever his music takes them next.

With "I Hate You Too," Kolby Cooper is marking a pivotal moment in his career, capturing the intensity of a complicated relationship with a sound that’s bold, authentic, and unmistakably his own. As he continues to release new music, fans can expect more of this fearless approach, blending rock and country into something truly unique. Kolby Cooper isn’t just adding another song to his discography; he’s adding another brick to the foundation of a career that’s sure to be both storied and impactful.