Chart-topping debut single “Hurricane,” an uptempo torch song about an obsession the protagonist can’t escape, signalled his entry as a country music superstar. His North Carolina-influenced vocals–an innovative blend of gritty soul suitable both intimate moments and arena rocking grandeur–became an instant industry gamechanger.

Luke Combs, now 33 years old, is an artist characterized by youthful energy and sophisticated insights. His ability to adapt has distinguished him among other rising country stars.

1. His voice

Country music superstar Chris Young has quickly established himself as one of the most successful acts in his budding career, earning multiple #1 country singles, selling out stadiums and winning Entertainer of the Year awards. But before all this success came his way, he was just another hopeful auditioning for The Voice competition show. In an interview with Full Send podcast he opened up about his experience auditioning.

Luke Combs made headlines this past weekend while performing at his sold-out concert in Bangor, Maine, when two young fans in attendance held signs that said they had stacked firewood to earn enough money to buy tickets to his show. Luke called out these fans on stage and presented them with $140 as gifts from him – also offering to bring them backstage after show to give more memorabilia – leaving both fans moved enough to thank their idol via social media.

2. His style

Luke Combs stands in the classical tradition of country music, singing well-crafted, old-school songs about drink and romance without any hint of hip hop or pop influence. Furthermore, his gravely and masculine vocal delivery gives his work a depth and authenticity not shared by many other contemporary country artists.

Combs is known for his signature country sound: plant your feet and sing. But his recent release, Gettin’ Old, marks a shift away from traditional country songs with themes of family life and lasting romantic connections – this album marks his most mature work thus far.

He doesn’t follow the trend of screaming songs as often, and when he does it doesn’t feel forced. Instead it all adds charm.

3. His songs

Luke Combs is one of the premier country singer-songwriters today, boasting an instantly engaging rasp and deep tenor that draws in listeners. But it is his songwriting talent that has truly established him as one of Nashville’s breakout stars. Combs has seen his share of breakups, makeups and falling in love in his discography – an emotional roller coaster with lots of beautiful, emotive tracks on his discography that showcase his vocal prowess.

This modern classic tells the tale of a cowboy who falls for an outgoing woman (“Like a left field home-run ball or a whiskey shot at last call / That girl is going, going, gone”). With only one number 1 hit under Combs’ belt so far, ‘Going, Going, Gone’ showcases both his lyrical dexterity and emotional maturity.

Combs is known for his honky tonk hits and beer anthems, but this wedding tune showcases his more romantic side. Though it starts off on an unhappy note as he mourns over a broken heartbreak, things soon change when he scores the number of a waitress from scratch-off tickets and buys her drinks as his muse.

4. His fans

Experienced Luke Combs concert goers enjoy being immersed in an energetic community of fans celebrating, singing, and lighting up the darkness with smartphones – but lines to get into Beaver Stadium may be long, and traffic congestion in State College might make getting there difficult.

Combs quickly rose to country superstardom after his debut album was released, selling out venues of 1,000 seats throughout Southeast and garnering attention from radio stations.

When country music singer Josh Thompson covered Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” from Tracy Chapman’s 2018 record This One’s for You, some listeners experienced a visceral reaction; others, however, hoped it would spark discussions regarding diversity within country music and Black art more generally.