"What Kinda Man" is a song by American country music singer Parker McCollum. It was released on September 13, 2024, as the first single from his fifth studio album, Parker McCollum. McCollum co-wrote the song with Natalie Hemby and Jeremy Spillman.
History The writing process for the song began years before it was officially recorded. In April 2022, McCollum met with Natalie Hemby and Jeremy Spillman, and the trio worked on the song and many others. The song was initially slated to be recorded for McCollum's 2023 album, Never Enough, but was ultimately not cut.
"What Kinda Man" was officially released on September 13, 2024, after being teased on TikTok in January.
MCA Nashville shocked McCollum as they picked "What Kinda Man" as his next single, stating "he thought the production might be too rough for country radio." Co-writer Jeremy Spillman praised the song as relatable.
McCollum's largest influences while writing "What Kinda Man" and all of his other songs are Rodney Crowell, Steve Earle, James McMurtry, and Robert Earl Keen.
Critical reception Tom Rowland of Billboard described "What Kinda Man" as "boldly different" and that "it was McCollum's voice all right, but the Dylan-style harmonica, rough-cut Flying Burrito Brothers arrangement and Hawaiian steel-like slide guitar challenge all the norms of modern commercial country."
Credits and personnel Credits adapted from Tidal.
Parker McCollum – vocals, composer, lyricist, harmonica Eric Masse – production, mixing, engineering Frank Liddell – production Natalie Hemby – composer, lyricist Jeremy Spillman – composer, lyricist Adam Wright – acoustic guitar, background vocals Eli Bearid – bass Nir Z – drums Harrison Whitford – electric guitar Jedd Hughes – electric guitar Nick Bockrath – electric guitar Stephen Marcussen – mastering Anna Lise Liddell – engineering Maddie Harmon – engineering
Charts
Weekly charts + Weekly chart performance for "What Kinda Man" Chart (2024–2025) Peakposition Canada Country (Billboard) 44
Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for "What Kinda Man" Chart (2025) Position US Country Airplay (Billboard) 41 US Hot Country Songs (Billboard) 75
References