Never Call Again
| "Never Call Again" | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Single by Gavin Adcock | |
| from the album Own Worst Enemy | |
| Released | June 16, 2025[a] |
| Genre | Country |
| Length | 2:55 |
| Label | Warner Nashville |
| Songwriter(s) |
|
| Producer(s) | Jay Rodgers |
"Never Call Again" is a song by American country music singer Gavin Adcock. It was released as a promotional single on March 21, 2025, and impacted country radio on June 16, 2025. It is the debut single from his third studio album Own Worst Enemy. Adock co-wrote the song with Jack Rauton, Joybeth Taylor, and Colton Venner.
Background
By early 2025, Adcock had established himself as a fast-rising country performer following the success of his second studio album Actin' Up Again, which debuted with more than 15 million on-demand streams in its first week.[1][2] The Georgia native had built a reputation for rowdy live performances, selling out over 30 shows during his headlining runs.[1]
"Never Call Again" quickly became a viral hit across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where Adcock's "Southern charm and goofy personality" helped amplify his growing fanbase.[3] Entertainment Focus described the track as a continuation of Adcock's breakout success, noting that it was his fourth release of the year and a part of a prolific streak following Actin' Up Again.[2]
The song was initially released on March 21, 2025, as a promotional single.[4] He described the song as particularly meaningful, announcing on Instagram that it was his "first ever song to radio," while thanking co-writers Jack Rauton, Joybeth Taylor, and Colton Venner.[3] The track followed his late 2024 collaboration with Vincent Mason on "Almost Gone" and continued a prolific release schedule that already included singles such as "Loose Strings", "Need To", and "Unlucky Strikes" earlier in 2025.[1][2]
The song was officially released to country radio on June 16, 2025.[3]
Theme
Musically, "Never Call Again" is described as a low-tempo breakup ballad built around "tearful steel and stuttering rhythms."[4] Its arrangement emphasizes sentimental strings and a steady beat, offering a restrained backdrop to Adcock's vocals.[4]
Lyrically, the track reflects on a fractured relationship and the narrator's inability to move on. Adcock sings about being "stuck in his ways" as his lover leaves, while struggling with late-night impulses to call.[4] The lyrics highlight his attempts to drown out memories with whiskey, but despite his efforts, reminders of the past love continue to surface.[4]
The song's central theme is the tension between promising to move on and the inevitability of relapse. Adcock admits that saying goodbye is easier than meaning it, with the line: "Don't shake my hand on it / Cause I might forget to let yours go."[4]
Critical reception
Critics noted that while its restrained production avoided musical risks, the song was effective as a heartfelt breakup anthem.[4] Holler praised Adcock's knack for delivering heartbroken ballads, comparing "Never Call Again" to earlier tracks such as "A Cigarette" and "Loose Strings".[4]
Credits and personnel
- Gavin Adcock – vocals
- Brody Frasier – electric guitar
- Michael Westbrook – electric guitar, acoustic guitar
- Miles McPherson – drums, percussion
- Dave Cohen – Hammond organ, Wurlitzer electronic piano
- Jay Rodgers – producer, mixing, bass, background vocals
- Joel Hastat – mastering
Charts
| Chart (2025) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| US Country Airplay (Billboard)[5] | 55 |
References
- ^ a b c Lippe, Ryan (March 17, 2025). "Gavin Adcock Shares New Song "Never Call Again"". Country Central. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c Ellwood-Hughes, Pip (March 26, 2025). "Gavin Adcock debuts new song 'Never Call Again'". Entertainment Focus. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c Pauley, Joel Reuben (June 16, 2025). "Gavin Adcock's "Never Call Again" Impacts Country Radio". Country Central. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h Patton, Alli (March 20, 2025). "'Never Call Again' by Gavin Adcock - Lyrics & Meaning". Holler. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
- ^ "Billboard Country Update: August 15, 2025" (PDF). Billboard. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
Notes
- ^ "Never Call Again" was initially released as a promotional single on March 21, 2025. It was released as an official single on June 16, 2025.