The title Southern Symphony stands in marked contrast to Yours, the name Russell Dickerson gave his 2016 debut. Southern Symphony suggests an ambitious project with a dramatic undercurrent and, in a sense, that's true. Dickerson does delve into his upbringing on the album's title track and "Come to Jesus" is an ode to enduring marital love, songs that underscore how the record isn't all about good times, despite the presence of eternal party hounds Florida Georgia Line. Frivolity doesn't weigh heavily on Dickerson's mind, but Southern Symphony has a bright, shiny gloss that suggests it's a party. The production is so slick that the deeper emotions Dickerson attempts don't quite stick, yet the album is ingratiating due to his unassuming, friendly touch and its relentless smoothness. It's an album that sounds like the radio is playing at 10 a.m. on a cheerful Monday morning.