Ross described the title track "Later Tonight" as the "thread that tied the project together".[6] Ross co-wrote seven of the fifteen tracks on the album. He framed the writing and song selection process for the album as "leaning into getting caught in your feelings, breaking up, [and] making up".[7] Ross stated the album's sound influences go "from rock to rap to country to piano, singer-songwriter", which he stated is "cohesive with who I am as a person".[8] He told Range Magazine that the album has "tons" of personal inspiration and "speaks to things that have happened and are happening in my life currently", adding that it contains some of his "first 'life' style songs".[9] Ross stated that "Nobody From Nowhere,” “Scared of Getting Sober,” and “Songs You Gave Me" were the most personal songs and most natural to write, but also noted that the concept of "My Side of Town" was very personal to him, even though he did not write it.[10] Ross credited producer Matt Geroux for understanding him, and noted how the two "push each other to get better with each song".[9] Ross marked the release of the album with a full day of performances and appearances in Nashville, including at the Grand Ole Opry.[10]
Critical reception
Emma Jordan of Entertainment Focus favourably reviewed Later Tonight, calling it an "anthemic-leaning catalogue" and an "instant classic jam that’s perfect for tailgate parties, festival fields and football stadium floodlights". She noted the strength of Ross's songwriting on tracks such as "Single Again", "Whiskey You", and "Songs You Gave Me:, and said she would like to "see more of his songwriting" on his next album.[11] An uncredited review from All Country News stated that with the album, Ross "plants his flag firmly in the ground" as "one of the strongest new voices in country".[12] Nicole Piering of Country Swag favourably reviewed the album, calling it "wholly authentic to [Ross's] voice and perspective". She opined that the songs "feel both deeply personal and universally relatable" and expressed that Ross's voice is "equal parts emotive and rugged".[13]
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