With a grizzled charm and a gift for capturing everyday truths, country artist Robert Ross returns with “People Like Me,” a rousing new single that salutes America’s working-class backbone. Released on May 16 via MTS Records, the track follows his breakout chart success “Better With Time,” which earned Ross a spot in the Top 25 on the New Music Weekly AM/FM Country chart. With its straightforward hook, relatable storytelling, and radio-friendly swagger, “People Like Me” builds on that momentum and positions Ross for another strong run on the indie country circuit.

At first listen, “People Like Me” may sound like another barroom anthem about beer, but a closer look reveals a more layered, thoughtful message beneath the party vibe. The hook—“People like you and people like me, we like to drink”—may invite singalongs and summer tailgate playlists, but Ross uses that refrain as a gateway to a broader celebration of the working class. From hardhat job sites to military front lines, Ross tips his hat to the people who keep the country running, often without recognition.

The production on “People Like Me” is tight and purposeful. Clean electric guitar licks, steady percussion, and subtle harmonies provide a muscular foundation for Ross’ gritty, unpretentious vocal delivery. There’s a classic bar-band sensibility here, stripped of studio sheen, that will resonate with fans of artists like Chris Janson, Brantley Gilbert, or early Eric Church. The track balances its rock-influenced edge with a warm, accessible melody that keeps it firmly rooted in country radio territory.

Vocally, Ross leans into his strengths—raw emotion, a conversational tone, and a believable narrative presence. He’s not here to show off range or vocal acrobatics. Instead, he delivers the song like he’s lived it, drawing from real-world experience rather than formula. That authenticity has become one of his signatures and continues to set him apart in a crowded marketplace.

Lyrically, Ross crafts a narrative built around dignity and pride. “Well, I’ve always been one damn good hardworking man / And the proof is in the calluses on my hands,” he sings, offering a line that feels less like bravado and more like a quiet truth. Later, the track expands into broader territory, honoring the military and first responders with the line: “We raise our glasses to the ones that save our ass.” It’s a moment that shifts the song from light-hearted to heartfelt, creating emotional depth without veering into sentimentality.

What makes “People Like Me” particularly effective is its crossover appeal. It functions as both a celebratory drinking song and a message-driven tribute to everyday heroes, giving it flexibility for different radio formats and streaming playlists. The chorus is instantly memorable, and the tempo—moderately upbeat without going full party-mode—makes it ideal for summer rotations and festival stages.

From a commercial standpoint, the single has strong potential within Ross’ target market. While he remains an independent artist, Ross continues to build a dedicated fan base through consistent releases and strategic promotion. His charting history with “Better With Time” demonstrates his ability to penetrate the competitive country radio landscape, and “People Like Me” offers a clear next step in solidifying his brand as a voice for the everyday listener.

Ross’ strength lies not in reinventing the genre but in honoring its foundations. His music resonates with an audience that values authenticity over trend, grit over gloss, and storytelling over spectacle. “People Like Me” is a track that understands its audience—because it was made for them.

In a country music landscape increasingly shaped by pop crossover and image-driven acts, Robert Ross offers something refreshingly real. With “People Like Me,” he raises a glass to the unsung heroes and, in doing so, raises the bar for what it means to make music that matters.

Expect this track to perform well on independent and secondary country radio, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a go-to song for summer barbecues, small-town celebrations, and everyday playlists for people who see themselves in every word.