Introduction
“I’m Gonna Love You,” a duet by Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood, debuted in 2023, marking a significant collaboration between the two country music stars. The song was initially written by Travis Denning, Kelly Archer, and Chris Stevens, with a demo recorded as early as 2019. However, it remained unreleased until Johnson decided to include it in his expanded Leather Deluxe Edition album. This project featured 13 new tracks in addition to the original songs from his 2023 album, Leather, making a total of 25 tracks in the deluxe version.
Johnson’s choice to turn the track into a duet came from his vision of Underwood’s voice perfectly complementing the song’s heartfelt message. The lyrics revolve around an enduring pledge of love, using timeless imagery like stars, the pull of the moon, and the passage of time to symbolize the constants in a relationship. The song’s heartfelt message and Johnson’s and Underwood’s vocal chemistry make it a natural fit for weddings, with many considering it a future classic for first dances.
The collaboration also represented a merging of traditional country sounds with a contemporary edge, embodying both artists’ strengths. Johnson, known for his roots-oriented approach, and Underwood, with her polished yet powerful style, brought a dynamic balance to the track. Their partnership emerged from mutual respect built over the years; Johnson had admired Underwood’s work long before they crossed paths, while Underwood saw in Johnson a grounded and authentic artist, untouched by fame’s superficial aspects.
“I’m Gonna Love You” quickly resonated with audiences, partly due to its universal theme of unconditional love and the combined star power of Johnson and Underwood. As a flagship single from the Leather Deluxe Edition, it continued to solidify Johnson’s position as a modern traditionalist in country music while showcasing Underwood’s versatility as a collaborator.