We kick off 2012 with one of the most popular and lasting names in country music, Tim McGraw. Tim has had a long journey to release his eleventh and latest album, "Emotional Traffic". It has been more than two years since "Southern Voice" was released. Adding to that, McGraw is in the midst of a breach of contract lawsuit with his record company, Curb Records. Also since "Southern Voice", McGraw had a starring role in "Country Strong" that kept his focus away from music for a while. Tim has had eight #1 albums and twenty three #1 singles, including the first single off this album "Felt Good On My Lips"
Halo - The album kicks off with a powerful and emotional ballad. The only thing stronger than the guitar on this track are McGraw's vocals as he sings about a love that has faded despite every attempt to try to save it. "Cry, Cry, baby I can't change the weather" McGraw sings, describing that feeling of helplessness at a lost relationship. The guitar is what really sells this song, ending with a beautiful guitar solo.
Right Back At Ya - McGraw picks the pace up with the second track, a fun love song with a beach tone to it. The song is about positive karma, McGraw is going to do everything he can to reciprocate the love he has felt from his woman, singing "Right back at ya, babe/ Just like a boomerang/ Everything good you threw my way/ Right back at ya, babe/ Best that you get ready/ There's a whole lotta loving/ That is gonna be coming/ Right back at, ya babe"
One Part, Two Part - Returning to the theme of lost love, McGraw describes how there was a lot of good in the relationship, there was always more bad that got in the way. He sings it in a fun way that makes the song enjoyable and almost makes you forget that he is singing about a breakup.
I Will Not Fall Down - McGraw is in his mid-40's and he knows that he is not as young as he used to be. He acknowledges that in this song, but adds that he is not going to give up. "I will not fall down/ I will not fall down/ I will not fall down/ Without getting up/ That's when I need your love" McGraw sings in the chorus, noting that he cannot do it alone.
One - This song opens by painting a picture reminiscent of McGraw's past hit, "Something Like That". The only bad thing about this song is the awkward editing where McGraw sings the bridge, it sounds like it comes in about a half-second early. The style of this song is perfect for singing in the car as the words are easy and fun to sing along to.
Better Than I Used To Be - Tim slows it back down for what is now the second single from the album. In what is probably the most transparent song on the album, McGraw admits that he is not perfect. Far from it actually. He acknowledges that he has come a long way from his past, but there is still a lot of room for improvement. The song is a good progression in maturity from ten years prior and "My Next Thirty Years" and is sure to reach number one.
Touchdown Jesus - Between "Friday Night Lights" and "The Blind Side", it is no secret that McGraw is a football fan. This song about redemption compares Jesus to a running back, you give either of them a little bit of room to work, and they will take it all the way for the touchdown. I am sure this song is going to get a lot of air time in the churches on Sunday mornings.
One That Got Away - This is an interesting song, one about the irony of being an outcast as a kid, but now that he is famous, everyone wants to know him. This song is sure to resonate with a lot of people, not just singers, who were outcasts in high school, but have dreams of something bigger. "Everyone wants a glimpse of the one that got away/ Everybody wants to see you/ Everybody wants to be you too/ It's funny how they put you down/ But now they think you're alright/ Everybody loves you tonight/ You're the one that got away". This song is perfect for me, as I am currently reading a book that is similar to this "And The Geeks Shall Inherit The Earth" by Alexandra Robbins. This is probably my favorite song on the album.
Felt Good On My Lips - The first single and #1 from the album is a fun one. Tim finds himself in a situation with a girl he did not know, whose name he could not pronounce, listening to music in another language, with a drink guys would not be caught dead with, but they feel good on his lips, so he is having a good time. The song is a great summer song with a great tune and fun lyrics.
Hey Now - Keeping the party theme going, "Hey Now" tells about a party that is winding down, but a girl puts on a new album. At first, McGraw is outraged as he was about to leave, but she starts dancing and Tim realizes maybe it is not so late after all. When she goes to leave, he decides he is going to extend the party for her too. The song is not the strongest on the album, but is a fun one for parties.
Only Human - Another song about maturing moments in life, Rapper Ne-Yo appears as a guest on this song about finding out you are not invincible. Ne-Yo sings "I tried to touch the sky/ Fell right to the ground/ Did my best to fly/ But I just kept falling down/ So many hopes and dreams shattered/ Expectations broken, battered" in the second verse". The song is one of realization, and fits well with the aging McGraw.
Die By My Own Hand - The "I Like It, I Love It" singer wraps up the album with another song about love lost. This time, McGraw admits that the girl in question changed him, but it is hard to change a music man, and before she could save him, she got fed up and left. He does not blame her, saying he "Should have seen it coming/ [He'll] always die by [his] own hand".
McGraw definitely shows a level of maturity on this album that he has not shown previously. At 44, he has had a long career and been around long enough to have learned many lessons along the way. Almost every song on this track is evidence of those lessons. This album will not resonate with everyone, especially much of the younger crowd, but it is one of the best efforts Tim has put forth in years. 9/10
This album is in stores on Tuesday, January 24th. You can pre-order the album through Amazon, here
Showing posts with label Tim McGraw. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tim McGraw. Show all posts
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Album Review: Eric Church - Chief
Eric Church has a sound unlike any in country music. In fact, he does not have much of a sound at all. None of his songs seem to sound like any other, and that is part of his sound. The interesting thing about him is that he charts at all after recording "Lotta Boot Left To Fill", a song that tore apart mainstream country (I believe specifically Jason Aldean) as sing "what nobody feels". That is something that Eric does great though, he sings about what he, and others, feel and he makes the music he wants to. "Chief", his third album, is expected to debut at #1 of all albums in the US, making it his first #1 country album as well, and for good reason.
"Creepin" - Church leads the album off with a song that has a lot of rock influence, with heavy drum beats and a guitar solo that combine to steal the show. The singer is recovering from a heavy night of drinking after being left in a hurry by the woman he loves. He is trying to move forward, but no matter how hard he tries, the memories catch up with him: "Head for the future/ Run from the past/ Hide from the mirror/ Live in a glass/ What dreams forget the whiskey remembers/ Just like molasses in late December/ Just Creepin'"
Put A Drink In My Hand - In what is sure to be a bar anthem along the lines of Dierks Bentley's "Am I The Only One", the singer has been working hard all week for nothing, and is ready to party, as long as they "put a drink in (his) hand". The song does not stand out, as it is a common theme for country music, but it is still a fun tune and I would bet it being released as a single next summer.
Keep On - If Aerosmith made a country song, it would probably be "Keep On", everything from the guitar to the way it is sung shouts that influence. Incidentally, it is one of my favorite songs on the track. "Keep On" tells the story of the girl he is going to pick up, her guy who is going to fight him because of it, and the morning after deciding if he is going to call in sick if they "Keep on lookin' at me that way". The chorus even sounds like Steven Tyler is a guest singer.
Like Jesus Does - Church slows the album down for a love ballad, much along the same theme as "Guys Like Me" from his debut album "Sinners Like Me". The singer is broken, beat down, a sinner, and far from perfect, but his woman's love for him is unconditional: "All the crazy in my dreams/ Both my broken wings/ Every single piece of everything I am/ Yeah, she knows the main I ain't/ She forgives me when I can't/ And the devil, man, no he don't stand a chance/ Cause she loves me like Jesus does"
Hungover & Hard Up - In another twist that shows Church's diversity of style comes the tropical-influenced "Hungover & Hard Up". The song is a lot like "Creepin" in theme and, while it is not bad, among all the other songs, it is easily forgettable.
Homeboy - The first single off of "Chief", the song reminds us of how different life can be if you make the wrong choices. The singer tells of his brother, who instead of being the country boy working on the farm where they grew up, is running the streets and bouncing in and out of jail. The chorus is a plea for his brother to return, especially in light of their parents failing health: "If you don't ever do anything else for me, just do this for me brother/ Come on home, boy" Enjoy the video:
Country Music Jesus - I think this is my favorite track on the album, picking up where "Lotta Boot Left To Fill" left off on his previous effort "Carolina". The song talks about how country music is broken, and they need someone to come fix it, "Preachin' from the book of Johnny Cash/ A sheep among the wolves there standin' tall/ We need a country music Jesus/ to come and save us all". The chorus has distinct gospel roots, as you would expect, to offset the heavy guitar riff that runs through the verses. The song may never be a hit, but it is a great look at where country is and used to be.
Jack Daniels - Once again, Church has turned to the bottle to solve his women woes, but this one has a bit of unique sound to it that sets it apart. Church has a reputation for being tough, never backing down from a fight, but as soon as the memory of lost love turned its head, "Jack Daniels kicked my ass again last night". The song definitely has some solid guitar-picking though, that makes a solid song from start to end.
Springsteen - This song could easily be compared to Taylor Swift's song, "Tim McGraw", but for an older crowd. Like Swift, Church is remembering young love, and associating it with a famous artist, in this case, Bruce Springsteen. I am sure this song is going to bring back memories for many of Eric's fans, especially those older than I, and it is a great late night cruising song to sing along to.
I'm Gettin' Stoned - This time, alcohol just might not do it to recover from the news he just read, his ex just got married. The song is a fun play on the words for wedding rings and getting high: "Read it in the paper/ Marked the date on my wall/ To remind myself to celebrate/ The day I lose it all/ They made plans to be together/ I made plans to be alone/ She got a rock/ I'm gettin' stoned".
Over When It's Over - Eric Church must have serious problems holding on to a woman, or he is struggling with the same one for the whole album, because he closes the album where he left off, trying to get over her. The song is definitely easy to sing along to, but by the time it rolls around on the album, you are ready for a new theme.
Overall, "Chief" is up there with my previous review of Justin Moore's "Outlaws Like Me" as the best things to come out in the country genre this year. The only thing that leaves this album short of a perfect score is the worn out theme of getting over a love that populates over half of the songs. Musically, the album is fantastic, and no two songs sound the same. Eric Church has truly created a unique sound that he can call his. 9.5/10
Sorry it took so long to get this one up, been in the field and I am trying to make time.
"Creepin" - Church leads the album off with a song that has a lot of rock influence, with heavy drum beats and a guitar solo that combine to steal the show. The singer is recovering from a heavy night of drinking after being left in a hurry by the woman he loves. He is trying to move forward, but no matter how hard he tries, the memories catch up with him: "Head for the future/ Run from the past/ Hide from the mirror/ Live in a glass/ What dreams forget the whiskey remembers/ Just like molasses in late December/ Just Creepin'"
Put A Drink In My Hand - In what is sure to be a bar anthem along the lines of Dierks Bentley's "Am I The Only One", the singer has been working hard all week for nothing, and is ready to party, as long as they "put a drink in (his) hand". The song does not stand out, as it is a common theme for country music, but it is still a fun tune and I would bet it being released as a single next summer.
Keep On - If Aerosmith made a country song, it would probably be "Keep On", everything from the guitar to the way it is sung shouts that influence. Incidentally, it is one of my favorite songs on the track. "Keep On" tells the story of the girl he is going to pick up, her guy who is going to fight him because of it, and the morning after deciding if he is going to call in sick if they "Keep on lookin' at me that way". The chorus even sounds like Steven Tyler is a guest singer.
Like Jesus Does - Church slows the album down for a love ballad, much along the same theme as "Guys Like Me" from his debut album "Sinners Like Me". The singer is broken, beat down, a sinner, and far from perfect, but his woman's love for him is unconditional: "All the crazy in my dreams/ Both my broken wings/ Every single piece of everything I am/ Yeah, she knows the main I ain't/ She forgives me when I can't/ And the devil, man, no he don't stand a chance/ Cause she loves me like Jesus does"
Hungover & Hard Up - In another twist that shows Church's diversity of style comes the tropical-influenced "Hungover & Hard Up". The song is a lot like "Creepin" in theme and, while it is not bad, among all the other songs, it is easily forgettable.
Homeboy - The first single off of "Chief", the song reminds us of how different life can be if you make the wrong choices. The singer tells of his brother, who instead of being the country boy working on the farm where they grew up, is running the streets and bouncing in and out of jail. The chorus is a plea for his brother to return, especially in light of their parents failing health: "If you don't ever do anything else for me, just do this for me brother/ Come on home, boy" Enjoy the video:
Country Music Jesus - I think this is my favorite track on the album, picking up where "Lotta Boot Left To Fill" left off on his previous effort "Carolina". The song talks about how country music is broken, and they need someone to come fix it, "Preachin' from the book of Johnny Cash/ A sheep among the wolves there standin' tall/ We need a country music Jesus/ to come and save us all". The chorus has distinct gospel roots, as you would expect, to offset the heavy guitar riff that runs through the verses. The song may never be a hit, but it is a great look at where country is and used to be.
Jack Daniels - Once again, Church has turned to the bottle to solve his women woes, but this one has a bit of unique sound to it that sets it apart. Church has a reputation for being tough, never backing down from a fight, but as soon as the memory of lost love turned its head, "Jack Daniels kicked my ass again last night". The song definitely has some solid guitar-picking though, that makes a solid song from start to end.
Springsteen - This song could easily be compared to Taylor Swift's song, "Tim McGraw", but for an older crowd. Like Swift, Church is remembering young love, and associating it with a famous artist, in this case, Bruce Springsteen. I am sure this song is going to bring back memories for many of Eric's fans, especially those older than I, and it is a great late night cruising song to sing along to.
I'm Gettin' Stoned - This time, alcohol just might not do it to recover from the news he just read, his ex just got married. The song is a fun play on the words for wedding rings and getting high: "Read it in the paper/ Marked the date on my wall/ To remind myself to celebrate/ The day I lose it all/ They made plans to be together/ I made plans to be alone/ She got a rock/ I'm gettin' stoned".
Over When It's Over - Eric Church must have serious problems holding on to a woman, or he is struggling with the same one for the whole album, because he closes the album where he left off, trying to get over her. The song is definitely easy to sing along to, but by the time it rolls around on the album, you are ready for a new theme.
Overall, "Chief" is up there with my previous review of Justin Moore's "Outlaws Like Me" as the best things to come out in the country genre this year. The only thing that leaves this album short of a perfect score is the worn out theme of getting over a love that populates over half of the songs. Musically, the album is fantastic, and no two songs sound the same. Eric Church has truly created a unique sound that he can call his. 9.5/10
Sorry it took so long to get this one up, been in the field and I am trying to make time.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Album Review: Colt Ford - Every Chance I Get
Colt Ford is one of those artists that causes a division among fans of country music. Fans of the more historical side of the genre say that rap has no place in country music. Others, like myself, will say that country music is not about the instruments and the style in which it is played, but the words, and the feeling behind them is what makes it "country". This division is evident when you compare the two albums the Georgia Boy has released prior to "Every Chance I Get", released a couple months ago in early May. Those who praised his debut album, "Ride Through The Country", downed "Chicken and Biscuits" (Colt's sophomore release) as being too much singing and not enough of the rap that made his music unique.
One thing is for certain, Colt Ford is a rising star in the genre, whether you call it country, rap, or some mix. He is currently celebrating having penned a number one song, Dirt Road Anthem, which he and buddy Brantley Gilbert penned and recorded, before allowing Jason Aldean to take it, make it his own, and take it to the top of the charts. Colt also has no problems making friends with fellow country artists, both established and rising stars. Previous albums have included collaborations with John Michael Montgomery, Jamey Johnson, Darryl Worley, Randy Houser, DMC, Kevin Fowler, Joe Nichols, Rhett Akins, Josh Gracin and more. "Every Chance I Get" is no exception, with all but the title track featuring a special guest, and I believe that Colt has found the perfect blend of country and rap to satisfy both fans and critics of the first two albums.
Country Thang - This song features Eric Church, one of the fastest rising names in country music today. It was also the first single released from the song. The two artists work together well to paint a picture of a small town, and subsequently, his small town girl, describing it all as being "a country thang" that is "either in your blood or it ain't". It serves as a great anthem for anyone who has grown up in a rural town, with dirt roads and bird dogs, and definitely sets the mood for what turns out to be a great driving album.
Work It Out - The upbeat pace continues as Luke Bryan lends his voice to the chorus of this song, which expresses every husband or boyfriend's frustrations at how life gets overbearing. Bills are stacked high, the lawn needs "mown", the truck is broken down. There is just not enough time to get everything done, but when it comes down to it, they know that they can "work it out" with their baby by their side, saying "Baby it's true/ all I need is you/ Just unplug the phone/ Let me get you all alone/ and work it out/ why don't we start right now?".
Waste Some Time - Nappy Roots (Southern Rappers from Kentucky) and Nic Cowan (Debut Album coming in August) join Colt on one of my favorite songs of the album. The group has decided that instead of taking everyone's advice to "Focus on my life/ work a little harder/ do my part/ start living right", they just want to waste some time and kick back and enjoy the world around them. The rhythm and guitar picking (definitely drawing inspiration from "Sweet Home Alabama") when combined with the lyrics leave one picturing the group cruising down the road in pickup trucks and having fun. Colt Ford actually takes more of a backseat in this song, really only performing the first verse and letting the others get the spotlight for a bit. This is recognized later, when one of the rappers thanks both God and Colt: "Got a little wealth so I gotta thank the Lord/ Couldn't do it by myself, got some help from Colt Ford". Overall, though it slows the pace set by the first two songs a little bit, the song is very catchy and you will find yourself bobbing your head along.
Do It With My Eyes Closed - Josh Thompson ("Beer On The Table", "Way Out Here") is the guest on what I consider to actually be one of the weakest songs on the album. The song just sounds too much like "Work It Out", talking about how hard life can be, "But loving you's so easy/ I could do it with my eyes closed/ Day and Night/ Night and Day/ Sound asleep/ wide awake/ Loving you is something I know". It just does not have that hook that the rest of the songs do, and so close after "Work It Out" just does not fit with the rest of the album.
This Is Our Song - Danny Boone of Rehab ("Sittin at a Bar/The Bartender Song") joins Colt in this credo/anthem of the country lifestyle. Fans who do not enjoy the rap aspect of Ford's music are not going to enjoy this, but may find themselves relating to the statements nonetheless: "Folks 'round still believe in God/ and the right tote a gun/ and our flag don't run/ ain't askin' you for nothin'/ if we can't get it on our own/ tell the government to leave our check and church alone". Later, at the end of the chorus, they challenge those who disagree "And if you don't like/ then don't come around". It is one of the stronger songs on an amazingly strong album.
Titty's Beer - As one can guess from the title, this is easily the funniest song on the album, and Trent Tomlinson ("One Wing In The Fire", "She Just Might Have Her Radio On") joins the 300 pound rapper as he tells the story of his Uncle Titus, who wants to sell his own beer. Titus realizes that he can make money, not off of taste, but off of the name: "He called it Titty's, Titty's, Titty's Beer/ Just the thing to get you grinnin' ear to ear/ Whether you're from the country or the big ole city/ One thing's for sure, EVERYBODY LOVES TITTY'S!". I know that about the time of the second line of the chorus, I found myself laughing my head off, and while it is not a "Strong" song, the innuendos of selling it in "Jugs" and having Dolly Parton in the ads, definitely makes it among the best songs.
She Wants To Ride In Trucks - Colt Ford finally slows the album down for what he considers his favorite song of the album, and he has found the perfect guy to join him for a sentimental song for his daughter, Craig Morgan ("Bonfire", "Redneck Yacht Club", "Tough"). The song tells the story of being a father, and the struggles of raising a teenage daughter that he is so close with: "It seems like yesterday we were bringing you home/ I was so scared to hold you/ now I'm scared to let go" sings Colt, and the emotion is evident. The song continues as Colt sees himself in the boy she brings home, and while the theme is a bit overdone in the country genre, Ford and Morgan do a great job of painting the picture of a father looking out a screen door as she drives off.
Pipe The Sunshine In - Newcomer Tyler Farr and Colt Ford combine on what is actually one of the more forgettable songs on the album. "Pipe The Sunshine In" has a fun chorus, but like "Trucks" above, the idea of living in the middle of nowhere and making your own moonshine has been overdone. Unfortunately, there is not much to distinguish this song from any other like it.
Every Chance I Get - The only song on the album without a guest appearance, Colt and his band handle this one on their own. The song is a improvement of "Pipe", but still is not a standout, talking about growing up and getting out of the party life for a woman:: "And now/ I only do it every chance I get/ It ain't a habit/ I got a handle on it/ It ain't an all day everyday thing/ Unless I think I can./ I used to do it every morning noon and night/ Now I could stop it/ and I ain't lying/ I slowed down so much, you could say I quit/ Cause now I only do it every chance I get". The guitar in the song is definitely the highlight in an otherwise mediocre song.
What I Call Home - Eventually, every artist does a tribute to his fans, and Colt enlists JB and the Moonshine Band to help him with this one. Colt goes on a rap about all the places he has visited, hitting pretty much every state on the way, which gets old after a while, however, he truly does sound grateful for the opportunities that the fans have given him over the years, embracing an artist that blurs the lines of country music.
Overworked & Underpaid - The legendary Charlie Daniels joins in on the last of the string of "re-hashed" country songs that make up most of the second half of the album. This one is a tribute to all of those "Overworked and underpaid/ the one's who make this country great". Colt dedicates this song to everyone from the Soldiers, Police, and Firemen to the teachers and those who work hard to bring us the music. The real shame of this song is the lack of showcasing Charlie Daniels' fiddlin' skills. There is a brief solo about the two-minute mark, but not nearly strong to distinguish it from anything that anyone who knows how to play could do.
Skirts & Boots - Up and Coming artist Frankie Ballard ("Tell Me You Get Lonely" and "A Buncha Girls") helps bring the life back to the album, and the party. This song could easily be a popular bar song, as that is exactly what it is about, the girls who go, and the boys who go to see them. The song could easily be a sequel to "All About Ya'll" from the previous album, "Chicken and Biscuits". I see this song being a potential upcoming single for Colt, after "She Likes To Ride In Trucks" is done.
Twisted - This is a song that Colt originally recorded and put on his debut album ("Ride Through The Country"), but this time, he has convinced none other than Tim McGraw to sing the chorus on the track. When the original album came out, this song did not strike me as that great, but quickly grew to be one of my favorites and still is. The song does not sound too much different with McGraw than it did with his bandmates, but is still a solid song to end the album with, telling the story of a young adult, faced with the choice of staying in his small town after high school, or going to "chase the bright lights of the California nights" by going to play football for UCLA. He chooses the latter, but after getting laughed at for ordering sweet tea, he realizes everything that he left and heads home where he belongs.
Overall, Colt Ford has put out a solid album, whose only real flaw is that the second half sounds too indistinguishable from the themes of every other country song out there. However, Colts unique blend of styles makes the most of it and the album makes great driving music. This is Ford at his best, doing a solid mix of the country and rap and is sure to have something to please even the staunchest critics. 8/10
Next, I will review Chris Young's newest offering, "Neon"
One thing is for certain, Colt Ford is a rising star in the genre, whether you call it country, rap, or some mix. He is currently celebrating having penned a number one song, Dirt Road Anthem, which he and buddy Brantley Gilbert penned and recorded, before allowing Jason Aldean to take it, make it his own, and take it to the top of the charts. Colt also has no problems making friends with fellow country artists, both established and rising stars. Previous albums have included collaborations with John Michael Montgomery, Jamey Johnson, Darryl Worley, Randy Houser, DMC, Kevin Fowler, Joe Nichols, Rhett Akins, Josh Gracin and more. "Every Chance I Get" is no exception, with all but the title track featuring a special guest, and I believe that Colt has found the perfect blend of country and rap to satisfy both fans and critics of the first two albums.
Country Thang - This song features Eric Church, one of the fastest rising names in country music today. It was also the first single released from the song. The two artists work together well to paint a picture of a small town, and subsequently, his small town girl, describing it all as being "a country thang" that is "either in your blood or it ain't". It serves as a great anthem for anyone who has grown up in a rural town, with dirt roads and bird dogs, and definitely sets the mood for what turns out to be a great driving album.
Work It Out - The upbeat pace continues as Luke Bryan lends his voice to the chorus of this song, which expresses every husband or boyfriend's frustrations at how life gets overbearing. Bills are stacked high, the lawn needs "mown", the truck is broken down. There is just not enough time to get everything done, but when it comes down to it, they know that they can "work it out" with their baby by their side, saying "Baby it's true/ all I need is you/ Just unplug the phone/ Let me get you all alone/ and work it out/ why don't we start right now?".
Waste Some Time - Nappy Roots (Southern Rappers from Kentucky) and Nic Cowan (Debut Album coming in August) join Colt on one of my favorite songs of the album. The group has decided that instead of taking everyone's advice to "Focus on my life/ work a little harder/ do my part/ start living right", they just want to waste some time and kick back and enjoy the world around them. The rhythm and guitar picking (definitely drawing inspiration from "Sweet Home Alabama") when combined with the lyrics leave one picturing the group cruising down the road in pickup trucks and having fun. Colt Ford actually takes more of a backseat in this song, really only performing the first verse and letting the others get the spotlight for a bit. This is recognized later, when one of the rappers thanks both God and Colt: "Got a little wealth so I gotta thank the Lord/ Couldn't do it by myself, got some help from Colt Ford". Overall, though it slows the pace set by the first two songs a little bit, the song is very catchy and you will find yourself bobbing your head along.
Do It With My Eyes Closed - Josh Thompson ("Beer On The Table", "Way Out Here") is the guest on what I consider to actually be one of the weakest songs on the album. The song just sounds too much like "Work It Out", talking about how hard life can be, "But loving you's so easy/ I could do it with my eyes closed/ Day and Night/ Night and Day/ Sound asleep/ wide awake/ Loving you is something I know". It just does not have that hook that the rest of the songs do, and so close after "Work It Out" just does not fit with the rest of the album.
This Is Our Song - Danny Boone of Rehab ("Sittin at a Bar/The Bartender Song") joins Colt in this credo/anthem of the country lifestyle. Fans who do not enjoy the rap aspect of Ford's music are not going to enjoy this, but may find themselves relating to the statements nonetheless: "Folks 'round still believe in God/ and the right tote a gun/ and our flag don't run/ ain't askin' you for nothin'/ if we can't get it on our own/ tell the government to leave our check and church alone". Later, at the end of the chorus, they challenge those who disagree "And if you don't like/ then don't come around". It is one of the stronger songs on an amazingly strong album.
Titty's Beer - As one can guess from the title, this is easily the funniest song on the album, and Trent Tomlinson ("One Wing In The Fire", "She Just Might Have Her Radio On") joins the 300 pound rapper as he tells the story of his Uncle Titus, who wants to sell his own beer. Titus realizes that he can make money, not off of taste, but off of the name: "He called it Titty's, Titty's, Titty's Beer/ Just the thing to get you grinnin' ear to ear/ Whether you're from the country or the big ole city/ One thing's for sure, EVERYBODY LOVES TITTY'S!". I know that about the time of the second line of the chorus, I found myself laughing my head off, and while it is not a "Strong" song, the innuendos of selling it in "Jugs" and having Dolly Parton in the ads, definitely makes it among the best songs.
She Wants To Ride In Trucks - Colt Ford finally slows the album down for what he considers his favorite song of the album, and he has found the perfect guy to join him for a sentimental song for his daughter, Craig Morgan ("Bonfire", "Redneck Yacht Club", "Tough"). The song tells the story of being a father, and the struggles of raising a teenage daughter that he is so close with: "It seems like yesterday we were bringing you home/ I was so scared to hold you/ now I'm scared to let go" sings Colt, and the emotion is evident. The song continues as Colt sees himself in the boy she brings home, and while the theme is a bit overdone in the country genre, Ford and Morgan do a great job of painting the picture of a father looking out a screen door as she drives off.
Pipe The Sunshine In - Newcomer Tyler Farr and Colt Ford combine on what is actually one of the more forgettable songs on the album. "Pipe The Sunshine In" has a fun chorus, but like "Trucks" above, the idea of living in the middle of nowhere and making your own moonshine has been overdone. Unfortunately, there is not much to distinguish this song from any other like it.
Every Chance I Get - The only song on the album without a guest appearance, Colt and his band handle this one on their own. The song is a improvement of "Pipe", but still is not a standout, talking about growing up and getting out of the party life for a woman:: "And now/ I only do it every chance I get/ It ain't a habit/ I got a handle on it/ It ain't an all day everyday thing/ Unless I think I can./ I used to do it every morning noon and night/ Now I could stop it/ and I ain't lying/ I slowed down so much, you could say I quit/ Cause now I only do it every chance I get". The guitar in the song is definitely the highlight in an otherwise mediocre song.
What I Call Home - Eventually, every artist does a tribute to his fans, and Colt enlists JB and the Moonshine Band to help him with this one. Colt goes on a rap about all the places he has visited, hitting pretty much every state on the way, which gets old after a while, however, he truly does sound grateful for the opportunities that the fans have given him over the years, embracing an artist that blurs the lines of country music.
Overworked & Underpaid - The legendary Charlie Daniels joins in on the last of the string of "re-hashed" country songs that make up most of the second half of the album. This one is a tribute to all of those "Overworked and underpaid/ the one's who make this country great". Colt dedicates this song to everyone from the Soldiers, Police, and Firemen to the teachers and those who work hard to bring us the music. The real shame of this song is the lack of showcasing Charlie Daniels' fiddlin' skills. There is a brief solo about the two-minute mark, but not nearly strong to distinguish it from anything that anyone who knows how to play could do.
Skirts & Boots - Up and Coming artist Frankie Ballard ("Tell Me You Get Lonely" and "A Buncha Girls") helps bring the life back to the album, and the party. This song could easily be a popular bar song, as that is exactly what it is about, the girls who go, and the boys who go to see them. The song could easily be a sequel to "All About Ya'll" from the previous album, "Chicken and Biscuits". I see this song being a potential upcoming single for Colt, after "She Likes To Ride In Trucks" is done.
Twisted - This is a song that Colt originally recorded and put on his debut album ("Ride Through The Country"), but this time, he has convinced none other than Tim McGraw to sing the chorus on the track. When the original album came out, this song did not strike me as that great, but quickly grew to be one of my favorites and still is. The song does not sound too much different with McGraw than it did with his bandmates, but is still a solid song to end the album with, telling the story of a young adult, faced with the choice of staying in his small town after high school, or going to "chase the bright lights of the California nights" by going to play football for UCLA. He chooses the latter, but after getting laughed at for ordering sweet tea, he realizes everything that he left and heads home where he belongs.
Overall, Colt Ford has put out a solid album, whose only real flaw is that the second half sounds too indistinguishable from the themes of every other country song out there. However, Colts unique blend of styles makes the most of it and the album makes great driving music. This is Ford at his best, doing a solid mix of the country and rap and is sure to have something to please even the staunchest critics. 8/10
Next, I will review Chris Young's newest offering, "Neon"
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