Album Review: Tim McGraw - Emotional Traffic

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

During the Break - A Word on SOPA/PIPA

Hello readers,

I know this is a blog to review country music, but I wanted to take a moment on this day to say a word about the SOPA and PIPA acts that are working their way through both parts of Congress.

Many of you may have noticed that today, Wikipedia is unavailable, Google has a censor block over it's name, and many other sites are inaccessible. This is for a reason. The SOPA and PIPA acts that Congress is trying to force down our throats is an abomination. So many sites that we consider vital to our lives: Facebook, Twitter, Google, YouTube and many more would be castrated, if not utterly decimated by these bills. These bills are nothing more than an attempt to censor the internet, thinly veiled as fighting piracy.

I urge all of you to write, call, tweet, facebook, use whatever means you have available to contact your representatives and tell them that you oppose this bill. We have had almost 3,000 unique visitors to this blog, and if these bills pass, this blog will be no longer.

Thank you for your time. Look for new reviews to start next week as Lynzee reviews Kellie Pickler's "100 Proof" and Tim tackles the new album from Tim McGraw, both released on the 24th.

End of Year Round-up

So, we are at the end of the year, which means plenty of Christmas shopping to be done.  I am sure many of you are considering buying music for your loved ones, so I thought it would be handy to do a round-up of  all the albums we have reviewed here, ranked from highest to lowest.  Each album will have two links.  The artist name will be a link to the review that we did here.  The album title will be a link to Amazon where you can purchase it if you so choose.  The ratings we gave are also included.

Brantley Gilbert - Halfway to Heaven (Deluxe Edition): 10/10
Eric Church - Chief:  9.5/10
Justin Moore - Outlaws Like Me:  9.5/10
Lady Antebellum - Own The Night:  9.5/10
Pistol Annies - Hell On Heels:  9/10
Martina McBride - Eleven:  9/10
Kevin Fowler - Chippin' Away:  9/10
Eli Young Band - Life At Best:  8.5/10
Jake Owen - Barefoot Blue Jean Night:  8.5/10
Blake Shelton - Red River Blue:  8/10
Brad Paisley - This Is Country Music:  8/10
Lauren Alaina - Wildflower:  8/10
Colt Ford - Every Chance I Get:  8/10
Scotty McCreery - Clear As Day:  7.5/10
Montgomery Gentry - Rebels On The Run:  7.5/10
Rodney Atkins - Take A Back Road:  7.5/10
Chris Young - Neon:  7.5/10
Toby Keith - Clancy's Tavern:  7/10
Trace Adkins - Proud To Be Here:  7/10
Miranda Lambert - Four The Record:  6.5/10
Joe Nichols - It's All Good:  6.5/10
Luke Bryan - Tailgates & Tanlines:  6/10

Overall, country music had a pretty surprising year.  Some new artists, such as Brantley Gilbert and the Pistol Annies put out fantastic albums.  Some staples (Toby Keith, Trace Adkins) had mediocre releases.  New First Couple of Country Music (Blake Shelton & Miranda Lambert) had huge years.

This is far from the only country albums to come out this year.  These are only the ones that we had the chance to review.  Check out releases from Thompson Square (Self-Titled), Sunny Sweeney ("Concrete"), Steel Magnolia (Self-Titled), Sara Evans ("Stronger"), Ronnie Dunn (Self-Titled), Josh Kelley ("Georgia Clay"), Josh Gracin ("Redemption"), Jeff Bridges (Self-Titled), The JaneDear Girls (Self-Titled), Hunter Hayes (Self-Titled), George Strait ("Here For A Good Time"), Craig Campbell (Self-Titled), Corey Smith ("The Broken Record"), Ashton Shepherd ("Where Country Grows"), Allison Krauss & Union Station ("Paper Airplanes"), and Aaron Lewis ("Town Line").  Many of these are great albums that we just did not have time to review.

Thanks for a great first year at "Low Down For A Hoe Down" and Merry Christmas from both Lynzee and I.  We look forward to reviewing all the great albums coming in 2012.  Look for reviews of albums from Kellie Pickler, Tim McGraw, and Dierks Bentley early in the year and many more as the year moves on.  Also coming in 2012, I plan on reviewing any concerts I attend as well as finally getting around to the line dances I promised from the beginning.  See you next year!

Album Review: Lady Antebellum - Own The Night

Lady Antebellum wasted no time following up their smash hit album "Need You Now".  After racking up numerous awards (including five Grammy's), the group is back with their third album, "Own The Night"


We Owned The Night: This song has already been released and over-played on the radio but it has this amazing sound lovable message and romantic video. Great lyrics and sound.

Just A Kiss: Another great song. The story of love. A strong connection that takes your breathe away. A song dealing with love being so strong that they don't want everything to end so they take it slow with "just a kiss."

Dancin' Away With My Heart: You always hear stories on TV about couples who go off to college and never see each other till they find one another again in some way (i.e. Facebook) and then they get married and talk about the good old days. When they met each other. It only takes one moment to catch someones heart. This song explains that perfectly.

Friday Night: Such a different style. I normally hate songs like this, but they execute it perfectly. They write of a woman "I don't wanna be another chore to check off on your list." "I wanna be your Friday night sweet ride summertime sunshine barefoot in the moonlight." Basically do what you have to do but when you get home its always Friday night.

When You Were Mine: Brings back memories of when I would have a nasty breakup, later all I could think about would be the good times. "You promised you'd never break my heart, never leave me in the dark, said your love would be for all time." "But that was back when you were mine."

Cold As Stone: It is easier to just put up huge electric fence around your heart when something goes wrong. It is easier to move on when your not admitting that you got hurt. "I wish I was cold as stone, then I wouldn't feel a thing. I wish I didn't have this heart, then I wouldn't know the sting of the pain." To me the best way to get over someone is to find some better who is worth it. No need to be a pathetic person who just talks about there break ups and how there madly in love with them.

Singing Me Home: Awesome song. Now I know almost every country boy has had this happen. "My baby's riding shotgun, singin just a little off key. Her feet on the dashboard, tapping out the back beat. " "got the sunshine shining through the windshield, got a hand on her leg the other on the wheel." The chorus sounds like The Temptations only with a girl. Different but I love it.

Wanted You More: I despise those relationships where there is only one person giving everything thing humanly possible for the other and they're just blind (mostly it is the guy who doesn't show emotions well). Although I think the song was sung a little too clean cut regardless it was beautiful for a break up song. ;-)

As You Turn Away: when things are bad, there normally is a long road to recovering the relationship. Most don't get to recovery they just leave. A hearts already fully broken, there is no repair for that. Also, there is the let's be friends horse poopy. "No we can't be friends cause I don't think I could take seeing you and knowing where we've been." I'm a little harsh but the song explains it in a gentle matter.

Love I've Found In You: I'm in love with this song. Definitely a song that will be played at a lot of weddings. So Romantic.

Somewhere Love Remains: I swear I could have used this album in high school with all the up and down relationships I went through. Sometimes I think they just take all my experiences and put them in song. (wait then, shouldn't I be getting paid too hahaha NOT) Another great break up song.

Heart Of The World: So Soft, incredibly smooth sounding. Almost like a lullaby it's so sexy.

Own The Night was fantastic. (maybe I'm just in a good mood) I felt the whole album had so much personality and awesome mix of style. Even though he songs are out in order with romantic, then break up and back to romantic and so on. Every song exploded my mind with old memories. (good and bad) This is how country music should stay. Songs that people can relate to. Well done.  9.5/10

Album Review: Martina McBride - Eleven

Great timing on this album. Martina McBride released her eleventh album, "Eleven" containing eleven songs on October 11, 2011.   The six-time CMA winner and five-time ACM winner (including an honorary award in 2011) Has been a staple in country music since she burst on the scene in the early 90's. She's an amazing singer that defines country music.

One Night: What a song. Makes me want to just drop everything and go on an adventure. No worries. No concerns. Just love. I can agree. I'm Tired of waiting my whole life for something real. Like a match under my ass cause I'm ready to live it up. It's too bad the radios are going to play the shit out of this song.

Always Be This Way: This song is short but to the point. A well-written song about love.  Who wouldn't want their lover to say " you make my heart beat faster," and "I'm crazy for you"? It's too bad life's so freaked up that things can't always be just the good times.

I'm Gonna Love You Though It: Such an inspirational song to keep the fight. Although this song is very sad it's the truth. It's an amazing feeling have a person to hold on to and help give you strength when you have nothing left. There will always be those moments where everything is taken from you but, guess what, you're loved. Even though this song makes me want to cry, I love the video of real stories of people who didn't think they had anything to live for, but they survived.

Marry Me: I like everything about this song, although I definitely don't think she should be saying "marry me" to the guy. I guess I'm old fashion when it comes to those things. Even though it sounds like they are just two people wishing they had the nerve to go over to the other and say "hello", yet they want to marry each other. Now, I've heard stories of people just taking a look at someone and knowing they're the one for life, but I guess it's just in what you believe in. Awesome song. I think she chose a beautiful, gentle sound, and it doesn't hurt to have a great guy singing it with you.

Broken Umbrella: Even though this song has nothing to do with Christmas, I love how the song has that tone to it. No care in the world just cause I'm with you. I love it. :-) Why should anything else matter when you're in love? You should never let the little things bug you. There is more to life.

You Can Get Your Lovin' Right Here: I love how she just lets her man be a man. There are too many little high school girls who think if they keep a tight chain on their dog, he won't run away. ( He will run for the sky right when you turn away) She just sings of how she will let him do what he wants as long as he comes home for a passionate night or two. Great song. She has amazing range in her voice.

Whatcha Gonna Do: A huge change from the first part of the album. Then again every relationship has there rocky points. I definitely agree when a relationship is not working there is no use for staying and putting yourself through the heartbreak. Like She says, "I can't keep waiting around this house, expecting you to change, You lead me on and let me down every time you say your sorry." It will never work itself out if only one person is doing the giving and taking. Partnership.

Teenage Daughters: No kid comes with a manual. Of course when they're small, they love you and you're the greatest thing since ice cream, but when those teen years come along, you're wrong. Just love them for who they are and help them become the best they can. Don't give in but don't abuse. Awesome songs for parents who think they're alone.

Summer Of Love: This song is deja vu for me. I've never had a song explain my situation more perfectly then this one. It was like i was reliving the moment. A wonderful song about "kiss me one more time, you said kiss me so I won't forget, so I can have this feeling even when you're gone." I think every person who's in a military relationship can agree with me on this song.

When You Love A Sinner: This song reminds me of people who marry because they think they can change the other person. In the end you don't.

Long Distance Lullaby: I don't really know what to say about this one. It's beautiful, sweet, and is something that would surely put me to sleep. I do wish I could send my kiss a thousand miles to you, and just to feel your touch.

This is an album that shows slightly different styles (which all sound amazing). It is one of my favorites. She held my interest through out the whole album. I love that she didn't put songs that wouldn't go on the radio or that didn't make any sense. It was powerful but gentle and inspirational and got to the point. Her voice is sensational and her range is amazing. She is one of many people that is going to keep country music alive.  9/10

~Lynzee

Album Review: Miranda Lambert - Four The Record

Miranda Lambert has had an awesome, but busy year with the Pistol Annies, not to mention her new marriage to Blake Shelton (who is also featured on her album, song Better In The Long Run). Also this is her 4th album that has gone to number 1. This makes her the only country artist to have their 4 records go to number 1 on the country charts.

So CONGRATS to Lambert.

All kinds of kind: First time around listening to this song it took me 30 seconds to tell that this was NOT her normal style. Then questioning why she was talking about Ilas who was an acrobat, or congressman dressing up in dresses to realize that if you open the box, the people living in there are some weird, crazy, insane people in this world. Even then, it takes all kinds of kind to make the world go round. This song makes me want to get to know those people, just to experience a different side of the world so I can say "guess what I am a kind." (What's with the minute and half that's nothing but music radio station are going to cut the song off short???)

Fine Tune: I almost missed the first line were she says "I've been missing all the vital signs" if I had not gone back. Is she trying to state a point with the title "Fine Tune" and the way you cant understand what shes saying unless you read the lyrics with the song??? Not my favorite at all. kinda sounds like she's bored, but makes a great point of guys; they turn all the loose strings, kiss you from your wrist to your neck and running your fingers through my hair. All I've got to say to that is ewwwww la la (read that slow if you don't understand) kinda cant wait for Christmas when I see my man.

Fastest Girl In Town: Powerful kind of attitude I love from her. A style she should keep. It describes the "I don't care what people think" fire that people in the music business need. It's your life! So live it to the fullest not what you think people want you to you do. So Rock On! Kick Some Ass :-)

Safe: Sounds like my relationship with my boyfriend. I always feel safe with him, and I hope he feels the same. "I'll spend forever making sure I can erase every tear you ever thought about crying" basically love him through everything knowing this song is about Blake Shelton. Ahh love.

Mama's Broken Heart: When I hear this song it makes me think of the olden day mamas. "Powder your nose, paint your toes, line your lips and keep'em closed, cross your legs, dot your I's, and never let them see you cry" "Run and hide your crazy, start acting like a lady," but I guess she has not seen the country girls in Fayetteville, NC. Love the song Reminds me of my dad. hahaha

Dear Diamond: I can relate to getting a new ring. "Perfectly flawless, to good to be true." She goes on by saying "Promise to never do what I've done, I've lied to someone." Everyone has their own dark secrets but when it comes down to it do you want to "Lie like the devil or just face the truth?" Everything about this song makes me wonder should they be getting married??  I mean hiding your poop sounds from them when you first get married is one thing or even dating, but "what he don't know WILL kill him," makes you question?? That closet must be deep if you don't think he won't find out.

Same Old You: Kinda makes me think this song came from a drunk person one night or a day were you realize WTF am I doing in this relationship. Same old complaints of a person who wants to leave but when their about to walk out the front door for good they looks back and all your can see is the good time. It draws you back to that no good life.

Baggage Claim:  Enjoy the music video for this one

Easy Living: Short, and to the point. A kiss in the morning (no coffee for me) "It's easy living, it's easy loving you."

Over You: Blake Shelton is the true artist of this song. They interviewed Miranda Lambert and she states that it was a very emotional time and this song is all about his brother who died when Shelton was in his teen years. Lambert goes on to say that the reason she sings the song is because Shelton didn't want to have to get up on stage to relive a horrible time in his life every day, week, month, year. The song gives off this emotional hurt, but knowing of protection. Even though Shelton chooses not to sing this song, Lambert pulls off this elegant, beautiful sound. This song is his history.

Look At Miss Ohio: I feel myself getting bored now. This song is one of many on this album that has no emotion to it. It's just got this tempo/sound of okay lets get this over with. I have never been more ill interested in a song. It talks about a Miss Ohio wanting to get married but not now and all her mom is doing is pushing her in to it. Okay I know when my parents try to push me in to something it pisses me off. WHERE IS THE EMOTION, the fire, anything? This song sounds like Lambert is an on-looking party, but still where's the interest that grabbed your attention to even make this song? Was this song a last minute addition because she had nothing else in her life to write about?

Better In The Long Run: Well yes I like this song but i don't blame Blake Shelton or Miranda Lambert for this song. This song makes you think does this song represent them when NO one knew they were dating for almost 3 years? Is this what they thought at one point about there relationship? Although I love the meaning cause lord knows I've been in that type of situation; the chorus sounds like they both are yelling at the microphone to be heard over the other. While I love them as separate indiviuals as well as a couple, I don't think singing together sounds right. There both dominant so having them sing together at times sounds like a pissed off cat looking for a fight. They would be better off in a slow romantic song.

Nobody's Fool: I really don't have anything to say about this song. Its a pretty simple song of a break up and the guy moving on or trying to rub the next girl in her face. Replacement is no fun, but then again there's plenty of fish in the sea.

Oklahoma Sky: Before I even played this song I looked at how long the song was(4:47), then I assumed there would be a lot of lyrics but when i looked it up the song was 3 paragraphs. In my mind I'm guessing there's a lot of instrumental parts. This song to me has a lot of mystery. I've listened to the song over and over but all I know is that it deals with a lot of love.

Although It took me longer to review this album then I thought; it was an okay album. I saw MTV featuring Miranda Lambert and she talked so high about this album that I had high expectations. Especially since she states it has a lot of her personality, and that it shows her curiosity with the different styles. So Congrats and good luck with the marriage. 6.5/10

(I would love to sit down with her and ask about some of these songs because they have so much mystery to them. Even to get it straight if this album is all about Blake Shelton and her or not?)


~Lynzee

Album Review: Joe Nichols - It's All Good

Joe Nichols returns with his first album in almost three years. The "Gimme That Girl" singer, known for his more suave singing voice released his seventh album on November 8th. "It's All Good" has already produced one single, "Take It Off", which did not perform well.

The "Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off" singer continues in his typical style, which is very similar to that of Kenny Chesney. It is a fun-loving, but romantic style, albeit without Chesney's beach tone to it. "Take It Off" and "The More I Look" embody this perfectly, with the latter having more of a bar party attitude and the former being more of a beach party.

"Somebody's Mama" tells the story of getting a tattoo covering up an angel tattoo from the past. The singer reminisces on a past love as he shares with the artist: "She used to say all she wanted babies/ And I was too young to slow down/ But I figure she's probably somebody's mama by now".

The next two songs, the title track and "This Ole Boy" return to the idea of life being perfect as long as he has his woman with him. In "It's All Good", Nichols paints a picture of everything around him falling apart, but as long as he is sitting in the shade with his love, well, you get the picture. "This Ole Boy", a song that will also appear on Craig Morgan's forthcoming album, continues that same feeling. Both are feel-good songs and either of them will likely end up as a single before he releases his next album.

"I Can't Take My Eyes Off You" is a romantic ballad that is sure to be sung between lovers for years to come. The Arkansas native does not care what is going on around him, whether it be two moons in the sky, a meteor shower or anything, he simply cannot stop looking at his girl.

After painting the picture of a perfect life with a perfect love for several songs, the "Brokenheartsville" singer takes a fall and hits the bottom with "No Truck, No Boat, No Girl". He acknowledges this fall in the chorus, as the song closes: "Seems like yesterday I was sittin' on top of the world/ Man ain't supposed to live this way/ No truck, no boat, no girl/ Some things just can't be replaced/ No truck, no boat, no girl"

Nichols returns to love for the last three songs of the album. "Never Gonna Give You Up" talks about all the habits, mostly drinking into the early hours, that he is more than willing to give up in exchange for a woman's love. "She's Just Like That" is a descriptive song about how perfect the woman is. Closing out the album, "How I Wanna Go" is a very reflective song, comparative like "Never Gonna Give You Up" in that it shows how different his life is since meeting his love. None of these songs stands out, but they are typical Joe Nichols, and none of them are bad either.

"It's All Good" is far from the strongest album that has been put out in country music this year, but it is far from the worst as well. Every song on the album is typical Joe Nichols, with him not taking any risks from the formula that has worked for him in the past. 6.5/10


You can pick up the album here from Google's new music store for $7.99