2012 was a great year for country music. Many artists released new albums this year, though many of the bigger names in the genre were still riding the highs of 2011 albums. Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Justin Moore and Luke Bryan are just some of the artists who did NOT release new albums this year.
The good side of this is that it left country music wide open for new, up and coming artists to take the spotlight. We reviewed some of these artists album this year, though not nearly as many as we would have liked. Some of them are featured in this countdown, while others just did not make the cut.
So without further adieu, the Top 12 Country Albums of 2012:
12. Rachel Farley - The Truth EP - Released in the early part of the year, this young singer did not nearly get the chance to shine as her EP deserved. She did, however, set herself up for success in 2013, opening for Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean. At only 17, this artist is well on her way to a big national debut.
11. Chris Lane Band - Let's Ride - Chris Lane is a small time artist from North Carolina, but the artist already fits in well alongside artists such as Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan. "Let's Ride" features a great combination of rocking country and smooth love ballads.
10. Colt Ford - Declaration of Independence - I have not been shy about my love of the unique sound of Colt Ford in the past. His August release, Declaration of Independence, returned Ford to a sound that made his debut album popular, letting country stars sing while Colt sticks to the rapping. Guest singers include Jason Aldean, Kix Brooks (Of Brook & Dunn) and Corey Smith. The lead single, "Back", featuring Jake Owen, helped Ford score his first #1 Country Album.
9. Toby Keith - Hope On The Rocks - Continuing with the pattern set by 2011's "Clancy's Tavern", Toby Keith kept strong his return to more traditional sounding country music. Gone are the partying days of old, Keith's album features songs that are more reflective in nature. The title track "Hope On The Rocks" is one of the strongest songs TK has released in recent memory.
8. Love & Theft - Self Titled Album - The lead single "Angel Eyes" took country music by storm earlier this year, securing the duo's place in country music. While not a new artist, L&T is likely new to most country listeners. Look for their star to rise even more in 2013.
7. Brian Davis Band - Under the Influence - Another locally known artist deserving of a much bigger stage. BDB's "Under the Influence" rocking country sound will be familiarly comfortable among those who listen to the more modern outlaw side of the genre. Fittingly, Brian Davis Band opened for Brantley Gilbert on his first headlining tour in the second half of the year.
6. Lee Brice - Hard 2 Love - It was a big year for Brice. His sophomore album was met with critical acclaim. The first two singles "A Woman Like You" and "Hard To Love" enjoyed long play on the radio. His third single, "I Drive Your Truck", changes from the love based pace that he is known for, but is still quickly rising up the charts.
5. Thomas Rhett - Self Titled EP - One of my favorite albums of the year, this EP is only so low on the chart because of the shortened length. The son of Rhett Akins, Thomas is enjoying success behind "Something To Do With My Hands", "Beer With Jesus" and opening for Toby Keith this previous Summer.
4. Florida Georgia Line - Here's To The Good Times - FGL's debut album benefited from having an EP released earlier this year, one of our highest rated releases of the year. The lead single, the summer tune, "Cruise", spent multiple weeks on top of the chart, and is still enjoying radio success in the cold months. Look for this duo on the Luke Bryan's "Dirt Road Diaries" tour in 2013.
3. Chase Rice - Dirt Road Communion - A cowriter on the aforementioned "Cruise", Rice did not get much, if any, radio play on his own. Nonetheless, "Dirt Road Communion" remains one of the top albums of the year, and is still a regular in my playlist, despite being released in March.
2. Jason Aldean - Night Train - After having giant years in 2010 and 2011, Aldean continued his success in 2012. His fifth album, "Night Train" features a diverse variety of songs, from the lead single "Take A Little Ride", to the risky "1994" (penned by Thomas Rhett) to the risque "Black Tears" (written by Florida Georgia Line). It is hard to find any song on Night Train that one can classify as a bad song.
1. Kip Moore - Up All Night - Newcomer Kip Moore took radio by storm with the catchy "Somethin' Bout A Truck". His soft, yet gruff, voice combined with a more traditional country sound makes his debut album the most played album on my playlist. Much like Aldean's "Night Train" it is hard to find fault with any of the songs on the album. "Beer Money", the second single from the album, is enjoying commercial success that is sure to make Moore a common sound on the radio in 2013.
Honorable Mentions: Aaron Lewis, former lead singer of Staind, released his debut full-length country album, "The Road" late this year. Also of note, after a long break and some time as solo artists, Big and Rich returned together to release "Hillbilly Jedi".
So there it is. The top 12 albums in country music in 2012. We are looking forward to sharing our thoughts on 2013 albums, including new ones from Tim McGraw, Gary Allan, Darius Rucker, Randy Houser, Brad Paisley, Band Perry and George Strait.
Until then, Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you off the dirt road.
Showing posts with label Colt Ford. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colt Ford. Show all posts
Monday, December 31, 2012
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Album Review: Montgomery Gentry - Rebels On The Run
Montgomery Gentry, a duo known for their hard-partying music is back with their first album in three years. "Rebels On The Run", the groups seventh studio album, is the first to be released on Average Joe's Entertainment (co-owned by Colt Ford). The duo has never had a #1 album to date, maybe this will be their first:
Damn Right I Am - The lead-off track to the album is a rocking anthem about being proud of who you are and where you are from. The song has political undertones, but does a good job of avoiding overdoing it. The real highlight of the song is the guitar near the end.
Ain't No Law Against That - This is the type of song the Montgomery Gentry is known for. A hard-rocking party tune. Following in the footsteps of "One In Every Crowd" and "Hell Yeah", the song reminds me a lot of "Nobody Feelin' No Pain" off of the recently released Jake Owen album. It is definitely a great drinking song that, knowing these guys, will end up as a future single.
Damn Baby - The third song on the album slows it down, but only a bit and leads off with the question every couple asks: "Damn baby/ Are we crazy?/ Crazy enough to think that maybe/ We might make it". The pace of the song is just the right speed to serve as a solid transition between the second and fourth tracks.
Empty - One of the great things about Montgomery Gentry is that they do not focus a lot on heartbreak. "Empty" is one of only two songs on the album with that theme. The problem with this track though, is that the contrast in feeling is too great between the verses and the chorus. The former feels genuine, but something about the way the latter is sung feels a bit forced.
Where I Come From - The first single from the album returns to the mood set by "Damn Right I Am", being proud of where you are from. The song could almost serve as a sequel to "My Town", a song off of their album of the same name. The music video tells a pretty emotional story:
Note: I would like to thank Montgomery Gentry for this video. As a Soldier, it is nice to see a music video in which a Soldier is in combat AND survives. There are music videos of Soldiers coming home but do not have them in combat (Trace Adkins' "All I Ask For Anymore") and videos of them in combat, but not coming home (Jason Aldean's "Tattoos On This Town"), but it is nice to see a video show combat and have a happy ending.
I Like Those People - A tribute to people who are real, and true to themselves and each other. Musically, it sounds like it fits more to a barroom ballad, but the bluesy beat fits the mood of the song. The song does not necessarily fit where it is on the album, but it still ended up being one of my favorites.
Rebels On The Run - The album's title track takes the duo back to their younger days: partying, loving, and making the most of their lives. "We snuck in all the hometown games/ And played chicken with midnight trains/ Old timers swore/ We were insane/ Rebels on the run/ We made a beer bottle pact/ Behind Bernie's store that/ We would always be one for all/ And all for one/ Rebels on the run." My money is on this being the next single from the album, and deservedly so.
Simple Things - MG cranks up the guitar on this track celebrating the "Simple Things" in life, like 4th of July parades, fishing, and driving down a dirt road with a girl. Inevitably, the duo longs for days without cell phones as well. Other than that personal disagreement (about things being simpler without the cell phones), I absolutely love this track.
Missing You - The other heartbreak song on the album, this one feels a lot more natural than "Empty" did. The violin and keyboard provide a beautiful background to the tune, and the guitar solo about the 1:30 mark only adds to it.
So Called Life - The duo goes back to the rock, celebrating the ups and downs in life and adding a bit of funk in the process: "This ain't no rodeo/ No dog and pony show/ Ain't no roller coaster ride/ Ain't no highway/ Sure ain't no river baby/ It's just my so called/ Just my so called life". The song is a great pedal-to-the-metal cruising tune.
Work Hard, Play Harder - Closing the album is another party rock tune, this one as a tribute to those who work hard, sometimes for what feels like almost nothing. The song is timely, especially the first verse in light of the Occupy Wall Street protests currently taking place: "I put my forty in plus overtime/ Oughta be proud of this check of mine/ Open it up and I'll be damned/ I worked half the week for Uncle Sam/ He's up there having him a spending spree/ A big ole party and its all on me". The song is a great way to end the album, starting and ending with the type of songs the duo is known for.
"Rebels On The Run", while not the strongest album the duo has put out, continues to build upon the foundation the band has laid in the past. The album is full of potential hits, and hopefully will debut as their first #1 country album. 7.5/10
Damn Right I Am - The lead-off track to the album is a rocking anthem about being proud of who you are and where you are from. The song has political undertones, but does a good job of avoiding overdoing it. The real highlight of the song is the guitar near the end.
Ain't No Law Against That - This is the type of song the Montgomery Gentry is known for. A hard-rocking party tune. Following in the footsteps of "One In Every Crowd" and "Hell Yeah", the song reminds me a lot of "Nobody Feelin' No Pain" off of the recently released Jake Owen album. It is definitely a great drinking song that, knowing these guys, will end up as a future single.
Damn Baby - The third song on the album slows it down, but only a bit and leads off with the question every couple asks: "Damn baby/ Are we crazy?/ Crazy enough to think that maybe/ We might make it". The pace of the song is just the right speed to serve as a solid transition between the second and fourth tracks.
Empty - One of the great things about Montgomery Gentry is that they do not focus a lot on heartbreak. "Empty" is one of only two songs on the album with that theme. The problem with this track though, is that the contrast in feeling is too great between the verses and the chorus. The former feels genuine, but something about the way the latter is sung feels a bit forced.
Where I Come From - The first single from the album returns to the mood set by "Damn Right I Am", being proud of where you are from. The song could almost serve as a sequel to "My Town", a song off of their album of the same name. The music video tells a pretty emotional story:
Note: I would like to thank Montgomery Gentry for this video. As a Soldier, it is nice to see a music video in which a Soldier is in combat AND survives. There are music videos of Soldiers coming home but do not have them in combat (Trace Adkins' "All I Ask For Anymore") and videos of them in combat, but not coming home (Jason Aldean's "Tattoos On This Town"), but it is nice to see a video show combat and have a happy ending.
I Like Those People - A tribute to people who are real, and true to themselves and each other. Musically, it sounds like it fits more to a barroom ballad, but the bluesy beat fits the mood of the song. The song does not necessarily fit where it is on the album, but it still ended up being one of my favorites.
Rebels On The Run - The album's title track takes the duo back to their younger days: partying, loving, and making the most of their lives. "We snuck in all the hometown games/ And played chicken with midnight trains/ Old timers swore/ We were insane/ Rebels on the run/ We made a beer bottle pact/ Behind Bernie's store that/ We would always be one for all/ And all for one/ Rebels on the run." My money is on this being the next single from the album, and deservedly so.
Simple Things - MG cranks up the guitar on this track celebrating the "Simple Things" in life, like 4th of July parades, fishing, and driving down a dirt road with a girl. Inevitably, the duo longs for days without cell phones as well. Other than that personal disagreement (about things being simpler without the cell phones), I absolutely love this track.
Missing You - The other heartbreak song on the album, this one feels a lot more natural than "Empty" did. The violin and keyboard provide a beautiful background to the tune, and the guitar solo about the 1:30 mark only adds to it.
So Called Life - The duo goes back to the rock, celebrating the ups and downs in life and adding a bit of funk in the process: "This ain't no rodeo/ No dog and pony show/ Ain't no roller coaster ride/ Ain't no highway/ Sure ain't no river baby/ It's just my so called/ Just my so called life". The song is a great pedal-to-the-metal cruising tune.
Work Hard, Play Harder - Closing the album is another party rock tune, this one as a tribute to those who work hard, sometimes for what feels like almost nothing. The song is timely, especially the first verse in light of the Occupy Wall Street protests currently taking place: "I put my forty in plus overtime/ Oughta be proud of this check of mine/ Open it up and I'll be damned/ I worked half the week for Uncle Sam/ He's up there having him a spending spree/ A big ole party and its all on me". The song is a great way to end the album, starting and ending with the type of songs the duo is known for.
"Rebels On The Run", while not the strongest album the duo has put out, continues to build upon the foundation the band has laid in the past. The album is full of potential hits, and hopefully will debut as their first #1 country album. 7.5/10
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Album Review: Brantley Gilbert - Halfway To Heaven (Deluxe Edition)
I cannot fairly write this review, so let me go ahead and start by telling you that this album is a 10/10. It would not be the least bit objective for a couple of reasons. First, I am too big of a Brantley Gilbert fan to look at the music critically. I fell in love with his music the moment I heard it. Second it is not the initial release of the album. The first twelve songs were released in the first half of 2010, and I bought the album when it was released then. I have probably listened to the original release over a hundred times. Finally, there is too much emotion tied into these songs, too many memories, too much personal meaning. If I did not state this outright, it would not be fair to those reading this admittedly subjective review.
As mentioned, this is not the first release of most of these songs. Gilbert released the first twelve tracks on his former record label, "Average Joe's Entertainment". Since then, a lot has happened for this young artist. He signed on with Valory Music Company, which houses Justin Moore (whose album was reviewed earlier this year), and a little known artist named Reba McEntire. Fellow Georgian Jason Aldean recorded two songs from his debut album ("Modern Day Prodigal Son"), taking both "My Kinda Party" and "Dirt Road Anthem" to #1. This move caused a lot of anger among Gilbert fans, but the success of this album will show that Jason brought Brantley the biggest opportunity of his career. Finally, he began the process of re-recording, remastering, and re-releasing this album.
Anyone who has listened to Brantley's music knows Brantley. A lot of artists say that they pour everything they have into their music, but one listen to tracks such as "Saving Amy" and "Halfway to Heaven" and you get the feeling that he puts everything and then some. The title track is the true life story of a moment that forever changed him. He drove home one night after a party, drunk, and ended up upside-down slammed into a tree. The emotion in Gilbert's voice is extremely moving, as he tells about how that one moment truly changed his life. "Saving Amy" is just as heartbreaking, as the singer tells of watching over his fiancee after dying in a car wreck the night he proposed.
Gilbert does a good job with the romantic songs, such as "Fall Into Me" and "My Kinda Crazy", too. Among the final three tracks on the album, which are the new ones added for the deluxe edition, "More Than Miles" is spectacular. The song is reminiscent of Jason Aldean's "Keep The Girl" (off of the "Wide Open" album), as Gilbert sings about leaving his girl behind to chase his dreams in Nashville.
For all the emotion used in the slow songs, the Georgia-native dumps an equal amount of energy into his rock and party anthems. "Hell On Wheels" opens the album, a song often compared to the classic "Copperhead Road", but on steroids. "Kick It In The Sticks" and "Take It Outside" show the party side of his music. Colt Ford joins Gilbert for the original version of "Dirt Road Anthem", which features the two verses that Jason Aldean's version has (performed by Colt Ford) as well as a third verse in which Brantley himself raps. Gilbert's current single, "Country Must Be Country Wide" (currently #15 on the charts) is a tribute to his fans, and a reminder that country music is popular in more than just the South.
In between all of these, Gilbert takes us back to when he was growing up with songs such as "Back In The Day". "Them Boys" is that song that we have all sang, when we observe a younger generation that just does not get it. It feels a little hypocritical at first, especially after "Bending The Rules and Breaking The Law", until the end, when Brantley observes that his and his friend's grandfathers were probably saying the same thing: "Them boys don't know one thing about life/ True love and trouble/ Struggle and strife/ They think it's all just fun and games/ Like laws and rules are balls and chains/ Treatin them girls like hearts don't break/ Treatin old men like hands don't shake/ I pray it's just a phase/ their goin through/ Yeah but what are we gonna do with them boys?".
Among the new tracks, "Hell On An Angel shines brightest as it closes the album out. It tells the story of his wife, who has him changed from an outlaw to a lover. This song could make for a great single in the future.
Overall, the deluxe edition of "Halfway to Heaven" is a great way for Brantley to make his entrance into the larger world of country music. It is true to the original album, just cleaner and better mixed. The effort is sure to please both die-hard fans who were worried that he was going to sell out, as well as new fans, looking for a breath of fresh air in a genre that is rapidly moving towards the pop side. As mentioned before, this album is a 10/10.
Enjoy the video for "Country Must Be Country Wide", shot at the same prison in Tennessee where "The Green Mile" was filmed:
As mentioned, this is not the first release of most of these songs. Gilbert released the first twelve tracks on his former record label, "Average Joe's Entertainment". Since then, a lot has happened for this young artist. He signed on with Valory Music Company, which houses Justin Moore (whose album was reviewed earlier this year), and a little known artist named Reba McEntire. Fellow Georgian Jason Aldean recorded two songs from his debut album ("Modern Day Prodigal Son"), taking both "My Kinda Party" and "Dirt Road Anthem" to #1. This move caused a lot of anger among Gilbert fans, but the success of this album will show that Jason brought Brantley the biggest opportunity of his career. Finally, he began the process of re-recording, remastering, and re-releasing this album.
Anyone who has listened to Brantley's music knows Brantley. A lot of artists say that they pour everything they have into their music, but one listen to tracks such as "Saving Amy" and "Halfway to Heaven" and you get the feeling that he puts everything and then some. The title track is the true life story of a moment that forever changed him. He drove home one night after a party, drunk, and ended up upside-down slammed into a tree. The emotion in Gilbert's voice is extremely moving, as he tells about how that one moment truly changed his life. "Saving Amy" is just as heartbreaking, as the singer tells of watching over his fiancee after dying in a car wreck the night he proposed.
Gilbert does a good job with the romantic songs, such as "Fall Into Me" and "My Kinda Crazy", too. Among the final three tracks on the album, which are the new ones added for the deluxe edition, "More Than Miles" is spectacular. The song is reminiscent of Jason Aldean's "Keep The Girl" (off of the "Wide Open" album), as Gilbert sings about leaving his girl behind to chase his dreams in Nashville.
For all the emotion used in the slow songs, the Georgia-native dumps an equal amount of energy into his rock and party anthems. "Hell On Wheels" opens the album, a song often compared to the classic "Copperhead Road", but on steroids. "Kick It In The Sticks" and "Take It Outside" show the party side of his music. Colt Ford joins Gilbert for the original version of "Dirt Road Anthem", which features the two verses that Jason Aldean's version has (performed by Colt Ford) as well as a third verse in which Brantley himself raps. Gilbert's current single, "Country Must Be Country Wide" (currently #15 on the charts) is a tribute to his fans, and a reminder that country music is popular in more than just the South.
In between all of these, Gilbert takes us back to when he was growing up with songs such as "Back In The Day". "Them Boys" is that song that we have all sang, when we observe a younger generation that just does not get it. It feels a little hypocritical at first, especially after "Bending The Rules and Breaking The Law", until the end, when Brantley observes that his and his friend's grandfathers were probably saying the same thing: "Them boys don't know one thing about life/ True love and trouble/ Struggle and strife/ They think it's all just fun and games/ Like laws and rules are balls and chains/ Treatin them girls like hearts don't break/ Treatin old men like hands don't shake/ I pray it's just a phase/ their goin through/ Yeah but what are we gonna do with them boys?".
Among the new tracks, "Hell On An Angel shines brightest as it closes the album out. It tells the story of his wife, who has him changed from an outlaw to a lover. This song could make for a great single in the future.
Overall, the deluxe edition of "Halfway to Heaven" is a great way for Brantley to make his entrance into the larger world of country music. It is true to the original album, just cleaner and better mixed. The effort is sure to please both die-hard fans who were worried that he was going to sell out, as well as new fans, looking for a breath of fresh air in a genre that is rapidly moving towards the pop side. As mentioned before, this album is a 10/10.
Enjoy the video for "Country Must Be Country Wide", shot at the same prison in Tennessee where "The Green Mile" was filmed:
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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