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 Justin Moore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Justin Moore. Show all posts
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Album Review: Florida Georgia Line - Here's To The Good Times
The last review we did as "The Low Down For A Hoe Down" was of Florida-Georgia Line's EP "It'z Just What We Do". How fitting is it, then, that our first review as "Off The Dirt Road" is FGL's debut full-length album, "Here's To The Good Times"?
It has been a whirlwind of a year for Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. Besides an EP in May, a #1 single, and spots on the Country Throwdown tour (with Justin Moore and Rodney Atkins) and the 2012 CMT on Tour tour (with Jake Owen), the duo managed to appear on Jake Owen's "Endless Summer EP" and land a cut on Jason Aldean's "Night Train" album with a song ("Black Tears") from their first EP. FGL caps the year off with a full-length album, which picks up right where they left off with their summer EP, including all five of "What We Do"'s tracks, including their recent chart topper and debut single "Cruise".
None of the newest additions to the album stray very far from the groundwork the duo laid over the summer, and the lead single ("Cruise") defines the mood for the entire album. Almost every song is perfect for driving down a dirt road with friends or cuddling up with a loved one on the tailgate of your truck at a bonfire. The one song that strays from that mood is "Stay" which appears in the middle of the album. The song, which takes on a more alternative rock feel, is about a topic almost everyone has had to deal with, heartbreak.
"I'd sell my soul just to see your face. And I'd break my bones just to heal your pain".
It is hard to find fault with any of the tracks on the album. The duo manages to create a mood the flows from start to finish without being repetitive, something that many artists struggle to do through an entire album. "Here's To The Good Times" is sure to skyrocket the newcomers up the charts, winning many many new fans in the process. Be sure to check them out in 2013, when they open up for Luke Bryan on the "Dirt Road Diaries" tour. 9/10
It has been a whirlwind of a year for Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. Besides an EP in May, a #1 single, and spots on the Country Throwdown tour (with Justin Moore and Rodney Atkins) and the 2012 CMT on Tour tour (with Jake Owen), the duo managed to appear on Jake Owen's "Endless Summer EP" and land a cut on Jason Aldean's "Night Train" album with a song ("Black Tears") from their first EP. FGL caps the year off with a full-length album, which picks up right where they left off with their summer EP, including all five of "What We Do"'s tracks, including their recent chart topper and debut single "Cruise".
"I'd sell my soul just to see your face. And I'd break my bones just to heal your pain".
It is hard to find fault with any of the tracks on the album. The duo manages to create a mood the flows from start to finish without being repetitive, something that many artists struggle to do through an entire album. "Here's To The Good Times" is sure to skyrocket the newcomers up the charts, winning many many new fans in the process. Be sure to check them out in 2013, when they open up for Luke Bryan on the "Dirt Road Diaries" tour. 9/10
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Album Review: Luke Bryan Tailgates & Tanlines
With two prior albums (both reaching #2 on the country charts), four EPs and two #1 singles (plus having wrote Billy Currington's #1 Hit "Good Directions) under his belt, it is safe to say that Luke Bryan has moved beyond "Rising Star" and into "Established" in the country realm. His laid back attitude, coupled with a mix of love ballads and party anthems have earned him a place in the spotlight.
His third full-length album, "Tailgates & Tanlines" has already produced a hit single which currently sits at #4 on the charts.
Country Girl (Shake It For Me) - Luke kicks off the album with the aforementioned single, and it is already a hit in the bars and on the radio. The party anthem tells of Luke's anxiousness to watch his girl put on a show for him, shaking what she has for everyone, but most importantly, for him: "Shake it for the young bucks sittin' in the honky tonks/ For the rednecks rockin' 'till the break of dawn/ The DJ spinnin' that country song/ Come on, come on, come on/ Shake it for the birds, shake it for the bees/ Shake it for the catfish swimmin' down deep in the creek/ For the crickets and the critters and the squirrels/ shake it for the moon/ shake it for me girl/ Country girl shake it for me, girl". The song is definitely catchy and easy to sing along to, and likely will be a #1 here shortly. Enjoy the music video:
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye - Much like Chris Young's "Tomorrow", Luke is knowingly at the end of the relationship, but is ready for one more night before it is over. Admittedly, the only thing they do right is make love, and that is exactly how they are going to say goodbye: "Take off your leavin' dress/ Let's do what we do best/ I guess everybody's got their way of movin' on/ Girl rest your head one more night in my bed/ Love me like you loved me when you loved me/ and you didn't have to try/ Let's lay down tonight/ and kiss tomorrow goodbye". The song is a much faster, more upbeat song than "Tomorrow" and fits well as a combination of Luke's styles.
Drunk On You - A song that could easily be what is song later in the night from "Country Girl", "Drunk On You" is a summer love ballad that will likely be a single come next April/May. It tells of a party out in the woods, with trucks, crown, and most importantly, a beautiful woman, and Luke is enjoying every minute of all of it, describing himself as "A little drunk on you/ And high on summertime". It is a great bonfire song along the lines of Brantley Gilbert's "My Kinda Party".
Too Damn Young - One of the things this album does really well is start to paint a story. This song follows "Drunk On You" perfectly, as the sun comes up over a dock where Luke and his girl spent the night. Bryan reminisces on the night, realizing that he had been foolish to believe his feelings of the night: "Every time my feet are dangling in the water/ I can't help but think about her lying there, with her wet hair" he sings, later finishing the chorus with "She kissed me like she meant forever/ We were too damn young to know any better"
I Don't Want This Night To End - Once again, a beautiful woman is the object of Luke's attention, this time singing about the girl riding shotgun as they cruise through the town and the country throughout the night, wanting to prolong it as much as possible. "You got your hands up/ You're rockin' in my truck/ You got the radio on/ You're singing every song/ ... / Girl, all I know is I don't want this night to end". The song is reminiscent of Brantley Gilbert's "Back In The Day" and would probably go well in the mix. The guitar near the end is fantastic and is easy to learn and sing along to.
You Don't Know Jack - Country has always been known for teaching lessons, and this song is no exception, starting out with a man begging for a dollar, whom Luke promptly turns down. Before long, the man is explaining that he is right for thinking that he is going to use it to buy alcohol, but "You don't know Jack/ Double shot, eighty proof, on the rocks/ Until you've lost it all/ And you can't go back/ To your life, and your kids, and your ex-wife/ With just a telephone call/ If you think it's just a bottle/ In an old brown paper sack/ You don't know Jack".
Harvest Time - Honestly, my least favorite Luke Bryan songs are the ones like this. I guess because I did not grow up on a farm, I cannot relate. Regardless, it is Autumn, time for football, but more importantly, it is time for the tractors to line up, get fueled up, and begin harvesting the crops. For me, this is one of the forgettable tracks, as nothing really stands out.
I Know You're Gonna Be There - Luke is out for revenge against the girl who broke his heart. He knows that she is going to be at the bar he is going to, so he is looking to make her jealous. He puts on a new shirt, shines up his boots and brings a girl he is going to kiss when he knows she is looking. Everybody has been there, but, if they are honest with themselves, they admit what Luke does at the end "I'm gonna put on my new shirt/ Shine up these old boots/ Truth is when I see ya/ I don't know what I'll do". The song is very relatable, even if it does not impress musically.
Muckalee Creek Water - Bryan has returned home, and when he does, he gets immersed in it, both literally and figuratively. The instant he dips his feet in the creek where he grew up, "Let the stock market do what it's gonna do/ Let the dollar go down and gas soar through the roof". He does not care, he is able to be himself here. The southern rock tone makes for a good recovery from the last two tracks.
Tailgate Blues - Slowing it down again, the song sounds like it draws musical inspiration from Travis Tritt's "Great Day To Be Alive", but with the opposite attitude. Luke's woman has left him. Instead of doing what most country stars do and running to a bar, he retreats to the woods and the bed of his truck instead. I relate to this method more, preferring to be alone to reminisce than to drown the sorrows, so I actually like this song, and enjoy the twist on the "My baby left me..." genre of country.
Been There, Done That - Sounds like Luke has learned his lesson after his ordeal in "Do I" on his previous album. Realizing that there is nothing left, and that she has manipulated him into the man she wants him to be instead of the man he really is, the singer realizes he is done and is moving on: "Cause I ain't, I ain't comin' back/ I've already been there, done that/ And I'm done with you messin' with my mind/ The last time was the last time baby". Luke has a unique way of staying upbeat in the normally down in the dumps songs that is refreshing.
Faded Away - Luke spends a lot of time reminiscing on past loves on this album, and this song continues that theme. As such, this song fades into the background, much like the girl in the song does.
I Knew You That Way - Closing out the album with another slow song about past love, Bryan at least uses vivid imagery to paint a beautiful picture of it. It is rather disappointing that he did not at least try to end the album with a high note like he started it.
Overall, "Tailgates & Tanlines" is not an impressive album. It suffers in a number of places. Several of the songs feel repetitive, and all of the songs feel slow after the opening "Country Girl". I kept waiting for the pace to pick back up, as it did on his previous album, "Doin' My Thing", but ended up disappointed. The beginning of the album made me wish that it had been released earlier in the year for two reasons: 1. They felt more "summer-ish" which did not fit with a mid-summer release, and 2. It is going to be overshadowed by some of the stronger albums released already (Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Justin Moore). On the positive side, the flow from one song to the next felt more natural than most albums. Also, as I pointed out, many of the songs felt like they were telling a story. Luke does a great job of expressing his feelings, but after rocking the opening track, the rest of the album left me wanting more. 6/10
His third full-length album, "Tailgates & Tanlines" has already produced a hit single which currently sits at #4 on the charts.
Country Girl (Shake It For Me) - Luke kicks off the album with the aforementioned single, and it is already a hit in the bars and on the radio. The party anthem tells of Luke's anxiousness to watch his girl put on a show for him, shaking what she has for everyone, but most importantly, for him: "Shake it for the young bucks sittin' in the honky tonks/ For the rednecks rockin' 'till the break of dawn/ The DJ spinnin' that country song/ Come on, come on, come on/ Shake it for the birds, shake it for the bees/ Shake it for the catfish swimmin' down deep in the creek/ For the crickets and the critters and the squirrels/ shake it for the moon/ shake it for me girl/ Country girl shake it for me, girl". The song is definitely catchy and easy to sing along to, and likely will be a #1 here shortly. Enjoy the music video:
Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye - Much like Chris Young's "Tomorrow", Luke is knowingly at the end of the relationship, but is ready for one more night before it is over. Admittedly, the only thing they do right is make love, and that is exactly how they are going to say goodbye: "Take off your leavin' dress/ Let's do what we do best/ I guess everybody's got their way of movin' on/ Girl rest your head one more night in my bed/ Love me like you loved me when you loved me/ and you didn't have to try/ Let's lay down tonight/ and kiss tomorrow goodbye". The song is a much faster, more upbeat song than "Tomorrow" and fits well as a combination of Luke's styles.
Drunk On You - A song that could easily be what is song later in the night from "Country Girl", "Drunk On You" is a summer love ballad that will likely be a single come next April/May. It tells of a party out in the woods, with trucks, crown, and most importantly, a beautiful woman, and Luke is enjoying every minute of all of it, describing himself as "A little drunk on you/ And high on summertime". It is a great bonfire song along the lines of Brantley Gilbert's "My Kinda Party".
Too Damn Young - One of the things this album does really well is start to paint a story. This song follows "Drunk On You" perfectly, as the sun comes up over a dock where Luke and his girl spent the night. Bryan reminisces on the night, realizing that he had been foolish to believe his feelings of the night: "Every time my feet are dangling in the water/ I can't help but think about her lying there, with her wet hair" he sings, later finishing the chorus with "She kissed me like she meant forever/ We were too damn young to know any better"
I Don't Want This Night To End - Once again, a beautiful woman is the object of Luke's attention, this time singing about the girl riding shotgun as they cruise through the town and the country throughout the night, wanting to prolong it as much as possible. "You got your hands up/ You're rockin' in my truck/ You got the radio on/ You're singing every song/ ... / Girl, all I know is I don't want this night to end". The song is reminiscent of Brantley Gilbert's "Back In The Day" and would probably go well in the mix. The guitar near the end is fantastic and is easy to learn and sing along to.
You Don't Know Jack - Country has always been known for teaching lessons, and this song is no exception, starting out with a man begging for a dollar, whom Luke promptly turns down. Before long, the man is explaining that he is right for thinking that he is going to use it to buy alcohol, but "You don't know Jack/ Double shot, eighty proof, on the rocks/ Until you've lost it all/ And you can't go back/ To your life, and your kids, and your ex-wife/ With just a telephone call/ If you think it's just a bottle/ In an old brown paper sack/ You don't know Jack".
Harvest Time - Honestly, my least favorite Luke Bryan songs are the ones like this. I guess because I did not grow up on a farm, I cannot relate. Regardless, it is Autumn, time for football, but more importantly, it is time for the tractors to line up, get fueled up, and begin harvesting the crops. For me, this is one of the forgettable tracks, as nothing really stands out.
I Know You're Gonna Be There - Luke is out for revenge against the girl who broke his heart. He knows that she is going to be at the bar he is going to, so he is looking to make her jealous. He puts on a new shirt, shines up his boots and brings a girl he is going to kiss when he knows she is looking. Everybody has been there, but, if they are honest with themselves, they admit what Luke does at the end "I'm gonna put on my new shirt/ Shine up these old boots/ Truth is when I see ya/ I don't know what I'll do". The song is very relatable, even if it does not impress musically.
Muckalee Creek Water - Bryan has returned home, and when he does, he gets immersed in it, both literally and figuratively. The instant he dips his feet in the creek where he grew up, "Let the stock market do what it's gonna do/ Let the dollar go down and gas soar through the roof". He does not care, he is able to be himself here. The southern rock tone makes for a good recovery from the last two tracks.
Tailgate Blues - Slowing it down again, the song sounds like it draws musical inspiration from Travis Tritt's "Great Day To Be Alive", but with the opposite attitude. Luke's woman has left him. Instead of doing what most country stars do and running to a bar, he retreats to the woods and the bed of his truck instead. I relate to this method more, preferring to be alone to reminisce than to drown the sorrows, so I actually like this song, and enjoy the twist on the "My baby left me..." genre of country.
Been There, Done That - Sounds like Luke has learned his lesson after his ordeal in "Do I" on his previous album. Realizing that there is nothing left, and that she has manipulated him into the man she wants him to be instead of the man he really is, the singer realizes he is done and is moving on: "Cause I ain't, I ain't comin' back/ I've already been there, done that/ And I'm done with you messin' with my mind/ The last time was the last time baby". Luke has a unique way of staying upbeat in the normally down in the dumps songs that is refreshing.
Faded Away - Luke spends a lot of time reminiscing on past loves on this album, and this song continues that theme. As such, this song fades into the background, much like the girl in the song does.
I Knew You That Way - Closing out the album with another slow song about past love, Bryan at least uses vivid imagery to paint a beautiful picture of it. It is rather disappointing that he did not at least try to end the album with a high note like he started it.
Overall, "Tailgates & Tanlines" is not an impressive album. It suffers in a number of places. Several of the songs feel repetitive, and all of the songs feel slow after the opening "Country Girl". I kept waiting for the pace to pick back up, as it did on his previous album, "Doin' My Thing", but ended up disappointed. The beginning of the album made me wish that it had been released earlier in the year for two reasons: 1. They felt more "summer-ish" which did not fit with a mid-summer release, and 2. It is going to be overshadowed by some of the stronger albums released already (Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Justin Moore). On the positive side, the flow from one song to the next felt more natural than most albums. Also, as I pointed out, many of the songs felt like they were telling a story. Luke does a great job of expressing his feelings, but after rocking the opening track, the rest of the album left me wanting more. 6/10
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Album Review: Trace Adkins - Proud To Be Here
Four-time Grammy nominated singer Trace Adkins has found a system that works. Take what is probably the most recognizable voice in music, throw in some fun songs, some love songs,some about his family, and some patriotic songs and you have a recipe for a successful album. "Proud To Be Here", Trace's tenth effort (not counting three greatest hits compilations) is no different, but that does not mean that his music is stale. Adkins has always found ways to make fresh music, no matter what.
Proud To Be Here - Adkins leads off with the title track, a genuine, heartfelt track saying how grateful he is that he is still alive. Having read his autobiography, I understand how lucky he is when he sings "I'm just proud to be/ On the right side of the dirt/ I've been loved/ and I've been hurt", later adding "I've been living on borrowed time for years". Adkins, among other things, took a shotgun blast from point blank in the chest from his wife and lived, so he truly is "Proud to be here". The song will resonate with anyone who can look back on their life and see how many times things could have gone differently.
Million Dollar View - As mentioned, one of the things that Trace is known for is his songs about the love he has for his family. This track is the first of such songs. It comes off as a bit of a re-hash of Lonestar's "Outside Looking In" as Trace sings about how of all the beautiful views he could see in the world, the one in his house is the most valuable.
Days Like This - It is a beautiful day, both weather-wise and mentally, and Trace is determined to let nothing ruin it. "So don't bring me a paper/ don't turn on the news/ If it'ill fire me up/ Keep it away from my view/ If the world's gone to hell/ Let it go, I'll blow it a kiss/ Don't want to think about things like that/ On days like this". Given the state of affairs in the world, one can hardly fault him for tuning it out for a day.
That's What You Get - Adkins has a lot to offer a woman, and he goes about explaining it in this upbeat love song, stopping for flowers and other gifts before adding: "That's what you get/ For loving me/ Two strong arms and a heart that won't stop for anything/ The kind of man a woman needs".
Just Fishin' - Another song about his love for his family, Trace's first single from the album about the story behind the scenes as he takes his daughter fishing, spending time and connecting with her: "She ain't even thinking about/ What's really going on right now/ But I guarantee this memories a big'un/ And she thinks we're just fishin'". The song is beautifully written and the video stars his actual daughter, check it out below:
It's A Woman Thang - In what may be one of the most catchy, but controversial songs (it comes off a bit sexist), Trace sets out to explain that guys should just stop trying to understand things their ladies do, but half way through, he thinks about trying: "Maybe I should watch some Oprah/ Bubble bath, sit on the sofa/ Maybe take a 'Cosmo' quiz or two/ Maybe all I need's a hug from/ Fred or Bubba, or 'Big Dubya'/ Maybe I'll come to see your point of view/ NAH, IT'S A WOMAN THANG!". Trace has the reputation of this sort of song dating back to "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" that allows him to get away with this sort of song, but not many other artists could have.
Love Buzz - Adkins is acting strange, and people begin to suspect him of hitting the bottle a little hard. To the contrary, he has not touched the alcohol, but his baby has given him the "Love Buzz". The off-cantor style of the song lends to the idea of being drunk and fits the lyrics perfectly.
It's Who You Know - Religion is a theme that plays a important role in country music, and Trace adds to it, explaining "You can walk on water/ You can walk on the moon/ You can walk through Memphis wearing blue suede shoes/ When the walkin' is over/ At the end of the road/ It ain't what you've done, son/ It's who you know". The song is not overtly religious until the preacher clip at the end, which I think detracts from the song.
Poor Folks - Adkins is living the simple life, and wondering what the "poor folks are doing tonight". He is not talking about money though. He is talking about the ones that have everything, and yet "ain't got nothin', on us", because he has a love that is more valuable than anything their money can buy. The medium paced song is good, but nothing special.
Always Gonna Be That Way - This is probably the most stale song of the album. It feels like it has been done so many time before: Alan Jackson - "It's Just That Way" and George Strait - "It Just Comes Natural" to name a few. Nothing ever changes, and eventually, Trace (like Alan and George) point out that goes for his love for his woman. The song is not bad, just feels overdone.
That concludes the album, but there are 4 bonus tracks:
Damn You Bubba - I like this song, because the guy he is singing about, Bubba, reminds me a bit of me. Bubba is the guy in the bar who walks into a bar and is the center of the attention. He does not have to do much to get the women to notice him, much to the dismay of Trace, who is trying hard to pick up a woman. He is arrogant makes all the guys jealous. As it turns out, Bubba and Trace are brothers, and Trace just got the short end of the stick. The song is fun, but will not likely be a hit for a while. The end has a bit of a "Big Lebowski" reference as well: "You call yourself 'The Bubba?/ Who does that, really?"
More Of Us - Trace rolls religion, politics, and patriotism and rolls them all into one song. Trace believes (and not without reason) that his beliefs are being trampled on by the government, and it is time to show them that "There's more of us/ Than there are of them". As I mentioned in the Justin Moore review, I am over the whole idea of "Political Country", and one cannot help but wonder if Trace's label owner, Toby Keith, did not have something to do with this being on the album.
If I Was A Woman - After joining Blake Shelton on the song "Hillbilly Bone", Blake returns the favor as they sing about how "If I was a woman/ I'd love a man like me". They then launch into a fun game of "one-upping" as they try to prove why they are the better man. The song is highly entertaining, and the two singers work well together when they are having fun.
Semper Fi - Trace ends the bonus tracks with another tribute to the military, this time singling out the Marines. Having the military background that I do, I could not help but chuckle at the first lines of the song about getting the first haircut. Trace is on the ball throughout the song though, and these military tributes have become one of Trace's signatures: "Semper Fi/ Do or Die/ So gung ho to go and pay the price/ Here's to leathernecks/ Devil Dogs and Jar Heads/ And here's to Paris Island in July/ Semper Fi". The second verse is great, as Adkins demonstrates his gratitude for the things he has not had to experience because the young kid next door volunteered instead. Semper Fi is a great song that any military man or woman can relate to, without crossing the line into being political.
Overall, there is a lot to like about "Proud to Be Here" and while it is not stale, per se, the album does suffer a bit as there is nothing particularly new about Trace's music. 7/10
Proud To Be Here - Adkins leads off with the title track, a genuine, heartfelt track saying how grateful he is that he is still alive. Having read his autobiography, I understand how lucky he is when he sings "I'm just proud to be/ On the right side of the dirt/ I've been loved/ and I've been hurt", later adding "I've been living on borrowed time for years". Adkins, among other things, took a shotgun blast from point blank in the chest from his wife and lived, so he truly is "Proud to be here". The song will resonate with anyone who can look back on their life and see how many times things could have gone differently.
Million Dollar View - As mentioned, one of the things that Trace is known for is his songs about the love he has for his family. This track is the first of such songs. It comes off as a bit of a re-hash of Lonestar's "Outside Looking In" as Trace sings about how of all the beautiful views he could see in the world, the one in his house is the most valuable.
Days Like This - It is a beautiful day, both weather-wise and mentally, and Trace is determined to let nothing ruin it. "So don't bring me a paper/ don't turn on the news/ If it'ill fire me up/ Keep it away from my view/ If the world's gone to hell/ Let it go, I'll blow it a kiss/ Don't want to think about things like that/ On days like this". Given the state of affairs in the world, one can hardly fault him for tuning it out for a day.
That's What You Get - Adkins has a lot to offer a woman, and he goes about explaining it in this upbeat love song, stopping for flowers and other gifts before adding: "That's what you get/ For loving me/ Two strong arms and a heart that won't stop for anything/ The kind of man a woman needs".
Just Fishin' - Another song about his love for his family, Trace's first single from the album about the story behind the scenes as he takes his daughter fishing, spending time and connecting with her: "She ain't even thinking about/ What's really going on right now/ But I guarantee this memories a big'un/ And she thinks we're just fishin'". The song is beautifully written and the video stars his actual daughter, check it out below:
It's A Woman Thang - In what may be one of the most catchy, but controversial songs (it comes off a bit sexist), Trace sets out to explain that guys should just stop trying to understand things their ladies do, but half way through, he thinks about trying: "Maybe I should watch some Oprah/ Bubble bath, sit on the sofa/ Maybe take a 'Cosmo' quiz or two/ Maybe all I need's a hug from/ Fred or Bubba, or 'Big Dubya'/ Maybe I'll come to see your point of view/ NAH, IT'S A WOMAN THANG!". Trace has the reputation of this sort of song dating back to "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk" that allows him to get away with this sort of song, but not many other artists could have.
Love Buzz - Adkins is acting strange, and people begin to suspect him of hitting the bottle a little hard. To the contrary, he has not touched the alcohol, but his baby has given him the "Love Buzz". The off-cantor style of the song lends to the idea of being drunk and fits the lyrics perfectly.
It's Who You Know - Religion is a theme that plays a important role in country music, and Trace adds to it, explaining "You can walk on water/ You can walk on the moon/ You can walk through Memphis wearing blue suede shoes/ When the walkin' is over/ At the end of the road/ It ain't what you've done, son/ It's who you know". The song is not overtly religious until the preacher clip at the end, which I think detracts from the song.
Poor Folks - Adkins is living the simple life, and wondering what the "poor folks are doing tonight". He is not talking about money though. He is talking about the ones that have everything, and yet "ain't got nothin', on us", because he has a love that is more valuable than anything their money can buy. The medium paced song is good, but nothing special.
Always Gonna Be That Way - This is probably the most stale song of the album. It feels like it has been done so many time before: Alan Jackson - "It's Just That Way" and George Strait - "It Just Comes Natural" to name a few. Nothing ever changes, and eventually, Trace (like Alan and George) point out that goes for his love for his woman. The song is not bad, just feels overdone.
That concludes the album, but there are 4 bonus tracks:
Damn You Bubba - I like this song, because the guy he is singing about, Bubba, reminds me a bit of me. Bubba is the guy in the bar who walks into a bar and is the center of the attention. He does not have to do much to get the women to notice him, much to the dismay of Trace, who is trying hard to pick up a woman. He is arrogant makes all the guys jealous. As it turns out, Bubba and Trace are brothers, and Trace just got the short end of the stick. The song is fun, but will not likely be a hit for a while. The end has a bit of a "Big Lebowski" reference as well: "You call yourself 'The Bubba?/ Who does that, really?"
More Of Us - Trace rolls religion, politics, and patriotism and rolls them all into one song. Trace believes (and not without reason) that his beliefs are being trampled on by the government, and it is time to show them that "There's more of us/ Than there are of them". As I mentioned in the Justin Moore review, I am over the whole idea of "Political Country", and one cannot help but wonder if Trace's label owner, Toby Keith, did not have something to do with this being on the album.
If I Was A Woman - After joining Blake Shelton on the song "Hillbilly Bone", Blake returns the favor as they sing about how "If I was a woman/ I'd love a man like me". They then launch into a fun game of "one-upping" as they try to prove why they are the better man. The song is highly entertaining, and the two singers work well together when they are having fun.
Semper Fi - Trace ends the bonus tracks with another tribute to the military, this time singling out the Marines. Having the military background that I do, I could not help but chuckle at the first lines of the song about getting the first haircut. Trace is on the ball throughout the song though, and these military tributes have become one of Trace's signatures: "Semper Fi/ Do or Die/ So gung ho to go and pay the price/ Here's to leathernecks/ Devil Dogs and Jar Heads/ And here's to Paris Island in July/ Semper Fi". The second verse is great, as Adkins demonstrates his gratitude for the things he has not had to experience because the young kid next door volunteered instead. Semper Fi is a great song that any military man or woman can relate to, without crossing the line into being political.
Overall, there is a lot to like about "Proud to Be Here" and while it is not stale, per se, the album does suffer a bit as there is nothing particularly new about Trace's music. 7/10
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Album Review: Justin Moore - Outlaws Like Me
Justin Moore is one of my favorite artists. He first burst onto the country scene with his hit "Small Town USA" in the fall of 2009 and has three top ten singles, two at number one. His sophomore album "Outlaws Like Me" has already climbed to #1 on the country albums and has produced a number one hit, "If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away". Moore stated that his goal with this album was to create some real country music, the stuff that George Strait would make, and I think he has succeeded.
Redneck Side - This is a song that was cut from his debut album, but Moore plays it at his concerts and it became such a fan favorite, he had to re-cut it for the new album. It is a great party song, and serves perfectly as the lead-off song for the album. The song talks about how, no matter how hard he tries, he cannot hide who he really is. He goes to fancy parties and meets his girlfriend's parents, and tries to act proper, but eventually, he cannot help it, his redneck side comes out and he ends up "in their pool at 2am/ wearin' nothin' but a farmer's tan/ No I can't hide my redneck side/ It's in my blood till the day I die"
My Kind Of Woman - After showing off his "Redneck Side", Moore tells us about the redneck kind of woman that he likes, saying "She looks good on my tractor/ Good in my truck/ Good in her bed when the sun comes up/ She's good with a cane pole/ Good with a gun/ It's cornbread, sweet tea where she's from/ She's my kind of woman/ good as they come". The blend of a little rock and a little romance slows the pace that the lead track started just enough to make a seamless transition to the lead-off single that follows.
If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away - Anyone who listened to Moore's debut album knows that he loves his late grandfather, and misses him dearly. Justin wishes that heaven were just a bit closer, so he could "Pack up the kids and go for the day/ Introduce them to their grandpa/ Watch 'em laugh at the way he talks". Moore continues to list off the people he would visit while their: The girls who died from the class of 99, his bird dog, Bo, Hank Williams Sr., Janis Joplin, and his cousin, who died in Vietnam. "Heaven" is definitely one that will strike home with everyone who hears it as they think about who they would see if they could just drive to heaven for a day. The song is already a hit, having reached #1 on the charts. Enjoy the video:
Run Out Of Honky Tonks - Honky Tonks is what people think of when they think of the negative side of country: My baby left me and I am trying to drink her away. Moore nails it though, as he tells about trying to run to every bar where she might not catch up to him. He realizes it is not working though, wondering "what if I run out of honky tonks/ Before I get over her?" Moore manages to take this stereotypical song, and apply his unique twang to make it his.
Beer Time - Moore apparently is over his woman woes, as the mood picks up with "Beer Time". He has just made it "Country Rich" with his bird dog having had babies that he can sell for a pretty penny. He has a couple debts off, but more importantly, he has an empty ice chest, and that is the issue he is determined to remedy, heading with the boys to the county line to pick up some beer. Then it is off to the muddy roads and a Hank Jr concert for an awesome weekend. This song, combined with "Redneck Side" make an awesome combination for a bar or party scene, and I find myself singing it all the time.
Bait A Hook - Ever had an ex that you saw with a new guy/girl who was the exact OPPOSITE of you, and the opposite of everything that ex said she wanted in a relationship? Pretty sure everyone has, and Justin tackles this is a humorous way, making for my favorite track on the album. Moore is not worried though, as this guy, who Can't bait a hook, skin a buck, has no idea who Jack Daniels is, and eats sushi and drinks umbrella drinks will quickly bore her and she will come crawling back. Anyone who has been in this situation will find themselves laughing, thinking "Yup, been there done that". It is easy to see why this is the new single from the album, and will hopefully climb high on the charts.
Flyin' Down A Back Road - Moore has been everywhere, and feels like he has done everything, starting off with "I've been on the Grand Ole Opry/ I played a show with ZZ Top/ Went on tour with Skynard/ And man they still rock/ Shot the bull with Bosephus/ Before he climbed up on his jet/ Played South Florida with Alan Jackson/ That's some things that you never forget". But none of that compares to being home, relaxing, and spending time with friends and family. The song makes it obvious that he is grateful for all of his opportunities, but still enjoys the small town roots where he came from. It is a bit slower, but very catchy, and he paints a vivid picture that one can almost design their own music video in their head.
If You Don't Like My Twang - Moore's version of "Kiss My Country Ass" is not as catchy, but still a lot of fun, even throwing in a reference to the song that made him famous. "I don't care if you don't like my twang/ Cause I know they love it in Small Town USA/ It's the way I live/ It's the way I talk/ Hell yeah, it's the way I sing/ So I don't care, if you don't like my twang". Moore comes off almost arrogant in this song, but his attitude makes it work.
Guns - This is easily my least favorite song on the album. I feel as if the "political stance" is just too overdone in country music, whether it is most of what Toby Keith makes or Brad Paisley's "Welcome to the Future" or a lot of Charlie Daniels music. but Moore is determined to make it known that he loves his guns, and there is no way you are going to take them from him as long as he lives. The song itself is not bad, but political is overused and makes it feel a bit old.
Sunshine Babies - Justin Moore contributes his piece to the likes of Jason Aldean's "She's Country", singing about what he loves about the various girls in different parts of the country. "All across the land, workin' on a tan/ Drivin' country boys crazy". The song definitely fits in with that style and makes for a great highway driving song.
Til My Last Day - The singer has not had a very clean past, and most people say that his woman should give up on him, as he is no good for her. But he is determined to prove them wrong, that he can change and that he is going to love her until his last breath. Moore does a great job again of mixing the romance in without slowing the song done too much, saving the slow stuff for the final two songs.
Bed Of My Chevy - Even though I am a Dodge Fan, "Bed Of My Chevy" is one of my favorite songs. He is determined to prove what he said in the previous song, driving out to the middle of nowhere and treating his woman to the best view in town of the moon and fireflies. The song feels like a direct sequel to "Like There's No Tomorrow" off the debut album, and it serves well in that role.
Outlaws Like Me - Moore turns inward as he reflects on who he is on this title track. He has been everything, good and bad, whiskey pounder and church goer, "But each days a choice, which one I'm gonna be/ God bless outlaws like me". He knows his full potential on either end of the spectrum and is thankful that God loves him for who he is. The slow end to the album is a beautifully written song, putting a lot of the focus on Moore's voice and guitar. After he finishes singing, the guitar comes in again for about two minutes as the album draws to a close.
Overall, Justin Moore's "Outlaws Like Me" is almost pure country gold. He does a brilliant job of taking the songs and making them his own, and his voice is one of those distinguishable voices in a genre of clones. The album is mixed beautifully, transitioning from fast to slow rather than jumping like most albums do. "Outlaws" is easily the best country album to come out so far in 2011. 9.5/10
Redneck Side - This is a song that was cut from his debut album, but Moore plays it at his concerts and it became such a fan favorite, he had to re-cut it for the new album. It is a great party song, and serves perfectly as the lead-off song for the album. The song talks about how, no matter how hard he tries, he cannot hide who he really is. He goes to fancy parties and meets his girlfriend's parents, and tries to act proper, but eventually, he cannot help it, his redneck side comes out and he ends up "in their pool at 2am/ wearin' nothin' but a farmer's tan/ No I can't hide my redneck side/ It's in my blood till the day I die"
My Kind Of Woman - After showing off his "Redneck Side", Moore tells us about the redneck kind of woman that he likes, saying "She looks good on my tractor/ Good in my truck/ Good in her bed when the sun comes up/ She's good with a cane pole/ Good with a gun/ It's cornbread, sweet tea where she's from/ She's my kind of woman/ good as they come". The blend of a little rock and a little romance slows the pace that the lead track started just enough to make a seamless transition to the lead-off single that follows.
If Heaven Wasn't So Far Away - Anyone who listened to Moore's debut album knows that he loves his late grandfather, and misses him dearly. Justin wishes that heaven were just a bit closer, so he could "Pack up the kids and go for the day/ Introduce them to their grandpa/ Watch 'em laugh at the way he talks". Moore continues to list off the people he would visit while their: The girls who died from the class of 99, his bird dog, Bo, Hank Williams Sr., Janis Joplin, and his cousin, who died in Vietnam. "Heaven" is definitely one that will strike home with everyone who hears it as they think about who they would see if they could just drive to heaven for a day. The song is already a hit, having reached #1 on the charts. Enjoy the video:
Run Out Of Honky Tonks - Honky Tonks is what people think of when they think of the negative side of country: My baby left me and I am trying to drink her away. Moore nails it though, as he tells about trying to run to every bar where she might not catch up to him. He realizes it is not working though, wondering "what if I run out of honky tonks/ Before I get over her?" Moore manages to take this stereotypical song, and apply his unique twang to make it his.
Beer Time - Moore apparently is over his woman woes, as the mood picks up with "Beer Time". He has just made it "Country Rich" with his bird dog having had babies that he can sell for a pretty penny. He has a couple debts off, but more importantly, he has an empty ice chest, and that is the issue he is determined to remedy, heading with the boys to the county line to pick up some beer. Then it is off to the muddy roads and a Hank Jr concert for an awesome weekend. This song, combined with "Redneck Side" make an awesome combination for a bar or party scene, and I find myself singing it all the time.
Bait A Hook - Ever had an ex that you saw with a new guy/girl who was the exact OPPOSITE of you, and the opposite of everything that ex said she wanted in a relationship? Pretty sure everyone has, and Justin tackles this is a humorous way, making for my favorite track on the album. Moore is not worried though, as this guy, who Can't bait a hook, skin a buck, has no idea who Jack Daniels is, and eats sushi and drinks umbrella drinks will quickly bore her and she will come crawling back. Anyone who has been in this situation will find themselves laughing, thinking "Yup, been there done that". It is easy to see why this is the new single from the album, and will hopefully climb high on the charts.
Flyin' Down A Back Road - Moore has been everywhere, and feels like he has done everything, starting off with "I've been on the Grand Ole Opry/ I played a show with ZZ Top/ Went on tour with Skynard/ And man they still rock/ Shot the bull with Bosephus/ Before he climbed up on his jet/ Played South Florida with Alan Jackson/ That's some things that you never forget". But none of that compares to being home, relaxing, and spending time with friends and family. The song makes it obvious that he is grateful for all of his opportunities, but still enjoys the small town roots where he came from. It is a bit slower, but very catchy, and he paints a vivid picture that one can almost design their own music video in their head.
If You Don't Like My Twang - Moore's version of "Kiss My Country Ass" is not as catchy, but still a lot of fun, even throwing in a reference to the song that made him famous. "I don't care if you don't like my twang/ Cause I know they love it in Small Town USA/ It's the way I live/ It's the way I talk/ Hell yeah, it's the way I sing/ So I don't care, if you don't like my twang". Moore comes off almost arrogant in this song, but his attitude makes it work.
Guns - This is easily my least favorite song on the album. I feel as if the "political stance" is just too overdone in country music, whether it is most of what Toby Keith makes or Brad Paisley's "Welcome to the Future" or a lot of Charlie Daniels music. but Moore is determined to make it known that he loves his guns, and there is no way you are going to take them from him as long as he lives. The song itself is not bad, but political is overused and makes it feel a bit old.
Sunshine Babies - Justin Moore contributes his piece to the likes of Jason Aldean's "She's Country", singing about what he loves about the various girls in different parts of the country. "All across the land, workin' on a tan/ Drivin' country boys crazy". The song definitely fits in with that style and makes for a great highway driving song.
Til My Last Day - The singer has not had a very clean past, and most people say that his woman should give up on him, as he is no good for her. But he is determined to prove them wrong, that he can change and that he is going to love her until his last breath. Moore does a great job again of mixing the romance in without slowing the song done too much, saving the slow stuff for the final two songs.
Bed Of My Chevy - Even though I am a Dodge Fan, "Bed Of My Chevy" is one of my favorite songs. He is determined to prove what he said in the previous song, driving out to the middle of nowhere and treating his woman to the best view in town of the moon and fireflies. The song feels like a direct sequel to "Like There's No Tomorrow" off the debut album, and it serves well in that role.
Outlaws Like Me - Moore turns inward as he reflects on who he is on this title track. He has been everything, good and bad, whiskey pounder and church goer, "But each days a choice, which one I'm gonna be/ God bless outlaws like me". He knows his full potential on either end of the spectrum and is thankful that God loves him for who he is. The slow end to the album is a beautifully written song, putting a lot of the focus on Moore's voice and guitar. After he finishes singing, the guitar comes in again for about two minutes as the album draws to a close.
Overall, Justin Moore's "Outlaws Like Me" is almost pure country gold. He does a brilliant job of taking the songs and making them his own, and his voice is one of those distinguishable voices in a genre of clones. The album is mixed beautifully, transitioning from fast to slow rather than jumping like most albums do. "Outlaws" is easily the best country album to come out so far in 2011. 9.5/10
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)