Editorial Review

It's easy to see why newcomer Jason Aldean scored big right out of the box--"Hicktown," an anthem for the way-off-the-interstate nation, not only captures the pride and the humor of the blue-collar crowd ("Well, you can see the neighbor's butt crack nailing on his shingles"), but was written by John Rich and Big Kenny of Big & Rich (with Vicky McGehee). That might be a lucky break for this Georgian's debut, but Aldean managed to nail four other John Rich songs, including "You're the Love I Want to Be In," which the singer cowrote with Rich and McGehee. Strong songwriting rules throughout, whether the subject is dysfunctional relationships ("Why"), hurtin' hearts ("Even If I Wanted To"), lonely truckers ("Asphalt Cowboy"), or reassessing one's own life in the reflection of a passing hearse ("Good to Go"). Producer Michael Knox tailors Aldean's sound toward one thing--fitting in on the radio--which means he borrows from everybody: "Amarillo Sky" kicks off with a Celtic, Keith Urban-like intro, "Lonesome USA" recalls the gangly twang of "Guitar Town"-era Steve Earle, and the rocking drive of Big & Rich is everywhere. Though Aldean shows promise as a writer, he's no special shakes as a vocalist. But he brings a solid Everyman's tenor to play (think Kenny Chesney), and he sounds as if he's lived every word. Make room for another chart-topper. Read more

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Reviews (31)

A peach from Georgia
This is perhaps one of the finest debuts to come out of Music City in a long time. Every cut is worthy of being a single, and Aldean's emotional delivery makes you believe every lyric. His style is fresh, edgy and leans a little toward rock while still maintaining a classic country feel. It's easy to see why he was named ACM Top New Male Vocalist.
Five Stars and Two Thumbs Up!!!
Jason Aldean is the greatest thing since Johnny Cash! With his amazing lyrics, inspiring melodys, and voice that's from the heart, he makes for an awesome listening experience. The way he sings the songs makes you feel like he's been through it. "Amarillo Sky" really captured our farming town and is an innspiration everyday. If you get this CD, you won't be disapointed. Five stars and Two thumbs up!!!!

a real troubador
this kid is the best of the huge new group of young singer songwriters lifting country to new heights. his music is so intelligently written, even the fun stuff is chock full of clever musical hooks, great lyrics, a great voice. he has a great career ahead of him, as this freshman effort has already gone gold. if you like your country on the rock side, you will love this disc, buy it now. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

No entertainer has gotten more mileage out of recycling material than Kinky Friedman. Since his musical career peaked in the 1970s, the self-proclaimed Kinkster has transferred lines from his songs--and one-liners from his performances--into a series of mystery novels, magazine columns, and, most recently, an independent campaign to become governor of Texas. This revival of Kinky's material takes its title from one of Friedman's campaign slogans (another is "How hard could it be?") and four of its ten cuts from Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country Comedy    3. Country-Rock    4. Pop    5. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Barbara Mandrell hit her commercial peak in the early 1980s, when her only serious rival as the queen of country-pop crossover was Olivia Newton-John. With her TV variety series, glitzy stage show, and commercial success, some questioned whether Mandrell was country at all, though she reasserted her loyalty when she recorded "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool," revived here as a kickoff duet by Reba McEntire and Kenny Chesney. The range of artistry assembled for this trans-generational tribute suggests that Mandrell's music remains deeply loved and widely influential, almost a decade after her retirement from music. Younger artists such as Terri Clark ("Singing Single in a Double Bed"), Brad Paisley ("In Times Like These"), and Dierks Bentley ("Fast Lanes and Country Roads") bring a hard-rocking edge to Mandrell hits, though Gretchen Wilson plays against type with the steel-guitar weeper "The Midnight Oil." Mandrell drew inspiration from outside country as well, as LeAnn Rimes reminds us with the string-drenched, rhythm & blues balladry of "If Loving You Is Wrong, I Don't Wanna Be Right," as does CeCe Winans with the sweeping gospel finale, "He Set My Life to Music." Best of all is the teaming of Willie Nelson and Shelby Lynne on the tender "This Time I Almost Made It." Read more

Reviews (4)

Tribute to Barbara
I just got this and it is the best,You all did her justice.I miss Barbara but this is a way to keep her with us still.You all rock and Reba sister friend you rock

LONG overdue
This project has been long overdue for this multi-talented, versatile entertainer.The mere fact that every artist contributing to this CD is either a current giant or a legend in the Country Music industry speaks volumes about Barbara's influence in the genre.
Great tribute to a missed artist
Since Barbara Mandrell retired in 1997, she has been badly missed by her fans. Having been a fan since 1981, I for one have missed hearing anything new from her. It was great to hear that this new tribute album was coming out. For most part the artists on the album do a great job. The only two songs that I feel are not so hot are Terri Clark's "Sleeping Single In A Double Bed" which sounds very lifeless, a surprise considering Clark is a huge Mandrell fan. The other less than stellar selection is Sara Evan's "Crackers" which again, sounds very lifeless. Reba McEntire & Kenny Chesney do a great job on "Country When Country Wasn't Cool" as does Lorrie Morgan on "That's What Friends Are For". I also liked Brad Paisley's price increase of the nickle candybar on "In Times Like These". Randy Owen of Alabama does a good job on "Years" but Mandrell's version remains the definitive version.
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country Collections    3. Pop    4. V/a Compilations   

Reviews (20)

A new Randy Rogers
I must admit, I was very skeptical about the new Randy Rogers Band release, with there first major record label release I was worried that they would become just another Nashville sounding band.Well I was right, they were different, don't get me wrong I still like there music but it just isn't the Randy Rogers that I know and love, they have lost some of the sound that was so characteristically Randy Rogers Band.Obviously everyone is going to be talking about there latest single "Kiss Me In The Dark," while I do like the song its just so unlike any Randy Rogers song I have ever listened to.I also like the song "You don't know me," to me this is the most like any old song written by him, when people first listen to the new album in my truck this was the first song I played for them!The lyrics on this album are far different than anything the band has done before, its easy to pick up the outside influences, which I wish weren't there.I'm still drawn to these guys, you cant replace Randy Rogers voice, its one of the most unique voices in country music, I hope everybody at least gives there new album a chance, its still Randy Rogers and its still good, just a little different.If you are just now getting into the Randy Rogers Band then I would recommend "Like It Used To Be" and "Rollercoaster" from there previous albums, you wont be disappointed!

Passionate Musicfrom the Heart of Texas
If you've ever met Randy you will know that he is the Will Rogers of Texas Country Music. He never met a man he didn't like, but has met at least one woman who has broken his heart. Nights on the road playing and partying with some of the most talented artists on the Texas music scene have spawned some incredibly passionate songwriting partnerships on Randy Rogers Band's new CD. Anyone who has done any livin at all can't help but have memories stirred up from this collection of hard hitting songs. From true heart breakers like Whiskey's Got A Hold On Me and If Anyone Asks to sexy songs like You Could Change My Mind and the bedroom ballad Kiss Me In The Dark RRB really gets the blood flowing. Randy belts them out with a haunting honesty that hits deep inside you.The band's awsome insrumental talents aren't hidden by the over-engineering that clutters many Nashville produced CDs. You Don't Know Me written by bass player Jon Richardson highlights each musician's incredible talent as the music drifts from one solo to the next. I can listen to RRBs music over and over, it just doesn't get old. Think this aint true Texas music? Don't just listen to the music, go see Randy and the guys when they come to town. Get close and let it sink into your skin like mesquite smoke from a campfire on a hot Hill Country night.

Big label change = Sell-out
Man oh man, this great band has just done the unthinkable, they've gone and went commercial. I was hoping this wouldn't happen but when I heard last year that they'd start touring with their friend Dierks Bentley, my radar went up. Well, it's happened. It's shades of Pat Green all over again. I realize these Texas artists are getting noticed, but it blows me away that they go and change their sound so much to appeal to the mainstream. Randy Rogers was the best new outfit to come out in years, and it's just a shame that this puppy sounds like a hundred other CMT acts out there. You can try and justify all you want, but this is not the same sound as they had before. It's no longer authentic, honest music; this is fabricated assembly-line music. People may not like the negative reviews, but too bad. If the truth hurts, so be it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Editorial Review

An aptly named album if ever there was one, Read more

Reviews (42)

fun, but not appropriate for kids - violent lyrics
This CD is fun and musically intriguing, but not appropriate for kids... one song talks about "what can you do in a case like that but stamp on your mother, and your toothbrush, and on everything that's helpless." Another talks of being an immigrant to the country and says "and they beat me, and they banged me, and they left me on the ground." And another says "I'm a great sharpshootress. There is nothing that I can't shoot in the eyes, or the ears, or the teeth, or the fingers." Musically it's fun and goofy and intriguing, but I was appalled when I realized what I was encouraging my young child to listen to.
Breath of Fresh Air
Wonderful instrumentals and lyrics.A Shenandoah Lullaby is simply beautiful.I love the way the ending segues into Brahm's lullaby. His version of Arkansas traveller is refreshing.Teddy Bears' Picnic is a quaint song that few people have heard.There Ain't No Bugs On Me is my two-year-old daughter's favorite, judging from the way she belts out this song and giggles from time to time.I like all the songs on the CD.A breath of fresh air for parents who prefer real instruments to synthesized pop.

FUN!
This CD is great for the entire family. The songs are catchy and it's not a big deal if you're caught singing them around strangers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bluegrass    2. Children's Folk    3. Country    4. Country-Rock    5. Folk-Rock    6. Pop    7. Popular Music    8. Rock/Pop   

Reviews (1)

Doesn't get any Kinkier than this!
Kinky Friedman is a Lone Star treasure. Heck, make that a national treasure. For decades he's written and recorded alternately touching and hilarious country songs that marry traditional country musical values with a uniquely skewed lyrical vision. Lots of country singers claim to be rugged individualists, but Kinky is one singer-songwriter who truly stands apart from the pack.
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country Comedy    3. Country-Rock    4. Folk    5. Outlaw Country    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

On his two early-1970s solo albums, collected here on one disc, Gram Parson lends his fragile, aching tenor to music that's the definition of what he called "country soul." Neither of these titles is quite as strong as the work Parsons had previously done with the Byrds and the Flying Burrito Brothers, but with originals as great as "She" and "In My Hour of Darkness"--not to mention backing from Emmylou Harris and the core of Elvis's early-'70s band--both Read more

Reviews (70)

after over thirty years this album still holds up
I was one of the few to buy this album when it first came out. I listened to it daily for many months and then it was forgotten. Until the other night, when I saw the documentaryFallen Angel. After seeing the movie, I pulled out the old record and took another listen and I can tell you that it sounded even better than when I last listened to it. AndI am not a country fan but this is an album that transcends all categories. The words to many of the songs are pure poetry and the singing, sometimes with Emmy Lou Harris, is beyond perfect.I want to be listening to this album the day before I die.

A Country Romantic
The first time I listened to this CD (or more accurately, these 2 albums) I was not too enthusiastic--mostly because I had been hearing the name Gram Parsons permanently linked with "country rock." Well, as other reviewers have pointed out, not much rock in here. But the misnomer is not Parsons fault, and I really don't care too much for such labels anyway. Upon further listening, I found myself thoroughly enchanted. Yep, the blue-eyed soulfulness is apparent, even among the twangier tunes. And I can't argue with the notion that Parsons, clearly a romantic for country music, conveys a distinctively "rock 'n' roll" attitude throughout. All of it blends together magnificently. And the kicker, for me at least, is the presence of guitar legend James Burton--his contributions alone make the CD worthwhile.

a good saloon in every single town...
What do you say about this CD?When you drive across the country and every single city has its own radio station or five playing the kind of hybrid of traditional country and rock-n-roll invented by this man and essentially perfected on these two albums?My oh my, it takes a lot to leave a loudmouth like me speechless but here goes...
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Country-Rock    3. Pop    4. Popular Music    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop    7. United States of America   

Editorial Review

It might be tempting to describe Kentucky's Chris Knight as the poor man's Steve Earle (if the original weren't still doing a pretty good job at it). While the hard twang of the guitar and the hardscrabble lyrics recall Earle's early classic albums, Knight continues to establish himself on his fourth release as one of the most powerful (and underrecognized) artists in alternative country. Produced by Gary Nicholson and mixed by Earle's "twangtrust" partner Ray Kennedy, the album pulls no punches, whether rocking the roadhouse at the end of "River Road," venting anger at the developers who are treating Grandpa's land like "Dirt," or detailing a dead-end life in the title track. Yet the redemptive "Saved by Love" and the yearning "Too Close to Home" evoke equally strong emotions that balance the album's darker strains. If "Cry Lonely" isn't a hit for Knight, it deserves to be one for somebody. Knight's eye for detail and command of tone have the compression of great short stories, though Southern Gothic rarely rocks this hard. Read more

Reviews (9)

The Wolf Outside Your Door
"Enough Rope" continues the excellent work of this excellent artist.The set opens with the hot rocker "Jack Blue" with Kenny Greenberg's electric guitar stinging; and Dan Dugmore's pedal steel crying plaintively, "You don't go looking for trouble.Ain't that what the old folks say?Don't go looking for trouble, it'll find you anyway."This is followed in a 1-2 punch with the aching slow song "Cry Lonely" with Chris' vocal ringing with longing & regret, "You always say your heart is breaking & you hear the wolf outside your door; But I know you're just using me 'til you don't need me anymore."The wolf image is reflected in Wayne Brezinka's cover design."Saved by Love" is another strong song that tugs on the heartstrings with Dan Dugmore's pedal steel aching.Dugmore is a longtime musical veteran from Linda Ronstadt & James Taylor's heyday to more recently Keith Urban & Lee Ann Womack.His touch throughout this set is masterful."Rural Route" is a sweet country throwback to a more gentle time, "I built a fire up on the hill; sat in the woods & drank my fill; Talked to God all night; Took another shot & set me right.""Dirt" oozes anger with Knight letting the fur fly in his ripping vocals, "Company came from out of state to build another stinking factory; Them county politicians think they know just exactly what we need; But I sit down by the highway. I hear those big Cats growl.Where the quail gonna fly?Where will the rabbits run now?""Up from the Hill" is another classic rocker with a churning guitar line that sounds like something from Day Tripper-era Beatles mixed in with backwoods pedal-to-the-metal rock, "2 a.m. in the morning, he done pissed off all his friends; He'll come knocking on Vessie's door; She's the only one let him in.""Bridle On a Bull" is another classic rocker that'd fit comfortably on a Johnny Cash record.Knight seems to continue the saga of "William" from his self-titled brilliant CD that appeared on Decca with "William's Son" with more on the guy raised without enough love."To Get Back Home" is another burning rocker with Chris' voice ripping through mounds of emotion.The set ends with the slower tempo of the title track as Chris looks at a life that has a lot of blessings and a lot of dreams that may never come true."Enough Rope" is a powerful CD.The musicianship is first-rate; and the set is paced well with a nod to the faster tempo.Chris Knight seems to embody the lonely guy persona, a man who wants to do the right thing but every now and then gets just a little ticked off.This CD has hugged my changer repeatedly.Bravo!

KNIGHT ROCKS
JUST AWESOME, EVERYTHING STEVE EARLE SHOULD HAVE BECOME AND MORE. NO SELL OUT OR CMT COMPROMISE HERE.

Chris Knight's "Tunnel Of Love"
I'm only going to write this review for the people you are already on board with Chris Knight.I wish mass commercial success would open up for Chris Knight because he deserves it.There are very few people who ever came down the pike that are in Chris Knight's league.I always thought that Chris was a country version of Bruce Springsteen.That being said this is his "Tunnel Of Love" album.A little softer, not as dark, dare I say a little pop here and there?Just when you think he has a song that might break on the radio you realize there was one line in the song that said "strung out like some junkie in a back alley".Oops!That won't fly on country radio.There are still several hard rockers on here that will blow you away in concert as much as anything he has ever done.If you haven't seen Chris Knight in concert, go to his web site and find a concert to go to.When your at the concert try at some point during the show get close enough that you can see his face.His passion and intensity will give you goosebumps.No theatrics.Honest, real, humble, and intense. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Bass    3. Contemporary Country    4. Country    5. Country-Rock    6. Drums    7. Guitar (Acoustic)    8. Guitar (Steel)    9. Pop    10. Vocals   

Editorial Review

Raul Malo'svelvety tenor is warm and dirty in all the right ways. As the primary songwriterand frontman for theMavericks and as a member of all-star bandLos Super Seven, Malo'ssoulful croon has bent round the blue notes of country and spread itself thicklyyet pliantly between and on top of the polyrhythms of Latin roots music. Atremendous and far-reaching effort, Read more

Reviews (40)

What a great voice!
His first solo effort, sans The Mavericks, is a great debut! His rich, strong tenor carries these songs well. The title track 'Today' is a lively upbeat number about being in love. 'I Said I Love You, and 'It Takes Two To Tango' are great showcases of his voice.
muy bueno, raul!!
another great showcase of Malo's smooth and powerful voice...i love the way he continues to blend classics with more contemporary choices. a great addition to anyone's collection!

Malo's amazing...
Spanish, English, country, jazz--the man's voice covers it all.This wasn't what I expected after listening to the Mavericks so long--we've got some great Latin, tango, and just rich ballads.Very nice collection and very 'today.'I agree with another reviewer who'd like to see Raul sing with Santana. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cuban Pop    2. Exotica    3. Latin Pop    4. Lounge    5. Pop    6. Popular Music    7. Rock    8. Rock/Pop    9. Vocal Jazz   

Editorial Review

Is there a more dependable hit-making duo in music than Brooks & Dunn? Not likely. Since their debut album in 1991, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn--two middling solo artists who turned out to be dynamite once paired together by a savvy record executive--have charted consistently with songs of various tempos and temperaments. There's smooth pop (a cover of the '70s rock hit "My Maria"), hard-charging honky-tonk ("Hard Workin' Man"), thoughtful ballads ("She Used to Be Mine"), and the line-dancing craze's very own Rosetta stone ("Boot Scootin' Boogie"). Read more

Reviews (45)

Sinple and straight forward well done country music
Brooks & Dunn are more or less straight forward country, and most of the time it works quite well. This hit collection does not dissapoint if you look for well cooked bits of "yiaahaaaa jambalaya country music". Track 1 My Maria has the right ingredients on the "menu", well composed soundpicture that`s not overkilled, either by too much or too soon. Just earpleasin` simpel country music.Track 2 Honky tonk truth is an okfastback, hardtop, sprinter from the country department. Easy done`, and easily forgotten. Track 3 Your`e gonna miss me when your`e gone, is more interesting, with it`s walkalong speed. Relaxable and a cool listen this one.with a certain early "Eagles" touch , which lift`s this one above average.Track 4 Boot scootin Boogie is boogie ok, but it doesn`t kick ass as good boogie should. Track 5 He`s got you. A stream of cliches. A boore and below average. To pompouse in a way. Track 6 Hard workin man, is an upspeeded rocker, which this time kick`s some ass and probably some dust out from your ears. Great piano plunkin` here and there too.Track 7 That Ain't No Way To Go, is down in the "country cellar" once again. Theres not to much shimmer to lift it up below average. Track 8 Rock my world (little country girl) is a weird hybrid inbetween rock/blues/and country. Sounds ok, but nothing special. Track 9 Neon moon, is more in the "slow movin department" of the country music. It`s lighthearted, but very cliche ridden alltrough. Track 10 Lost and found, is nothing very special but some guitar "riffs and raffs" here and there makes it to a good listen. Track 11 She`s not the cheatin kind. Good singing on this one, but it stamps`around with the same theme over and over again. Track 12 Brand new man is a let down, and have much of the same problems as the previous one. Track 13That Ain't No Way To Go . Well im totally agreed. Nothing special, and no thunder at all. Track 14. We`ll burn the bridge is an ok honky tonk rocker, but nothin special to write home about, but the fiiddle solo is ok for a change. Track 15She used to be mineis a slow country ballad. Glimmers warm and bright most of the time.
insanely good
This is truly one of the best, most universally liked greatest hits compilations ever.People who don't like country like this album and (here's where it differentiates itself from, for instance, Kenny Chesney's greatest hits) people who DO like REAL country like this album, as well.Brooks & Dunn have their own sound, and they work within it wonderfully.Ronnie Dunn is a fine vocalist... one of the best.I decline comment on Kix's singing.Kix and Ronnie divide up singing duties pretty evenly on their regular albums, but on this greatest hits collection only a few Kix cuts appear, while the bulk of the album is dominated by Ronnie.You may draw your own conclusions.Again, Ronnie is a fine singer, and the album as a whole is infinitely enjoyable.

Boot Scootin Country
Brooks and Dunn are probably the most successful country duo of all time which probably stems from their ability to not take themselves too seriously. Great harmonies and good background instrumental backups on this set. All their early hits are here and now you can pair them up with 'Greatest Hits Volume 2' Away to go guys. More awards to add to your vast collection. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Country-Pop    5. New Traditionalist    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

If such categories mean anything in regard to Richard Buckner, Read more

Reviews (3)

Buckner at his best (again)
If you liked "Devotion + Doubt" and "Dents and Shells" as much as I did, this album picks right up where he left off.I can't recommend Richard Buckner enough.Check it out.

RB has done it again!
I have been a fan of RB for a few years now.I cannot say enough about this CD. It rocks!Buckner's incredible voice and guitar are accompanied by some fantastic talent on this CD.Buckner's voice has the capacity to move one into another dimension.This CD is a must have. Give a listen - you will be glad you did.

Another Great CD by Richard Buckner
Great CD!It follows in the vibe established of Dents and Shells.Every song is great, Mile is my favorite. I can't wait for Richard's next Merge release, however I've come to accept that it'll be a 2-year wait.Make sure to see Richard live, he plays a lot of songs from this CD and he's wonderful live. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternative Country    2. Country    3. Country-Folk    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter   

Editorial Review

It's telling that Richard Marx broke into the music business singing backup vocals for Lionel Richie and writing songs with Kenny Rogers and Chicago, for he kept to the straightforward, middle-of-the-road approach of those acts once he became a recording artist in his own right--not that there's anything wrong with that. A dependable hitmaker throughout the late '80s and early '90s, Marx scored with rockers ("Don't Mean Nothing," "Should've Known Better"), and ballads ("Right Here Waiting," "Endless Summer Nights") alike. Read more

Reviews (71)

So unbelievably talented and underrated :-l
Richard Marx is fantastic.His voice is beyond description.He is so underrated when he shouldn't be.His music is stunning (and he pretty much writes it all) and that combined with his voice is a fantastic combination.
solid musician, great lyrics, laid back music
The only reason I purchased this CD in the first place was so I could have a copy of Hazard that I could learn the music from.It is a song that my band is going to be playing soon.I didn't expect to be so surprised by the quality of the other songs as well.
Bought it just for Keep Coming Back
I have always liked Richard Marx since I was in Junior High & High School and we danced to his songs at dances. But Keep coming Back is the song that holds a special place in my heart. Every party I went to my sophmore year someone would pop in a tape of mixes and this song was on it at most of them. Well after almost a year of flirting he finally asked me to dance and it was to this song and then he kissed me. Although we were only together for 4 months & I don't know where he is now, I always think of him when I hear this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Country/Bluegrass    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Popular Music    6. Rock    7. Rock/Pop   

Editorial Review

It might have been tempting to subtitle the latest from Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry Read more

Subjects:  1. Country    2. Pop   

Features

• CD-single
• Enhanced
• Import

Reviews (4)

Dixie Chicks do it again.
I have become a fan of The Dixie Chicks and this new CD did not disappoint. I would have liked it to have more songs, but the ones that were on it were worth the price of the CD.

Poor description that CD is not the actual album
Made the same mistake as above that CD is not the actual album.I guess I was in too much of a hurry when I ordered.

didn't get what I thought I'd ordered
thought I'd ordered their new CD & only got 2 songs w/ a video.The songs are great but now I've got a CD in the car w/ only 2 songs that play over & over.Wish the description had better explained what I was buying.Hold Amazon @ fault, not the Dixie Chicks. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 5-Inch CD Singles    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Country-Pop    5. Country/Bluegrass    6. Neo-Traditionalist Country    7. Pop    8. United States of America   

Editorial Review

When Brad Paisley sings, as he does on the lead single "Celebrity," "No matter what you do, people think you're cool just 'cuz you're on TV," he ratifies his status as a formidable voice in modern yet accessible and traditional country music. "That's Love" and "Is It Raining at Your House" offer romance freed of hazy metaphor or greeting-card slogans. There's a miniature morality play, "The Cigar Song," and the obligatory closing gospel chestnut ("Farther Along"). The guest shots--by contemporary stars Alison Krauss and Vince Gill, and veterans Bill Anderson, George Jones, and Little Jimmy Dickens--are pleasant but hardly necessary, since Paisley's good musical sense abounds. He also revives a long-vanished tradition: the featured sideman. As Chet Atkins once played for the Carter Sisters and Don Rich picked behind Buck Owens, Paisley spotlights the amazing guitarist, Merle Haggard alumnus Redd Volkaert, letting him loose on "Spaghetti Western Swing." Paisley himself flies free on the extended country-jazz jam in the middle of "Make a Mistake with Me." With wit, heart, and unyielding devotion to the earthy, Paisley follows his 2001 gem, Read more

Reviews (93)

Fun and light!
This album is so great. It truly is one of his best. Not only does he have some great songs, they are fun and easy to listen to over and over again!

awesome CD
Can't get any better than Brad Paisley.His talent is incredible.Gotta see him in concert.

Mud On the Tires
Brad Paisley is a genius with his lyrics and of course the music is great.He is very insightful and great at poking fun at things we see and hear about every day, as well as lovely sentimental songs. I love the CD and I ordered "Time Well Wasted". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. Pop   

Editorial Review

No doubt, these suburban cowboys play country music for Friday-afternoon drive times and Saturday nights at the mall, not the honky-tonk, the ranch, or the porch. With harmonies as squeaky-clean as their faces, Rascal Flatts relish the pop and lite-groove direction that the genre has taken at the turn of the century. In fact, they seem to take pride in their distance from hard-core country roots. To their credit, this trio of earnest young men sounds as if they are truly enjoying themselves as they run through their bouncy, bubbly love songs. And at least these boys don't pay lip service to keeping country traditions alive in 2000. Heck, they even find the fact that their label has "the power of Disney" behind it "really exciting." If you're looking for music with instantly digestible pop melodies, tight harmonies, and very little grit, Rascal Flatts will delight you and they will most likely delight their Disney-backed label, who's obviously taken aim squarely at the teenage market. Goes down as easy as a milkshake--a nonfat milkshake. Read more

Reviews (93)

good tunes
This was a good cd to get the feel of this group. The cd is full of good tunes.

Great quality, price
The CD came in great condition, and fast!I would definately recommend this seller.

Great
Amazing CD. I saw them as an opening act for JoDee Messina a few years ago and picked up their album the day after.I love every single song the CD. They're just amazing. I can't find one negative thing to say about this album. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Contemporary Country    2. Country    3. Country & Western    4. Pop   

Editorial Review

As the title of Gary Allan's sixth album suggests, there's no change of pace or lightening up on his darkest collection to date (and first since his wife's suicide). Love goes bad on the bittersweet "Best I Ever Had," gets brutal on "I Just Got Back from Hell," and turns positively lethal on "He Can't Quit Her." The closest Allan comes to an affirmative sentiment is the schmaltzy "Life Ain't Always Beautiful," though an extended guitar solo brings the rock balladry of "Putting My Misery on Display" to a soul-stirring finale. "Nickajack Cave" evokes the mythic redemption of Johnny Cash, but there's no redemption for Allan here. He sounds like he's trying so hard to convey life's hard lessons that the comparative understatement of "Puttin' Memories Away" comes as a relief. Read more

Reviews (47)

Tough All Over - Gary Allan
Allan's latest outing is a neo-traditional masterpiece.There isn't a throwaway track on the entire album.Raw and powerful, Allan's songwriting and presentation really showcase the pain of loss but also the beauty of having loved.Allan is always a treat to listen to, especially with his unique, gritty vocals and the production of the music.The power of the raunchy yet traditional guitar and drum work invoke some of the greatest traditionalist country of the last decade which include Allan, Danni Leigh and the Bastard Sons of Johnny Cash.As exhibited on "Tough Little Boys" and "Smoke Rings in the Dark", he can really deliver an emotional ballad, and this album doles it out in spades, but he can also really crank it on songs like "Ring" and the amazing and honest "Nickajack Cave".This makes it my pick for the best male country album of 2006.

ABSOLUTLY THE BEST!
I am biased - I love Gary Allan. I have every CD - I love every song...but this one...it speaks volumes about the power of music. He could have dealt with his pain in a private way or he could have done this. Putting his misery on display is the only way a musician, an artist, a writer can deal with life. This man is the most amazing musician, honest, raw and true to his own blood. He follows his heart, he stays true to himself and while he may not be CMA Entertainer of the Year or even Male Vocalist of the Year - he is by far the most talented and most unique country artist out there. The true irony of life would be if this intense personal album brings him the overdue credit that he deserves. Perhaps the personal tragedy behind the album will bring a sense of peace to other people dealing with the same inner pain as Gary's wife and they will feel that they are not alone. BTW - a chapter in my book is titled "Life Ain't Always Beautiful"...but I swear Gary Allan has it right, life is a freaking beautiful ride!

Gary Allen Scores Big with Darkness
Gary Allen's latest offering "Tough All Over" may be a very dark album overall, but Gary and coproducer Mark Wright do a fabulous job of exploring Gary's pain. Althoughthe album is rather "dark", Gary's voice cuts through with a "true-to-life" hurt. He's literally "been there, done that", especially with the three songs he co-wrote: "I Just Got Back From Hell", "Puttin' Memories Away" and the album's closer "Puttin' My Misery On Display". The Southern California native doesn't need to prove where he's been lately. You can hear it in every song. Tasty lead guitar licks from studio ace Brent Rowan and a sparingly used string section, bring this album home in great style. Two of Nashville's best backup singers: John Wesley Ryles and Wes Hightower compliment Gary's sometimes edgy voice with style. The first hit of the album "Best I Ever Had" will remain one of Country's most haunting ballads, especially after seeing the video. This is a healing album for Gary, who last year experienced the tragedy of losing his loving wife. Gary took very little time off to let the hurt fester, instead choosing to stay on the road and work through his pain. He's an awesome concert performer as well. A great piece of work from a great singer and songwriter. I see this album eventually going Platinum, and deservedly so. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americana    2. Contemporary Country    3. Country    4. Neo-Traditionalist Country    5. New Traditionalist    6. Pop   

Editorial Review

One of the signature hits of the late Waylon Jennings was "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?" Well, here's Hank done Waylon's way, in previously unreleased recordings from 1985, when Jennings was in fine voice for what was obviously a labor of love. Whatever the reason that this project was shelved for two decades has nothing to do with the quality of the performances. There's a bit more fiddle and steel guitar than was common for Jennings, but many of the arrangements have a stripped-down musical intimacy, as a mournful harmonica serenades its way through "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry," while "Mansion on the Hill" shows Jennings at his most tender. Among the other highlights, Jennings applies his trademark lope to "Hey Good Lookin'" and a goodtime growl to "Honky Tonkin'."A five-and-a-half-minute, spoken-word bonus track finds Jennings reminiscing about his formative musical experiences and the seminal influence of Hank Williams. Read more

Reviews (2)

Waylon Jennings Sings Hank Williams
This was a great disappointment. Waylon must have been in the bathroom and the muscians in the lounge when this recording was made! I love Waylon Jennings but the vocals are so distorted and the music so loud that it was very hard to tell who was singing. I'm sure if the recording had of been better quality I would have loved this.

The merging of two distinguished talents
Hank Williams has long been one of my favorite songwriters; however--and I'm not ashamed to admit it--I cannot listen to his recordings; the "nasal" style of singing has never been a favorite of mine.You know what kind of singing I like?Waylon's.Waylon Jennings was one of the best vocalists country music ever had--along with Paycheck, Jones, Twitty, and several others--and he was also a great stylist...he single-handedly invented a subgenre of country music that is imitated even today.That voice, and that style, put to Hank Williams's lyrics...it's a musical masterpiece.
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Subjects:  1. Country    2. Outlaw Country    3. Pop    4. Progressive Country    5. Traditional Country    6. United States of America   

Editorial Review

Though Kenny Chesney had been building a rabid fan base over the years, no one expected his 2002 release, the multi-platinum Read more

Reviews (51)

Kenny's Best Album
Out of all the Kenny Chesney albums released as of October 2006,this is by far his best work to date. All tracks on this CD are of true superior quailty. This is especially true of "There Goes My Life" and "I Go Back". A must have for all Kenny Chesney fans!!!

Mr. Spock, the cliche replicator has gone haywire!
The lyrics to the title track sound like they were written by a 2nd grader. "When the sun goes down we'll be movin'/When the sun goes down we'll be groovin/When the sun goes down feelin' all right/Everything is hotter when the sun goes down."
When The Sun Goes Down
"Sun tanned toes tickling in the sand," a line from Kenny Chesney's number one billboard top country single, When The Sun Goes Down on his When The Sun Goes Down CD, explicitly describes summertime.The CD was released February 3, 2004 on the Bna Entertainment label. Kenny Chesney is the Academy of Country Music's Entertainer of the Year.This CD has gone triple platinum, and is truly his best collection of songs. Chesney as been on the road performing for over thirteen years; the CD currently holds a four star rating.All country fans will enjoy this CD, which incorporates realistic lyrics with upbeat music.