When I’m feeling particularly concise (or just lazy), I’ll compile a few abbreviated reviews into one post that I call A Six Pack to Go. These are intended as off-the-cuff comments, not impeccably reasoned reviews, so please take them in the spirit of an exchange of opinion between friends. As always, you’re welcome to talk back in the Comments section.
Just a Dream – Carrie Underwood
I wish I could debate the lyrical intricacies of the song with you, but I just couldn’t get past the R&B beat, general overproduction, and nagging sense that there’s nothing country about this performance. I wasn’t interested enough to listen closely.
Hey, Mr. Oil Man – Ronnie McDowell
The world’s ready for a good song on this topic, but this isn’t it. The lyrics sound like they could have been written by anyone; they’re “universal” in the negative sense, lacking any real sense of personality. McDowell overcompensates by injecting too much personality into his vocals, giving a cartoonishly exaggerated performance that makes this sound like a campy Count-Chocula-Does-Country outtake.
Back That Thing Up – Justin Moore
A more likable version of “Bob That Head,” but not anything I would listen to on purpose. Still, give Moore credit for making a record that understands itself very well – it doesn’t try to be anything other than dumb fun. In short, Squinty Dan has it right.
Anything Goes – Randy Houser
This was my first exposure to Randy Houser, who surprised me with an impressive voice that splits the difference between Ronnie Dunn and Blake Shelton. The song doesn’t particularly distinguish itself, but it serves as a good-enough showcase for a very promising singer.
All I Ever Wanted – Chuck Wicks
This is what Rascal Flatts would sound like if the lead singer didn’t have such a hideous voice. It’s a rare case of the imitator beating the “original” (an absurd word to use in reference to Rascal Flatts). However, given so many other options in the wide world of music, why settle for anything this bland?
Sounds So Good – Ashton Shepherd
Similar to my earlier comments about Lady Antebellum, I think Ashton is good but don’t quite understand the level of hype surrounding her. Sure, that heartfelt songwriting and Alabama drawl would be a welcome reprieve from much of what’s on the radio these days, but there’s still something jarring to me about hearing a hard country voice enveloped in such a commercial style of production. This song sounds okay, but would sound so better in a pared-down acoustic version.
Thanks for the shout-out!
I agree with you that the hype on Ashton Sherpherd is a little much; I think people are just excited that there’s someone in this day and age with the potential to have an actual artistic career, so they’re pumping her up to try and keep her around until she can make some really great music. She really is something of a throwback.
I also wanted to note that these reviews are extremely well-written considering their length. It boggles my mind that you can be so incisive in so few sentences. I’m jealous.
Thanks! This was my first attempt at writing in this style, so I’m glad to know that someone thinks it worked.
You make a good point about Ashton Shepherd. Perhaps premature, excessive critical praise is like a cash advance that allows promising new acts to stay around long enough to develop and eventually make good on their own hype. It might be a critic’s way of doing what a label often won’t: building an artist over time rather than having their entire career (even whether the debut album ever comes out) ride on the success of one or two radio singles.
Anyway, thanks for getting me thinking!
Great summaries! Concise and on the money. I agree with everything you said.
What a great way to describe the Chuck Wicks song!
As for Ashton, I’m really pulling for her. However, after listening to her album once again the other day, I concede that she has some growing to do still. I like “Sounds So Good” the way it is though.