Buddy Jewell - Buddy Jewell

A wonderful debut from a man with an incredible voice, and unique songwriting ability.

Like most people that know who Buddy Jewell is, I first heard of him when I saw him on the "Nashville Star" competition each week. From the very start, I thought he had a fabulous voice, and his performances were always excellent, no matter what type of song he performed. In the end, he was voted the "Nashville Star," and with this album, he proves that he's no fluke. He's the real deal.

The first single from the album is one of the three co-written by Buddy himself, "Help Pour Out The Rain (Lacey's Song)." The song debuted on the Billboard Hot Country Singles charts at #44, which was the highest debut for a new solo artist since Wynonna debuted at #45 with "She Is His Only Need" in 1992.

"Sweet Southern Comfort" is a great banjo-infused tune. The lyrics are such that you can see the picture in your mind as you listen to Buddy sing, "Misty sunrise in my hometown. Rows of cotton 'bout knee high. Mrs. Baker down the dirt road still got clothes out on the line.""Abilene On Her Mind" is my favorite Buddy Jewell song. It's one he co-wrote, and sang several times on "Nashville Star," and one that many others have said is a definite hit. I totally agree.

Buddy's waited 10 years for this, and I gotta say, with this collection of songs, he will still be around 10 years to come. It's a definite breath of fresh air for those that like traditional country, yet contemporary enough to still do well on radio. Go Buddy! You still have my vote.