Another Way To Go - Radney Foster

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Reviewed by Jennifer Webb

With Radney's last album, "Are You Ready For The Big Show?," I became a big fan of his from hearing the songs he so lovingly wrote and the way he played them so whole-heartedly. Not only has he written songs for artists like The Kinleys, he is now getting even more recognition as an individual artist instead of songwriter.

The man in "Real Fine Place To Start" only thought he knew what love was, that is until he met the woman that was so electric that sparks were felt when they embraced. Though the feelings are hard to explain, he knows the relationship is more than perfect and he wants it to remain that way forever.

A beautifully written song and the albums first single, "Everyday Angel" tells the story of three different people and how they helped others. One spiritual woman helps feed the hungry and a man in an office finds a battered woman and takes her in under his wing, however the last person's story is very poignant especially in recent times. The man happens to be a firefighter that was going to have coffee with his wife in Brooklyn, but when he heard a 911 call he ran to help but never made it back down the stairs. There are many people out there who sacrifice something of themselves to help those in need and we have to appreciate those angels without wings that are out there giving to those that need help.

"Sure Feels Right" is along the same lines as "Real Fine Place To Start," only this time the relationship is classified as being "the wildest ride" the man has ever been on. Along with the drums at the end of the song, listeners get a treat by way of Chris Thile (of Nickel Creek) playing the mandolin.

Full of emotion and thoughts about the future, "Disappointing You" details the "escape" from a relationship he knows is not equal. In other words, he feels what he is giving just will not cut it - she could definitely do better than what she has now and he loves her enough to let go. "But I've grown tired of wondering what I should or should not do, when I'm staring down the silence of disappointing you," he sings.

Kicking up the volume and adding some attitude to the album, "Tired Of Pretending" (with its rock and roll sound), is an in-your-face song about being sick of spreading lies and being something that the man really is not. Radney says in one line: "I've bitten my tongue until it bleeds," which pertains to how foolish the woman looks and how he really wants no part of their relationship any longer.

Chely Wright provides guest vocals for "Scary Old World," blending perfectly with Radney's vocals as they both sing about how couples should treasure every minute they are together because the world needs more couples like them. This song is pretty special because Radney and the late, legendary songwriter Harlan Howard wrote it together.

"Another Way To Go," also the title of the album, is destined to be the second single, I think, with the hope and independence the song contains. Though we are taught to follow the rules, we all grow into our own unique individual with our own set of traits and if the world ever starts getting you down, just give it back a push and keep trying until you get things right.

Along with Radney's standout voice, he has a handful of guest for a bit of a punch. Chely Wright sings on "Scary Old World," and Kim Richey sings background on "Sure Feels Right" and "Everyday Angel," while Georgia Middleman also sings on two songs ("Another Way To Go" and "Real Fine Place To Start"). Chris Thile plays mandolin throughout almost every song. What I like about Another Way To Go is that from the blues sound of "I Got What You Need" to rock tune "Tired Of Pretending" and every other song on the album, is that Radney sure does give them his all and sounds great doing so.

Song List:

1. Real Fine Place To Start
2. Everyday Angel
3. Again
4. Sure Feels Right
5. Disappointing You
6. I Got What You Need
7. Tired Of Pretending
8. What It Is That You Do
9. Scary Old World (with Chely Wright)
10. Love Had Something To Say About It
11. What Are We Doing Here Tonight
12. Just Sit Still
13. Another Way To Go