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Steal Another Day - Steve Wariner | |
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Reviewed by Matt Bjorke
Steve Wariner has been recording country music for twenty-five years. The only thing Steve hasn't done in those years is record a complete CD for himself. You know, one of those records where the artist is allowed by the label to completely make their CD without any "interference." Fortunately for Steve, when he made Steal Another Day, he didn't have to worry about label issues for he owns his new label, "Selectone Records." No the label, won't only be for Steve because he plans on issuing albums by his songwriting friends and up-and coming talent.
For Steal Another Day Steve Wariner has included 11 new songs and re-recorded (with the original musicians) five of his favorite tracks from his early days for a total of 16 new tracks. The album is a musical and adventurous one too. Steve is in his element with this home recorded album (he has a state-of-the-art new studio on his property in Tennessee).
Featuring a Latin sound that will have couples dancing, "Kiss Me Anyway" is a great way to start off an album. The song has a groove to it that is very infectious that you will be humming for days to come. The lyrics are about a guy who doesn't know what to do with his lady. Despite the on and off again nature of their relationship, he just has to be with her.
"Carmelita" is a fun guitar infested track that Steve co-wrote with Lee Roy Parnell. Those familiar with Lee Roy will instantly notice his presence on slide guitar. This song should be on the radio, it has a sound that is familiar yet different and like "Kiss Me Anyway," it will have you singing along to it.
"Snowfall On The Sand" is a bittersweet song about a man who has his dreams shattered only to have something otherworldly happen. The song is similar to "Holes In The Floor Of Heaven" in the tone and musical sound of the song. This is Steve's first single released to radio; however, with a song that mentions snow, it may not do too well there. That's too bad because it is a signature Steve Wariner song and should be on the radio.
"Steal Another Day" is a very good song. It's one of those songs, like "Kiss Me Anyway," that will have you humming the groovy sound that Steve has created with his frequent co-writer Billy Kirsch. The song, according to Steve's liner notes "a song about getting away into your own world."
Those who remember traditional styled country full of fiddle and steel guitars will love "I Really Don't Have Anything." About a man who realizes that "If I don't have you, I don't have anything." It's a beautiful song that could do very well at country radio.
Anyone with children who have a disease will surely appreciate the tender ballad "There Will Come A Day (For Holly)." This song is about the belief that someday there will be a cure for all diseases. "There will come a day my friend, when all the pain and heartaches end, and the greatest gift we'll see, is like a bird you will fly free..." Steve sings in the chorus.
"I'm Your Man" is another classic styled country song. It features a cool steel guitar instrumental that clocks in at 3 minutes long which makes it a "three minute uptempo love song" that Alan Jackson says belongs on the radio.
For those who don't know them already, the five re-recordings of some of Steve's biggest hits will be a nice treat. "Where Did I Go Wrong" was the first song Steve wrote to hit Number One on the charts. If you've heard it before, then you know that the song is about a guy who wonders where his old relationship went sour.
"The Weekend" is one of Steve's most well-known songs and it is cool to hear an updated version of it here. Steve has said that he primarily redid these songs to use the modern technology at his new studio to give them a modern sound.
With 16 tracks, Steal Another Day is a fine album. The newly written tracks are superb while the re-recorded songs are gems in their own right. This is a collection of songs that has something for every country fan on it. If you're a fan of Steve Wariner then this CD is a "must have." if you are a new fan then the added bonus of those five older songs are sure to make you happy you got this CD.
Song List:
Album cover photo © Jim McGuire, and used with permission of SelectOne Records.