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CD Review: Lonestar Lonely Grill

Dateline: 08/23/99


Lonestar:  Lonely Grill

Lonely Grill Album Cover

This album is my first from Lonestar, so I can't compare it to their previous work, but I can say that I enjoy what they've done here. The album has quite a few ballads, which really stand out with the great lead vocals by Richie McDonald. While he sings all the songs on this album well, he's just exceptional on the ballads.

The first time I had heard "Amazed," I was hooked. I knew I had to get the album, so I could see if there were any other wonderful gems waiting to be released. I must say, I'm not disappointed one bit. The album has several songs that I believe can be hit singles for the guys. I'll be anxious to see if my picks are the same as those released.

Here are my thoughts on each of the 14 tracks that make up Lonely Grill.

    Saturday Night - This song is so-so, but it's far from the best of the bunch here. I'd have to rate it my least favorite.

    Simple As That - This song reminds me a lot of Bryan White's Look At Me Now. It's catchy, and a good listen.

    Amazed - What can I say about this incredible song that hasn't been said before? As of my writing this review, the song has been at the top of Billboard's Country Singles Charts for a total of 7 weeks. Truly amazing!! What's even more amazing, is that after all this airplay, I still turn up the radio when this song comes on.

    What About Now - If there was any question in my mind that Amazed was going to be the only song worth listening to on this album, this song was the first of many to show me I could just toss that idea out. This upbeat tune is a sure hit, in my mind, anyway.

    Tell Her - I love ballads, and this album doesn't disappoint. The story here is similar to the one in Garth Brooks' If Tomorrow Never Comes, telling people to make sure and let people know that they are loved. This is another one I can see as a single.

    Don't Let's Talk About Lisa - If you thought Lonestar could only sing slow ballads and mid-tempo tunes, you'd realize that's not the case when you hear this fun little ditty. It has a Caribbean sound to it, and is similar to the kind of songs that Joe Diffie has released in the past. It's great fun to listen to the lyrics too.

    I've Gotta Find You - Did I mention that Richie McDonald is tops when he's singing ballads? This song is proof of that, and more. Just listening to the emotion in his voice, and the lyrics of this song makes me sigh.

    You Don't Know What Love Is - This song has a real neat key change. Love the lyrics too.

    All The Way - Lots of strings in this ballad. Richie hits it again... perfect delivery. I can see this as a single. The chorus is great.

    Smile - Again, strings and steel guitar start out this ballad. There seems to be quite a few ballads on this album. I'm a sucker for a ballad, especially when Richie is doing the singing. Another one I hope they release as a single.

    Lonely Grill - This one has an R&B feel. This one reminds me of the feel of Neon Moon by Brooks & Dunn. Good addition to the album.

    Everything's Changed - You can't go wrong re-releasing a song that was a hit previously. This sounded great before, and the acoustic arrangement is just as nice.

Lonestar's Audio Clips
RealAudio Clips courtesy of Barnes & Noble.
Saturday Night
Simple As That
Amazed
What About Now
Tell Her
Don't Let's Talk About Lisa
I've Gotta Find You
You Don't Know What Love Is
All The Way
Smile
Lonely Grill
Everything's Changed (Acoustic Version)

I'd rate this CD 4 7/8 out of 5. There are a lot of ballads here, but I am a ballad freak, so I don't mind. Definitely one to add to your collection.

Purchase Lonely Grill.




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